In honor of yesterday’s The Longest Day celebration, we’d like to share resources for the strong, resilient men and women in our community who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our good friends at the Alzheimer’s Association provide several resources to support caregivers throughout every step of their journey.
Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate The Longest Day at The Kenwood!
Alzheimer’s and dementia stages: The Alzheimer’s Association offers education to help at each stage of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Whether you’re accepting a diagnosis, or considering your care options, you are not alone.
Common behaviors: It can be challenging to provide care to a loved one who exhibits aggression, confusion, suspicion, sundowning, wandering or more. If you find yourself frustrated or confused by certain behaviors, it may help to learn more about them and their triggers.
Enhancing daily life: One of the best ways to spend more time on activities that provide meaning and enjoyment is to create a daily plan. Not to mention, structured and pleasant activities can often improve mood. Don’t be afraid to explore, experiment and adjust.
Getting support: Caring for someone can be overwhelming, and it’s vital to have a support network to aid in taking care of your own wellbeing. The association’s online message boards, respite care, stress management resources, support groups and 24/7 helpline are there for you, no matter what.
Safety: As dementia progresses, it’s important to have a comprehensive safety plan to prevent injuries and allow your loved one to feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed. Follow these steps to you get started on a plan that meets your specific needs.
Care options: Care for a loved one is not one-size-fits-all. Each family’s situation varies, and care needs can change at the drop of a hat. It’s crucial to understand the choices you have, how to find providers and how to work with them. Additionally, know it’s absolutely normal to be apprehensive about changing care.
Financial and legal planning: Putting financial and legal plans in place now allows your loved one to be involved in decisions regarding future care. From being aware of the costs you may face to understanding legal documents, the Alzheimer’s Association’s caregiver center is chalk full of resources to make this process smoother.
The Kenwood also hosts beneficial resources to support caregivers. Our Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care can help you understand the early warning signs and different stages of the disease, and provides communication advice and checklists to make your loved one’s transition to Alzheimer’s and/or dementia care a smooth one. Additionally, our Caregiver’s Journey eBook can aid you in navigating the challenges and crossroads of caring for your aging parent or loved one. Visit our Resource Library to download.
Thanks for celebrating The Longest Day with us! Not only are we passionate about one day living in a world without Alzheimer’s disease, but we’re also motivated to support caregivers far and wide. We hope you know we’re fighting with you every step of the way.