Witnessing Alzheimer's: A Caregiver's View

Seattlepi

from: Keri Pollock, Alzheimer's Association (800) 848-7097
Western and Central Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association

Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips Guide
Free "How-to" Guide Helps Caregivers Address the Challenges of Caregiving

Currently there are over 110,000 Washingtonians with Alzheimer's and related dementias, ten percent are under the age of 65. That number is expected to triple by 2050. With major cuts in state funding for healthcare and Adult Day Health Services, how do families cope with the challenges of caregiving?

The 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, released in April by the Alzheimer's Association, states some startling statistics:

• Every 70 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's disease
• Currently, 5.3 million Americas have Alzheimer's or a related dementia
• That number is expected to triple by 2050 if a cure or treatment isn't found
• Alzheimer's is the 5th leading cause of death of those 65 and older in the U.S.
• In the next two years, the first baby boomers will reach their 65th birthday
• Of the 70 million baby boomers in the U.S., 10 million will develop Alzheimer's disease
• There are 10 million Americans (family, friends and neighbors) providing unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer's or a related dementia

The Western and Central Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association -- -- headquartered in Seattle and serving 23 counties, knows the number of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias is growing, the challenge it poses on family and friends, as well as the looming public health crisis that this could eventually create. And with the recent cuts in the Washington state budget for adult day health services, families will be grappling on a deeper level with caregiving issues.

Caregiving for a person with Alzheimer's can be particularly stressful and often compromise the health of caregivers. To help address this issue and provide effective solutions, the Association is making available, free of charge, the concise, purposeful Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips Guide which includes a portable "Pocket Reference of Tips and Strategies".

Coach Broyles is the former Athletic Director for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, and this "playbook" evolved from his experiences of caring for his wife, Barbara, who had Alzheimer's and passed away in 2004. This insightful, comprehensive guide covers the gamut of topics from communicating with your loved one's doctor to communication tips with your loved one as his or her disease progresses, as well as dressing, wandering, home safety, eating and general survival.

The Western and Central Washington State Chapter offers other resources, available for download at http://www.alz.org/alzwa/in_my_community_13905.asp in addition to their 24-hour-a-day/7-day-a-week toll-free Helpline at 800.848.7097.

Helpline specialists are available to answer questions, provide resources, as well as lend an ear when times gets stressful. Helpline can also link families with the Chapter's Connections Care Consultation Program, providing individualized guidance to families and individuals in addressing immediate needs and planning for the future, with ongoing support throughout the course of the disease. The Chapter offers a variety of Support Groups, trainings and workshops to help in the journey as well.

To receive a copy of the Coach Broyles' Playbook, call the Chapter's Helpline at 800.848.7097 and tell the specialist you would like to have a copy of the PLAYBOOK mailed to you.

Aging and Disability Services of Seattle/King County has generously provided the Alzheimer's Association with a grant to underwrite the cost of mailing the Playbook to residents of King County.

The Western and Central Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is headquartered in Seattle and serves 23 counties. Our vision is "A world without Alzheimer's disease." Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer's disease, visit www.alzwa.org or call 800-848-7097.

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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