Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is not easy. It is difficult to see a loved one’s mental health deteriorate and it can be extremely stressful for the family, especially the primary caregiver of the individual. Fortunately, there are resources available to assist caregivers during this difficult time. Getting assistance and support will help put caregivers in a better position to care for their loved ones and themselves as well. Take a look at the different types of resources available for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease:
Information, Resources, and Hotlines for Alzheimer’s Care:
- NIA and Related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center: The ADEAR Center offers information on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, research, and studies on Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Alzheimer’s Association: Alzheimer’s Association provides a help line, support services and general information to people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has a hotline and educational materials that provide information on how to care for people with Alzheimer’s. It also offers a list of services for people with Alzheimer’s.
Direct Services:
- Home Care Services: There are several services that will send an aide to your home to help you care for a person with Alzheimer’s. They are usually not medical professionals, but they can help with light housekeeping, transportation, and errands. They generally charge by the hour but may be covered by insurance. You can find them using a Home Care/Hospice Agency Locator Tool.
- Home Health Care Services: This service offers medical professionals who provide nursing care and therapy. It is a paid service, but it may be covered by insurance. You can find an aide by using the Home Health Compare Tool from Medicare.gov or the Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator.
Meal Services:
Meal services will bring prepared meals or groceries to a person’s home. They are typically free, but some charge a small fee. View available meal services near you through the CT Elderly Nutrition Program via your local Area Agency on Aging, or view local services through Meals on Wheels America.
Adult Day Care Services:
Adult day care services offer daytime care for a person with Alzheimer’s. They typically provide transportation and charge by the hour. You can find them through the Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator or learn more about the Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program.
We hope the resources above can be helpful for caregivers and family members of individuals with Alzheimer’s. For more resources, visit the Age Well Caregiver Center.
