Community Resources For Alzheimer’s

The National Alliance For Caregiving Brain Health Conversation Guide

The National Alliance for Caregiving offers support and resources for all caregivers, but dementia caregivers will find the Brain Health Conversation Guide, developed in collaboration with the Alzheimers Foundation of America, particularly helpful for navigating those difficult discussions about memory changes and cognitive health. Other guidebooks, including a Spanish version of the Brain Health Conversation Guide, can be found here.

Support Is Just A Phone Call Away

Dementia Advice responds to the immediate needs of persons with dementia living in community settings and their care partners, who require health related advice, education, information on community resources, and emotional support for events that occur during the course of dementia.

for free, confidential, 24/7, dementia expertise and advice.

Health Link staff will assess your needs and provide advice for your immediate concerns. When needed, you will be referred to a specialized dementia nurse for additional advice.

Need Dementia Advice?

To learn more, visit Dementia Advice .

For other ways to contact us go to ahs.ca/healthlink

Related Resources

• For service referral information, consult the Alberta Referral Directory

Print Resources

Print Material And Books

ASM Community Resource handbook

When caring for a person with Alzheimers disease or another dementia, it is important to be knowledgeable about the resources that are available. To assist you, we have compiled a list of helpful community resources. You may also contact the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba at 204-943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699 or the Regional Office nearest you for information and referral.

ASM Print Resources

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba has a variety of free educational brochures and fact sheets for people with dementia, their families, caregivers and anyone who is concerned about dementia. Cllick here to learn more.

ASM Further Reading

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba has a variety of reading materials and videos available for the person living with dementia and for family members and caregivers. Below is a list of relevant topics addressing some of the most common concerns.

You May Like: What Gene Causes Early Onset Alzheimer’s

Finding Dementia Care And Local Services

On this page

A person with dementia will need more care as symptoms worsen over time. Problems with memory, thinking, and behavior often present challenges for those with dementia as well as for their family members. Whether the disease is in early or late stages, there are support systems, resources, and services that can help.

While it can be difficult for some to admit they need assistance with care or caregiving, it is okay to ask for help. In fact, when it comes to caregiving, taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do.

Explore the tips and resources below to find information about dementia care and local services.

Responsibilities As A Dementia / Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver

Every situation surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is different, as are potential roles as a caregiver for someone with the disease. Some of your responsibilities may include:

• Ensuring their home is safe for them
• Offering encouragement for exercise both physical and mental
• Cooking and cleaning
• Arranging social visits with friends and family
• Planning or helping to plan their medical, legal, and financial affairs
• Examining their driving ability and intervening when no longer safe
• Providing emotional support and company

Learn more about being caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia from MedLinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, including additional possible responsibilities, helpful services and facilities, related issues, specifics, statistics and research, and more.

Also Check: Scholarly Articles On Alzheimer’s Disease

What Others Have To Say

Choosing the best place to care for an aging loved one is difficult and one of the most important decisions a child can make for their parents. We have been exceptionally pleased with the professional and compassionate care our mother has received at The Terrace. The staff are truly wonderful and provide a tremendous sense of security to the family knowing that their loved one is so well cared for. Nathan H.

The Terrace named Best Facility by MemoryCare.com

The Gardens at Town Square was included in MemoryCare.coms 2019 list of Best Memory Care Facilities in Seattle. Read the full announcement here.

Best Friends is a trademark of Health Professions Press, Inc.

Us Department Of Veterans Affairs Dementia Care

For dementia caregivers providing care for a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers helpful information on Alzheimers disease and other dementias, as well as information on the services and resources available to veterans living with dementia. Services provided include support for both veterans and their caregivers.

Read Also: Does Dementia Come Before Alzheimer

Alzheimers Foundation Of America Caregiving Resources

The Alzheimers Foundation of America provides numerous helpful resources for Alzheimers caregivers, including a free helpline, dozens of fact sheets, free community classes, webinars, and more. The AFA also offers a National Memory Screening Program, which provides free, confidential memory screenings throughout the United States on an ongoing basis. The program has screened more than 5 million people across the country to date.

What Types Of Help Are Available

There are many different types of care available depending on the level of help or care you need.

• Day-to-day support can be found through adult day centers and respite services. These options provide short-term care for a person with dementia and allow the caregiver to take a break. Day-to-day support may include supervision, meals delivered to the home, and/or transportation.
• Long-term care in the home may be provided by unpaid family members and friends or by paid service providers and can involve general care or medical care. Home care services often focus on everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and ensuring the person with dementia is safe. Home health care services involve licensed medical professionals and require a doctors order.
• Residential care may become necessary as a person with dementia requires more care and supervision than can be provided at home. Assisted living facilities may be able to provide enough support in the early stages of dementia, whereas nursing homes may be more appropriate for people who are no longer able to live safely at home. Continuing care retirement communities are multi-level care facilities that provide living accommodations and health services. A resident can move between multiple levels of care as needed.
• Hospice services provide end-of-life care and comfort for people with dementia and their families. These services can be received in the home or at a residential care facility, hospital, or hospice facility.

Also Check: Does Joanne Woodward Have Alzheimer’s

Dementia Friendly Community Resources

Read more about the principles around dementia friendly communities, as well as guidance around the development of dementia friendly communities.

• Date:21st April 2016

• Dementia friendly communities: Principles )

Here you can find two publications produced by ADI around dementia friendly communities.

The first publication, Dementia friendly communities: Key principles, sets out the principles and the resources available to guide the development of dementia friendly communities. It was launched at the ADI conference in April 2016.

The second publication, Dementia friendly communities: Global developments, describes the development of dementia friendly communities around the world, and includes examples from many countries.

Being dementia friendly is not about charity, nor does it lessen the responsibilities of governments to act as comprehensively as they are able to meet and to exceed the targets of the WHO Global action plan on dementia. Rather, it is an affirmation of the rights of people with dementia by giving effect to those rights in the everyday lives of our communities. Glenn Rees, ADI Chair

Alzheimer’s Disease International

Resources For Community And Public Health Professionals: Alzheimers And Related Dementias

On this page

Community and public health professionals play a key role in providing critical information and resources for families and people living with Alzheimers and related dementias, while also raising awareness throughout their communities and among at-risk populations. Learn more below about the role of community and public health professionals in dementia services and about related federal government support and tools.

Recommended Reading: How Does A Neurologist Diagnose Dementia

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers

Providing care for a patient or a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be especially challenging, as these diseases affect memory, behavior, judgement, thinking, and the ability to take care of yourself. You’ll need to learn about AD and other dementias so that you’ll know how best to provide care throughout each stage of the disease, adapt how you provide care and support as the disease progresses, and learn when to reach out for advanced help when needed.

The stresses of caregiving can be overwhelming at times, but you are not alone in your caregiving journey. There are many local and national resources available to you that provide education, support, reassurance, and advice.

The Alzheimers Associations 24/7 Helpline

When youre in the midst of a crisis, dementia caregivers can call the Alzheimers Associations Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to talk to masters-level clinicians and specialists. This helpline offers crisis guidance, decision support, education, information on local programs and services, information on financial and legal resources, treatment options, and care decisions. Theres also a live chat option available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Alzheimers Association offers plenty of , too, covering many questions and concerns dementia caregivers face.

You May Like: Is Dementia The Beginning Of Alzheimer’s

Home Health Care Services

Home health care aides are skilled, licensed medical professionals who come to your home and help you recover from a hospital stay, illness, or injury. Aides provide skilled nursing care, physical, occupational, or speech therapy, and other medical services coordinated by your doctor. You need a doctors order for home health care services.

What to know about costs:

• Medicare or private health insurance may cover skilled medical care services in your home. Check with your insurer before signing an agreement.
• You must pay all costs not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance.

How to find them:

• Your doctor, health care professional, or hospital discharge social worker can give you a list of agencies that serve your area.

For more information about home-based long-term care, visit What Is Long-Term Care?

Personalized Care Rooted In Compassion

Era Living Memory Care is offered in a secure, home-like environment, called The Terrace, at select Era Living communities. As a Terrace resident, your loved one will benefit from:

• Compassionate staff that embody the Best Friends approach and build meaningful relationships that can help residents feel valued, connected, and at ease.
• An enriching environment, with purposeful activities, excursions, and daily exercise.
• Supportive and engaging life enrichment programming that promotes cognitive functioning, while also sparking meaningful moments of joy and contentment.
• Techniques that incorporate the latest research and information, including input from experts at the University of Washington.
• Open communication with family members and empathetic support for your journeys.
• Private apartments in an upscale environment.
• Access to beautifully landscaped, secure outdoor space.
• Access to the amenities of the broader campus for family visits, including formal dining rooms.

Read Also: What Happens When You Get Alzheimer’s Disease

Counseling From A Mental Health Or Social Work Professional

Mental health or social work professionals help you understand your feelings, such as anger, sadness, or feeling out of control and overwhelmed, and help you deal with any stress you may be feeling. They also help develop plans for unexpected or sudden events.

What to know about costs:

• Professional mental health counselors charge by the hour. There may be big differences in the rates you would be charged from one counselor to another.
• Some insurance companies will cover some of these costs.
• Medicare or Medicaid may cover some of these costs.
• You must pay all costs not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance.

How to find them:

• It’s a good idea to ask your health insurance staff which counselors and services, if any, your insurance plan covers. Then check with your doctor, local family service agencies, and community mental health agencies for referrals to counselors.

Join The Yyc Dementia Support Group On Facebook

Regardless of where you are in your journey, there is a broader community of support available for you in Calgary and surrounding areas. Support groups empower you to share your story, connect with others facing similar situations and discuss strategies. Its a safe place to talk about your experiences as well as a place for laughter, insight and healing.Consider joining a support group in your local community. The Alzheimer Society of Calgary has several support groups led by experienced facilitators who can provide valuable comfort, support, connections and resources to help with the journey.

For care partners, family members and friends:

• NW Caregiver Support Group
• Centre 70 Support Group

Note: Pre-registration is required.

Please call

Email for further information.

Family Caregiver Center

• The Family Caregiver Centre provides a coordinated source of information, education and support for care partners, including library and internet access family caregiver education supportive counselling and community development.
• Address: Bridgeland Seniors Health Centre: 1070 McDougall Rd NE, Calgary

Counselling Services throughout the Calgary area

• Calgary Access Mental Health
• Community Addiction and Mental Health Services rural communities
• Calgary Womens Health Collective
• Eastside Family Centre
• Foothills Community Counselling 603-3549
• Jewish Family Service

Crisis Support Services

Health Link and Dementia Advice Line

Distress Centre Calgary

Mobile Response Team

Read Also: Do Sleeping Pills Cause Dementia

The Best Free Resources For Dementia Caregivers

As a dementia caregiver you might feel lost and alone or like no one understands what youre going through. There are several types of dementia and the disease progresses differently for everyone. You may be facing a roller-coaster of emotions, ranging from despair and anxiety to anger and frustration, all while trying to balance the demands of caregiving with other responsibilities, such as your family or career.

Fortunately, there are many excellent resources for dementia caregivers many of them completely free of charge. Heres a look at 10 of the best free resources for caregivers providing dementia care.

How The Federal Government Is Supporting Community And Public Health Professionals

In 2012, the federal government launched the National Plan to Address Alzheimers Disease in an effort to prevent future cases of Alzheimers disease and related dementias and to better meet the needs of families currently facing those diseases. As part of this plan, the federal government is investing in evidence-based programs and services to help support people with dementia and their families, optimize care quality and efficiency, and enhance public awareness and engagement. Efforts include:

Information and tools are available that can help you provide services for people with Alzheimers and related dementias.

You May Like: Can You Forget How To Swallow With Dementia

Alzheimer Society Of Canada

The Alzheimer Society tries to make life better for people who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. They also help families and friends of people with the disease. The AS has many programs and services that can help you understand what is happening to you, and help you care for yourself or for someone else. There are local AS chapters all over the country, including one in the Hamilton area.

Getting Help With Alzheimer’s Caregiving

Some caregivers need help when the person is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Other caregivers look for help when the person is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s. It’s okay to seek help whenever you need it.

As the person moves through the stages of Alzheimer’s, he or she will need more care. One reason is that medicines used to treat Alzheimer’s disease can only control symptoms they cannot cure the disease. Symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, will get worse over time.

Because of this, you will need more help. You may feel that asking for help shows weakness or a lack of caring, but the opposite is true. Asking for help shows your strength. It means you know your limits and when to seek support.

Read Also: Can You Die From Early Onset Dementia

Seniors With Dementia Living At Home Have Complex Care Needs

Seniors with dementia who receive care at home may present more challenges than those without dementia because they are more clinically complex. Some of the characteristics of these individuals include the following:

• 1 in 5 have severe cognitive impairment
• 1 in 4 require extensive assistance or are dependent for activities of daily living
• 1 in 4 exhibit any responsive behaviours
• 1 in 4 have signs of depression

Seniors with dementia who live at home score worse on behavioural and cognitive scales compared with other seniors living at home and receiving care. Seniors with dementia exhibit responsive behaviours such as verbal and physical abuse, socially inappropriate behaviour and resisting care more frequently than those without dementia . However, among all seniors with dementia receiving home care, a larger proportion do not exhibit any responsive behaviours than do . Seniors with dementia score the same in health instability and are admitted to hospitals less frequently. The CHESS Scale detects health instability and is designed to identify individuals at risk of serious decline.

Feel Safe And Secure With Us

All our caregivers are well equipped with the proper mindset, personality and compassion to provide round-the-clock care for our residents. We create a care plan based on Person Centered care that respects the residents individuality and recognizes their needs. Our fully secure community provides residents with independence and privacy in a safe environment.

QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH CARE

The challenges and losses that accompany dementia are many. The life provided by our skilled, person centered, and loving staff strives to break down the challenges. Our goal is to create a life of potential and peace, lessening the challenges and loss.

Read Also: Does Vascular Dementia Go Away