(Undated) With over 11 million Americans caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) unveiled a new free caregiver resource guide for families caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The guide provides families with information about support resources and programs, practical advice, and caregiving tips to help them navigate every stage of the caregiving journey. The guide is available for free through AFA’s website at www.alzfdn.org/caregiverguide.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis. More than 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projects that number to continue growing significantly in the years ahead. CDC estimates that more than 11 million people provide more than 18 billion hours of unpaid care to a loved one living with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s caregivers often provide care longer than those caring for people with other conditions and face higher risks of anxiety, depression, burnout, and declining quality of life.
AFA developed the guide to help families connect with support and make informed decisions while caring for a loved one. It provides guidance on topics ranging from receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and taking the first steps toward support to managing the complex physical, emotional, legal, and financial challenges that may arise throughout the various stages of the dementia journey.
Topics covered include:
-Understanding an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis and finding appropriate support
-Legal and financial planning considerations
-Managing changes in behavior and communication
-Tips for providing care at home and creating a dementia-friendly home environment
-Safety strategies, including wandering prevention and driving precautions
-Exploring long-term care options
-Understanding palliative care and hospice support during the later stages of dementia
-Managing care costs
-Therapeutic activities
“Anyone and everyone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease needs help and support,” said AFA President & CEO Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. “Empowering caregivers with practical guidance, useful knowledge, and available support resources will help ease some of the common challenges and stress they face throughout the journey.”
The caregiver resource guide is a special edition of AFA’s free caregiver magazine, Alzheimer’s TODAY.
Families can access AFA’s free caregiver resource guide by visiting www.alzfdn.org/caregiverguide. Caregiver support is also available seven days a week by contacting AFA’s Helpline through phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), or webchat (www.alzfdn.org).
