Caring for a senior with dementia is easier when you learn more about the disease and the resources available to support you. Here are a few to explore.
Taking on the role of caregiver for a friend or family member who has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be rewarding—and challenging. These diseases present unique concerns that can be difficult to understand and manage. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of free resources available on the internet.
Caregivers who follow The Wesley Community’s blog may appreciate having a list of dementia tools and information to refer to as new challenges present themselves. Here are a few of our favorites.
7 Free Resources to Assist Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers
- AFA Care Connection webinar series: The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a great website for family caregivers. Among the many resources they offer at no cost is a dementia caregiver webinar series. Past topics range from home safety to using cognitive behavioral therapy to help a senior with Alzheimer’s overcome insomnia.
- Alzheimer’s Association educational packets: The Alzheimer’s Association hosts one of the best websites available for people with dementia and their caregivers. You will find everything from a guided tour of the brain that aids in understanding the disease to information on connecting with clinical trials. One popular area of the site offers a variety of educational guides you can download at no cost. Topics include driving, treatment, and care partner packets.
- Family Caregiver Toolbox: Created by the Caregiver Action Network, this toolbox of resources covers a wide range of issues. You’ll find videos on subjects ranging from tips for managing a senior’s medication to Alzheimer’s-specific considerations, such as coping with a loved one’s diagnosis.
- ALZConnected: Caregivers can benefit greatly from finding and connecting with those who are also experiencing the dementia journey firsthand. A resource for doing so is ALZConnected. It hosts forums both for adults with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia and for family caregivers. You’ll find advice for managing difficulties associated with memory impairment, as well as emotional support from people who truly understand the struggle.
- Community Resource Finder: Caregivers often find themselves in need of assistance but not sure where to turn in their local community. Community Resource Finder, sponsored by AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association, streamlines the search. With a few quick clicks on the site, you can search for housing options, in-home care, medical services, and more.
- National Center on Caregiving: Created by the Family Caregiver Alliance, this site is dedicated to connecting caregivers with education and support. You’ll find tools, chat forums, and opportunities to learn more about public policy.
- National Institute on Aging: Another place families can visit to review more educational resources is Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias on the National Institute on Aging’s website. This resource covers everything from disease basics to tips for caregivers and connecting with a clinical trial.
A Helping Hand for Family Caregivers
If you are an Alzheimer’s caregiver in Saratoga, Schenectady, or Warren Counties in New York, we can offer a helping hand to make your duties more manageable. Wesley Senior Home Care Services brings care and support right to your home. Contact us today to learn more!