Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s and other related dementia diseases is often a series of grief experiences as you watch memories disappear and skills erode. Initially, this process can go unnoticed until difficulties impact more areas of daily life and the disease can no longer be denied. For both caretakers and their loved ones, this often produces an emotional tangle of confusion, anger and sadness. If left unchecked, these feelings can last throughout a caregiver’s long journey. Being part of a support group and exploring common Alzheimer’s experiences can shift your perspective and show you that you are not alone.
Dementia Care Specialist
The Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) shall provide education and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This shall include: providing options to caregivers and individuals affected by memory loss regarding community resources and services, assisting with future planning, and implementing evidence-based programs to help individuals affected by dementia to live independently in their communities. The goal of the Dementia Care Specialist is to utilize resources readily available in the community to delay or prevent institutionalization or publically funded long term care services.
Everyone loses a key or forgets a name. As our bodies age our brains age, too. But normal memory loss that comes with aging shouldn’t interfere with the activities of a person’s daily life.
When should you be concerned?
- Losing things?
- Difficulty understanding?
- Changes in mood?
- Changes in behavior?
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it might be time to consider a free memory screening from the ADRC. A memory screening gives you a clearer understanding of whether or not it’s time to talk to your doctor about your concerns. Early referral to your physician is important to determine whether these changes are normal, if they can be treated, and if they are reversible.
Who does memory screenings?
Trained Staff from your local Aging and Disability Resource Center can do the screening. It takes less than 15 minutes, and you’ll know what to do next. Information about support in your area will also be provided.
Contact Us for more information.
Dementia Care Programs/Brochures
Dementia Friendly Communities
Join us for the Annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s”
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease! When you participate in Walk, your fundraising dollars fuel our mission, and your participation in the event helps to change the level of Alzheimer’s awareness in your community. The Alzheimer’s Association provides free, easy-to-use tools and staff support to help participants reach their fundraising goal. While there is no fee to register, we encourage participants to fundraise in order to contribute to the cause and raise awareness.