Caregivers Community Resources

December 18, 2007

Make use of the professionals in your community. They are there to help. Psychologists may assist you in resolving family conflict, reducing behavior problems, making difficult decisions about nursing home placement, and diagnosing and treating depression or anxiety of the caregiver. Physicians and nurses may provide answers regarding medical treatment, nutrition, and safety. Attorneys may be consulted regarding estate planning, guardianship, and living wills. Your local Area Agency on Aging will assist you in obtaining government services. Geriatric care managers, who are usually registered nurses or trained social workers, can assess the needs of elderly people, find services for them, and visit them in their homes. Your Alzheimer Association can teach you how to advocate for research and more government assistance for long-term care. Your congressmen and representatives can join you in seeking laws that protect families with catastrophic illnesses.

Not all caregivers seek out the resources that are available in the community. This may be especially true of minority groups, although the incidence of dementia is similar across cultures. In one survey, only 19 percent of minority caregivers had contacted an agency for assistance in locating and arranging services for family members with dementia. Educational materials sensitive to cultural differences and better reach out programs to minorities are needed.

Posted in Alzhemier Disease