Caregivers need help in war on dementia

Tallahassee.com

Bonnie Holub

Obviously, my cousins and I never saw our grandfather fight the battles of WWII. But we watched him battle hard on another front with as much determination, care, strength and bravery as he must have exhibited to his men. Our grandmother, Alice Smith, became unable to travel to the 807th reunions because of her fight with Parkinson's, one of many diseases associated with dementia. Her fight became our grandfather's fight, too.

Our grandmother passed away at age 89, just a week shy of their 70th wedding anniversary. The last few years were ones of constant care for my grandmother, by my grandfather. Family members, especially my uncle and mother, helped enormously, but the emotional and physical toll on Papo was immeasurable. And yet, he was always positive. Always in an upbeat, if not tired, mood. And he was able to keep his wife at home. A major victory in a long losing war.

One of the reinforcements that helped sustain my grandfather during the most difficult times of my grandmother's illness was his "mornings off," for golfing or fishing with my uncle. Agnes Rodgers, a friend who we now know is as an angel on Earth, cared for my grandmother five mornings a week, so father and son could get away from the responsibilities of caregiving for a few needed hours of recreation. Without this intervention, the toll on my grandfather may have been debilitating, perhaps robbing him of another healthy decade of life. Papo passed away at age 101, after a brief illness, and as mentally sharp as ever.



To stay mentally and physically healthy, caregivers need care, too. Almost everyone knows someone whose family members are doing battle with Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia. And I don't know a caregiver who wouldn't benefit from a little R&R.

Thanks to the Alzheimer's Project of the Big Bend Area, reinforcements are on the way for Wakulla caregivers. Those who are caring for someone suffering from any form of dementia may bring their loved ones to the Respite Care Room at Lake Ellen Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Crawfordville, two Mondays a month. Trained volunteers and a registered nurse, Project Director Lori Chandler, will provide care free of charge to participants, allowing caregivers a few hours' break.

Recie Culpepper, volunteer coordinator with the Alzheimer's Project of the Big Bend, said participants can enjoy group activities, friendly conversation, walks, games, music, snacks, and meals. Pat Ashley, whose mother suffered from dementia and who established the Wakulla Alzheimer's Support Groups, is instrumental in organizing the Respite Care Room. She asked that anyone who would like to volunteer a few hours each month contact her for training information. She also said contributions to the resources of the Respite Care Room are needed and appreciated. Donations can be in the form of lunches, snacks, paper goods, games, craft materials or cash. "We already have donations from Auto Trim Design and Walgreen's," Ashley said. "And the Catholic Ladies Circle is providing our first lunch for participants on June 15."

Joyce Frazier, volunteer coordinator for the Respite Care Room, said, "Most of our volunteers have had a family member with dementia. We know what it's like, and we are here with our arms open wide for those who need us."

"Our goal is to provide this service every Monday of the month if we can get enough volunteer help," added Ashley.

Most of us, at some point in our lives, do battle for something or someone we love. The fight against dementia can be overwhelming, but if we stand with each other in the midst of the struggle, the keys to many hearts will be among our lifetime awards.

To stay mentally and physically healthy, caregivers need care, too. Almost everyone knows someone whose family members are doing battle with Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia. And I don't know a caregiver who wouldn't benefit from a little R&R.

Thanks to the Alzheimer's Project of the Big Bend Area, reinforcements are on the way for Wakulla caregivers. Those who are caring for someone suffering from any form of dementia may bring their loved ones to the Respite Care Room at Lake Ellen Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Crawfordville, two Mondays a month. Trained volunteers and a registered nurse, Project Director Lori Chandler, will provide care free of charge to participants, allowing caregivers a few hours' break.

Recie Culpepper, volunteer coordinator with the Alzheimer's Project of the Big Bend, said participants can enjoy group activities, friendly conversation, walks, games, music, snacks, and meals. Pat Ashley, whose mother suffered from dementia and who established the Wakulla Alzheimer's Support Groups, is instrumental in organizing the Respite Care Room. She asked that anyone who would like to volunteer a few hours each month contact her for training information. She also said contributions to the resources of the Respite Care Room are needed and appreciated. Donations can be in the form of lunches, snacks, paper goods, games, craft materials or cash. "We already have donations from Auto Trim Design and Walgreen's," Ashley said. "And the Catholic Ladies Circle is providing our first lunch for participants on June 15."

Joyce Frazier, volunteer coordinator for the Respite Care Room, said, "Most of our volunteers have had a family member with dementia. We know what it's like, and we are here with our arms open wide for those who need us."

"Our goal is to provide this service every Monday......read more on Caregivers need help in war on dementia

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

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