Alzheimer's volunteer buddy respite program

Edited by: Lauri Rottmayer
Email: rottmayer@kjrh.com

More than 77,000 Oklahomans suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. The daily care of a person with Alzheimer's Disease can be challenging and requires many personal sacrifices to ensure a loved one remains safe and comfortable. Caregivers need time off from their caregiving responsibilities to relieve stress and prevent burnout.

To help reduce the stress, the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter is seeking individuals who may be interested in volunteering for a Volunteer Respite Buddy Program. Currently, there are more requests for respite care than volunteers already enrolled in the program.

The Alzheimer’s Association recruits and trains respite volunteers for individuals who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. After completing training, each volunteer is carefully matched with a caregiving family. The volunteer spends 2-4 hours with the person with Alzheimer’s or related dementia each week, while the caregiver takes a break. Caregivers tell us it means the world to them to know that someone cares enough to help. Respite volunteers tell us this is one of the most meaningful things they’ve ever done. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a respite volunteer, please call 800-272-3900 and ask for Cathy Sullins or Ruth Drew.

Respite care provides a break for caregivers, time when they can run errands, rest, relieve stress, and attend to their own needs. Caregivers who do not receive support and respite often become sick themselves. Some even die due to the strain. Regular respite is essential and lifesaving.

“Respite care provides a temporary break from daily caregiving responsibilities. Using respite services can support and strengthen the ability to continue taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's in the home,” said Tonda Ames, vice president of marketing and programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest voluntary health organization in.......read all of the Alzheimer's volunteer buddy respite program

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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Help a man with dementia and the Alzheimer's Association this Father's Day

Dear Friend and Loyal Follower,

Here is a dementia book that is a great gift fora man with dementia on Father's Day

Finding the right gift for the man with dementia this Father's Day is easy. There are many wonderful items you can buy or make that will make the time you spend together meaningful.

A pefect dementia book for you to get is a book by Susan Berg called: "Adorable Photographs of Our Baby -- Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones and Involved Professionals". This book features baby photographs that men with dementia will love. This book shares a plethora of ideas and resources for you, the gift-giver. Men with dementia do love babies.

Thr author is donation a portion of the proceeds to the Alzheimer's Association
Another gift a dementia dad will fancy is a classic musical video or DVD. He will enjoy watching something from the good old days and singing the songs played throughout the picture. Here are a few suggestions: Top Hat, Swing Time, Follow the Fleet, or Shall We Dance.

Next is a sing a long CD or audio cassette of his favorite songs. One with Mitch Miller is a wonderful choice. You may want to get a sing a long video where loved ones can see and hear performers singing songs they love. A good seies is the Sing Along with Frank Woehrle series.

Here is another idea. Give him hand lotion, a manly scent, of course. Just be aware of any allergies or pain issues he might have. Give him a relaxing hand massage talking about how good the hand massage feels and maybe about the good old days, as well. Yes, men love hand massages

If you cannot afford or do not have time to get these gifts, give the gift of yourself. No matter how hard it is for you to visit, he will appreciate your company even though he may not be able to express it. Take him for a walk. Sing some favorite songs together. Give him a hand massage. Just share some quality time with him. You will both feel better.

Do remember to be upbeat animated and excited about visiting. No arguing, please.

These gifts are simple, inexpensive or free, and can be enjoyed by all.

Caregivers and healthcare professinals, dementia resource awaits your viewing


Information on being the best you can be caregiver


Here is an interesting dementia activity

Alzheimer's disease costly for patients

WWLP.com
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Every 70 seconds someone develops Alzheimer's disease in this country. Surprisingly, many don't realize the high cost of caring for Alzheimer's patients.

Kate Gagnon is one of the millions of American's who has a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Her 82 year old uncle Roland is living with the disease of the brain that takes away a person's memory and ability to care for them.

According to a report from the Alzheimer's Association, the care costs for the....read the whole story

For more dementia information, click here

For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here

For information on being the best caregiver you can be, click here

For a great resource for those with dementia, caregivers and healthcare professinals, click here

Be a part of Alzheimer Public Policy Forum Week from home

Alzheimer's Association
Help us get the word out to America by voicing your support during the following media appearances by Association leaders:
Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Harry Johns will appear on C-Span Tuesday, March 24; 8:30 - 9:00 AM, (EST) to introduce the latest frightening statistics from the new Alzheimer's Association 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures Report.
Alzheimer's Study Group members Newt Gingrich, Sandra Day O'Connor, and David Satcher will appear on National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation on Wednesday, March 25; 2-3 PM (EST) to discuss the Alzheimer crisis.

Can't attend our Washington, D.C. Candlelight Vigil in person? Then light a virtual candle -- create a moving and lasting online tribute page!

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For more dementia information, click here

For Alzheimer's and dementia activities, click here

For information on being the best caregiver you can be, click here

For a great resource for those with dementia, caregivers and healthcare professinals, click here