Supporting Caregivers Through Every Stage Of Dementia - Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America Releases Free Caregiver Resource Guide For Loved Ones

Alzheimer’s Disease is a growing public health crisis. More than 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s Disease, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projects that number to continue growing significantly in the years ahead. CDC estimates that more than 11 million people provide more than 18 billion hours of unpaid care to a loved one living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s Disease caregivers often provide care longer than those caring for people with other conditions and face higher risks of anxiety, depression, burnout, and declining quality of life.

AFA developed the guide to help families connect with support and make informed decisions while caring for a loved one. It provides guidance on topics ranging from receiving an Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis and taking the first steps toward support to managing the complex physical, emotional, legal, and financial challenges that may arise throughout the various stages of the Dementia journey.

Topics covered include:

• Understanding an Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia diagnosis and finding appropriate support

• Legal and financial planning considerations

• Managing changes in behavior and communication

• Tips for providing care at home and creating a Dementia-friendly home environment

• Safety strategies, including wandering prevention and driving precautions

• Exploring long-term care options

• Understanding palliative care and hospice support during the later stages of Dementia

• Managing care costs

• Therapeutic activities

“Anyone and everyone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease needs help and support,” said AFA President & CEO Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. “Empowering caregivers with practical guidance, useful knowledge, and available support resources will help ease some of the common challenges and stress they face throughout the journey.”

The caregiver resource guide is a special edition of AFA’s free caregiver magazine, Alzheimer’s TODAY.

Families can access AFA’s free caregiver resource guide by visiting: www.alzfdn.org/caregiverguide. Caregiver support is also available seven days a week by contacting AFA’s Helpline through phone: (866) 232-8484. Text message at: (646) 586-5283. Or webchat at: www.alzfdn.org.

About Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA):

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a Non-Profit Organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and related Dementias nationwide and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline at: (866) 2328484 staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials, and Dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call: (866) 232-8484. Visit: www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. AFA holds Charity Navigator’s top 4-star rating.