Senior Living News

Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association has put together a dedicated caregiver page on its website. It lists valuable resources for people caring for those with Alzheimer's and other forms of early-, middle- and late-stage dementia. In addition to a 24-hour helpline, the Alzheimer's Association hosts support groups with local chapters where caregivers can find community. The association also lists practical tips on how to stay healthy while caring for someone else and discusses facets of the job caregivers may face, such as grief and stress. Caregivers can learn about ways to modify activities for those they're caring for during all stages of Alzheimer's as well.

National Institute on Aging's Alzheimers.gov

The government resources listed on Alzheimers.gov offer caregivers an opportunity to connect with organizations that provide additional support such as training materials, screening tests, treatments and the latest in health care technologies. Some of the resources linked in their resource guide include:

• Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Resources for Professionals
• Alzheimer's Disease Publications
• Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Health Information

The site also lists information on how the Government supports health care professionals through the goals listed in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. These goals create guidelines for caregivers to provide quality and efficient support, such as the Dementia-Specific Guidelines and Curricula and Improvements in the Home Care Workforce.

Caregiving Blogs

Online blogs can furnish a wealth of information and support, and a number are dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer's and dementia.

• Being Patient: Filled to the brim with Alzheimer's-related info, this blog sources medical professionals and senior journalists to give insight into the various facets of life with Alzheimer's, from living with the disease to tools for caregivers and insightful developments regarding trials and other medical information. Readers can sign up for regular newsletters and elect to receive additional research on brain studies related to Alzheimer's. Its caregiving guidance section covers resources such as books, community meets and relevant roadshows.
• The Memories Project: This website started as a collection of memories a daughter had of her father, who passed away due to Alzheimer's-related complications. It's now a resource that aims to improve awareness of the disease and offer support for caregivers. In addition to insightful articles, The Memories Project includes recommendations on helpful books, tools and items needed to support those experiencing cognitive decline.
• Early Onset Alzheimer's: Also referred to as young-onset, early onset Alzheimer's is a rare disease that affects only around 110 out of 100,000 people. This condition strikes adults between the ages of 30 and 64, while Alzheimer's disease generally only starts showing after age 65. The Early Onset Alzheimer's blog is dedicated to those with early onset and their caregivers.

Books for Caregivers

Books offer great insights, describe personal journeys and provide detailed tips on how to care for those with Alzheimer's, including maintaining your relationship with them and looking after yourself, too.

• The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementias by Nancy L. Mace, MA and Peter V. Robins, MD, MPH: While this book has been the go-to resource for caregivers of those with Alzheimer's for over 40 years, new editions ensure caregivers have access to the latest in caregiving resources. Both authors have decades of experience in caring for those experiencing memory diseases and the educational background to substantiate their writings. This book is widely considered a leading resource for Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers.
• Activities to Do With Your Parent Who Has Alzheimer's Dementia by Judith A. Levy EdM OTR: Alzheimer's and other dementias are progressive, which might change which activities those with the disease can participate in. This book provides over 50 activities aimed at promoting social interactions, emotional wellness and physical activity, which are all proven to improve the overall well-being of those experiencing cognitive decline. It also helps children deal with the transition into different activities, especially for those who experienced an active lifestyle with the parent before.

Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey by Jolene Brackey: For those with Alzheimer's, encounters might be fleeting and forgotten within a few moments. However, Jolene Brackey writes that the memories might fade but the emotions will linger. This book aims to help caregivers create joy in the fringe moments for those they're caring for and for themselves, as these moments may not seem significant at first but can affect emotions and moods for the rest of the day.