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[Please
note that the material on this page was current when
it was first posted. For up-to-date information on this
topic, visit the Alzheimer
Care and Alzheimer's Disease sections.]
Alzheimer's Disease: Facing the Millennium Media Kit
Jan.
3, 2000
Brochure
Ways
to Help -- Assisting Families Living With Alzheimer Disease
[This
information is taken from a brochure prepared for the
2000 Alzheimer Awareness Campaign, held in communities
across Canada. You can get copies of this brochure from
your local Alzheimer Society.]
One
in 13 Canadians over the age of 65 has Alzheimer's disease
or a related dementia. As more and more people are being
affected by Alzheimer's disease, chances are you will know
someone with the disease. They may be a relative, a neighbour,
a co-worker or a friend. You may want to help but don't
know where to begin. Reading this brochure may give you
some ideas.
You
may not know that:
Alzheimer
caregivers:
- often
feel alone and isolated from friends.
- may
need assistance, but are often reluctant to ask.
- are
often unable to do errands or complete household tasks.
- experience
stress that sometimes affects their health.
- need
regular breaks from caregiving.
- may
need someone to listen.
People
with Alzheimer's disease:
- need
to feel valued as a person.
- face
an uncertain future.
- may
worry about becoming a burden to their families.
- need
companionship.
- strive
to maintain an active and independent life.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder that destroys
vital brain cells. The disease usually begins with small
changes in a person's behaviour and memory. Eventually
it affects all aspects of a person's life -- the ability
to think, understand, remember, communicate and perform
simple tasks.
Caregivers
Alzheimer's disease will affect the roles and responsibilities of
family members. Spouses and children -- often including
school-age youngsters -- can find themselves providing
care and support to someone with the disease. Caregiving
can make recreation, chores and even employment difficult
or impossible to maintain. Many caregivers report high
levels of stress and stress-related illness.
Caring
for someone with Alzheimer's disease can be challenging
and eventually will require round-the-clock care. For
family caregivers, this commitment can last many years.
Friends and neighbours are important sources of support
for the family. Whether you live close by or far away
there's still plenty you can do.
1.
Keep in touch
Maintain
contact with family caregivers -- a card, a call or a
visit means a great deal. Caregivers as well as the person
with the disease will benefit from your visits or calls.
Continue to send cards or letters, even if you don't
get a reply. It's a simple, yet important way to show
you care.
2.
Do little things -- they mean a lot
When
cooking, make extra portions and drop off a meal (in
a freezable container). If you're on your way out to
do an errand, check with the caregiver to see if there's
anything needed. Surprise the caregiver with a special
treat, such as a rented movie, a library book, or a gift
certificate for a massage or dinner out.
3.
Give the caregiver a break
Everyone
needs a little time on their own. Offer to stay with
the person with Alzheimer's disease so the caregiver can
run errands, attend a support group meeting, do a favourite
activity or attend a religious service. Even if the caregiver
does not leave the house, this will provide some personal
time. Chances are, the person with Alzheimer's disease
will also enjoy your company.
4.
Help with a specific task
Many
caregivers find it hard to ask for something specific.
Ask the family to make a "to do" list of hard-to-get-done
chores, such as laundry, yard work or shopping. Decide
what you can do, then dedicate some time on a regular
basis to do the task.
5.
Become informed
Learn
about Alzheimer's disease and how it impacts on the family.
Most people with the disease wander at some point, and
can become lost in their own neighbourhood. Be aware
of someone who may seem lost and confused, and find out
what you can do to help. One valuable resource is the
Alzheimer Wandering Registry designed to help those with
the disease by registering them with the local police
agencies. Contact your local Alzheimer Society or call
1-800-616-8816 for information about the Registry.
6.
Provide a change of scenery
Plan
an activity that gets the whole family out of the house.
Make a reservation at a restaurant. Be sure to include
the person with Alzheimer's disease, if the caregiver feels
it is appropriate. You may wish to ask for a table with
some privacy or in a quiet area. Or, invite the family
to your house or to a nearby park for a picnic or a walk.
7.
Learn to listen
Sometimes
caregivers just need to talk with someone. Ask family
members how they are doing and encourage them to share.
Be available when the caregiver is free to talk without
interruptions. Try not to question or judge, but rather
support and accept. You don't need to provide all the
answers -- just be a compassionate listener.
8.
Take care of the caregiver
Caregivers
need to eat well, exercise and get enough rest so they
can remain healthy. Encourage caregivers to take care
of themselves. Pass along useful information and offer
to attend a support group meeting with them. Information
is available from your local Alzheimer Society.
9.
Remember all family members
The
person with Alzheimer's disease will appreciate your visits,
even if unable to show it. Hold a hand, give a hug, talk
with the person the way you'd want to be talked to. Spouses,
adult children and even young children are all affected
in different ways by Alzheimer's disease. Be attentive
to their needs, too.
10.
Get involved
There
are many things you can do to help fight Alzheimer's disease.
Consider making a contribution to the Alzheimer Society
to support research. Volunteer at your local Society
or organize a Coffee Break™, the Society's
nationwide fundraiser, at your workplace or your home
to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society. By choosing
to do any of these, you are providing help for today
and hope for tomorrow.
Adapted
with permission from the Alzheimer's Association, U.S.
The
Alzheimer Society has information and support programs. Find
the Society nearest you and give them a call. Or
check your phonebook for your local Society, or call
1-800-616-8816.
Back
to the Media Kit introduction page.
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