Alzheimer's: How to help a caregiver, free webinars Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, support groups and more
Give Caregivers a Break
In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, why not lend a helping hand to an Alzheimer’s caregiver? Learn ways to help a caregiver below.
8 ways to Support Caregivers:
(1) Learn - Educate yourself about Alzheimer's disease. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help.
(2) Build a Care Team - Organize with family and friends who want to help with caregiving. Coordinate helpers and share tasks with a care team calendar.
(3) Give Caregivers a Break - Make a standing appointment to spend time with the person living with dementia and also give the caregiver an opportunity to recharge.
(4) Be Specific and Be Flexible - Specific offers for help ("I'm going to the store; what do you need?") can be more helpful than open-ended offers (Call me if you need anything.").
(5) Check-in - Many Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers report feeling isloated or alone. Be sure to check in to help them feel supported.
(6) Tackle the To-Do List - Ask for a list of errands or chores that need to be done. It can be hard for caregivers to find time to check these tasks off their list.
(7) Help for the Holidays - Help caregivers during the holidays by offering to help with cooking, cleaning or gift shopping (or offering to sit with the person who needs a caretaker so the caregiver has time to do things they need to do), and/or by offering to host family celebrations.
(8) Join the Fight - Honor a person living with the disease, and their caregiver, by getting involved with the Alzheimer's Association - by volunteering, fundraising, or advocating and more.
For more ideas, visit Alz.Org/Nadam. You can also view the tips listed above on a short YouTube slide presentation at this link: www.youtube.com/shorts/vYzuCrnJyXQ.
Caregivers can find resources for help at this link:
www.alz.org/dm/caregiver_month/caregiver_interest_group.htm.
Free Webinar
Thursday, November 30, 12:00 p.m. noon ET
The Intersection of IDD and Alzheimer's - Warning Signs
Join us as we review the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, the warning signs you may notice in a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and resources available to support you. REGISTER HERE: alz-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqd-2sqTsiEt3sQRz33SNGjdc3XzE4F9qw#/registration.
Free Webinar
Friday, December 1, 11:30 a.m. ET
The Belly and Brain: What the Science Tells Us
Join us as we cover the landscape of Alzheimer’s and dementia science—including risk factors and the latest advances in clinical trials, treatments and lifestyle interventions. With a special focus on the gut-brain connection, hear from researcher Hariom Yadav, Ph.D., who will share current science related to our bellies and brains and the community of microbes living in our digestive system. REGISTER HERE: alz-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ops6lxwRRRijIZ1sGXpS2A#/registration.
Alzheimer's Program Schedule
Find programs in your area, such as in-person Alzheimer’s education workshops for caregivers and others, awareness programs like Brain Bus stops and more here:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xkOBz_nnP1NcyGv6tm_CXbfgBbx8AmDc_0sAm1yuwtY/edit#gid=0.
Alzheimer's Support Groups
Support groups create a safe, confidential environment and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also inform participants about dementia and help them develop skills to solve problems. Find a support group here: drive.google.com/file/d/1Gyv-zC-3L3uIi6p0YBQBKxE2MMYvJH4W/view.
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About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research, with the mission of leading the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.
Brain Bus is funded in partnership with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. Caregiver College is sponsored in part by Senior Connection Center, Inc. and the State of Florida, Department of Elder Affairs and Sarasota County Government.
Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd, Ste. 709, Clearwater, FL 33762, website www.alz.org/flgulfcoast, phone (727) 578-2558.
Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, website www.alz.org, phone (800) 272-3900.