Help From An Alzheimers Association

The Alzheimers Association realizes that the main thing caregivers and Alzheimers patients can do is seek coping skills and education for an otherwise incurable disease. There are no sure-fire treatments or prevention strategies; however, there is Alzheimers education, Alzheimers drugs, Alzheimers support group therapy and Alzheimers help for both patients and caregivers. A good place to begin your long, tumultuous odyssey is at the Association's website at www.ALZ.org.

There are five core services you can get from the Alzheimers Association. The first service is a 24/7 Alzheimers help hotline. In addition to providing you and your family with a host of information on Alzheimers disease, the Association can also counsel on eldercare, adult day care, trained nursing facilities, lawyers, transportation, financial planning and home care. One of the most agonizing decisions to make is deciding when the time is right to move an Alzheimers patient into a long term care facility. The Association can help you to find the best care options for your family.

The second service the Association provides is their care consultation. There is someone there to provide supportive listening when the isolation, frustration, depression, fear or grief becomes overwhelming for an Alzheimers caregiver. Many caregivers report that the most difficult thing is the fear of losing the person, coupled with the sad realization that their loved ones can never regain their personalities or full mental capacity. There will be many decisions to be made along the way and obstacles may arise that you don't know how to deal with, such as what to do when your loved one refuses to bathe or change clothes? So it's best to call a professional for any questions you may have.

The third service provided by the Association is peer led or professional led their support groups. Some people shun these services because they don't want to be seen as someone with a problem; however, the success rate and the manageability are so much higher for people attending these sessions. It sometimes helps to hear others' stories because you can gain insights on where to take your loved one for care or what pitfalls to avoid.

A fourth service offered by the Association is safety services. Here you can get set up with Medic-Alert and the Alzheimers Association Safe Return. You can be prepared for the wandering Alzheimers patient and any accidents that may happen. The Association connects families with law enforcement agencies to ensure their loved one's safety for those moments when you can't be there. The peace of mind is well worth the five minutes it takes to sign up for these valuable services!

The fifth service to get from the Association is probably the most important: education. Whether it's brochures, audiobooks, DVDs or books, you will find the information you need. You can learn about the signs of Alzheimers, or about getting an Alzheimers diagnosis. You can develop new communication skills and learn about dementia activity programs in your area.

Many people visit the Alzheimers Association website to hear personal stories of triumph and coping mechanisms. Sometimes it's tempting to just shutdown and wallow in depression, but there is strength in numbers. "Because I was diagnosed at age 48, often people can't believe that someone my age can have this diagnosis," relates Richard, an Alzheimers patient. "When I then explain my symptoms, they act as though I am helpless and should be institutionalized immediately, as if there is no middle ground. They don't realize how insidious this disease is, especially in the early stages. While I am still able, I want to articulate and give voice to what it is like to walk in these shoes and let people know that given this diagnosis, we are capable of contributing to the world around us." These personal testimonies can be extremely powerful for caregivers and Alzheimers patients alike.

"Jeanne is the oldest of five children," Jim said on the Alzheimers Association 24/7 hotline. "She was always in charge, and I think she likes it that way. But this time, her stubborn refusal to get help is going to be the end of her. She is tired, depressed and cries all the time. What can I do to help her?" Sometimes, living with an Alzheimers caregiver can even take its toll on the family. Suddenly, you're not only worried about the dementia patient, but about those who are drowning in a quagmire of depression, overwhelmed by the task of taking on this disease alone. The life of a caregiver can be stressful, frustrating and isolating, with 60% of all caregivers reporting bouts with depression. Therefore, the best way to manage Alzheimers symptoms is by seeking group support or advice through the Association.

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