Issue 43.09
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease affecting more than five million people in the US (30,000 in Utah alone). Utah has the second fastest growing rate in the country—a staggering 45% increase in Alzheimer’s cases from 2000-2010! The Utah Chapter offers a grouping of services to assist persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their families. If you have a loved-one who has been affected by Alzheimer’s, come walk with us in their honor!
On November 14, at Dixie College’s Hansen Stadium (from 9-11am) the St. George Alzheimer’s Association will be sponsoring their annual fundraiser “Memory Walk”. This walk is an optional ¼ mile to raise Alzheimer’s awareness and to fundraise for our local office. Alzheimer’s support is given without charge to Southern Utah residents. At the Memory Walk, breakfast will be served, as well as booths and sponsors, fun and activities for all ages. Minimum donation is $25 per individual, children under 12 are free. To sign up a team, to sponsor, or for more information contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 435-628-8656, or sullivan.mitzi@gmail.com.
If you are caring for an Alzheimer’s/Dementia loved-one, you most certainly will need help and support. Planning for the future is key; with immediate plans beginning soon after the diagnosis has been made. Put in place important legal documents, arrange your assets–including financial plans for long-term care coverage. When families are affected, meet together early after the diagnosis. (This is not a time to rehash or resolve old family conflicts). Assess as a family the resources available in our community. In addition to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are facilities which can provide living arrangements for moderate to advanced diagnosis.
When working with Alzheimer’s patients remember these few tips. Be sensitive to the environment by keeping it quiet and calm. Help them to remain as independent as possible. Offer simple directions. Establish routine. Respond to their feelings. Be flexible, and use creativity. “Re-direct” their frustrations. Encourage. Be patient. Try to avoid: scolding, speaking negatively, startling the person, “talking around” them as if they weren’t there, or speaking to them as a child. Don’t be afraid to express affection, and NEVER give up on them! Remember, they did not choose this disease.
If staying home is the preference for an individual, spouse or family, then support can be given for caregivers from licensed agencies such as Care To Stay Home. We work with patients IN THEIR HOMES to care for and assist the permanent caregiver with all of their daily living needs– from showering and personal care, to respite, household chores and errands, cooking, toileting, and ambulating. When some sense of balance is achieved for those caregivers working hard each day, the caregivers health is less likely to decline, and emotions can be channeled elsewhere, outside the patient. We work hard to allow those who want to remain in their homes, to do so…….those who “Care To Stay Home”.
Contact Care To Stay Home at 435-652-4888. Address: 720 S. River Rd. Suite A-215K, St. George.