A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s starts you down a path that looks very lonely. But you aren’t alone. There are many resources for those who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, including resources specifically for their loved ones and caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association offers some truly amazing resources you may not even realize you need. But you do! The following list of resources in particular are extremely useful to Alzheimer’s patients and their families:
- Community Resource Finder: Sometimes the resources you need are at the local level, and this tool is meant to connect you to them. This community finder will help you find local Alzheimer’s Association programs and events, medical services, community services, housing options, and resources for homecare.
- 24/7 Helpline: This helpline is open every day of the year, is available in English and Spanish, and the operators can talk to you about virtually any aspect of Alzheimer’s. They can also connect you to resources you may need. You do not have to tell the operator any of your personal information, but your information is confidential so you can share whatever you wish. Call it at 1 800 272 3900.
- Information about other diseases: It can be hard to sort out the differences between Alzheimer’s and other disorders which can cause similar symptoms. To guide you the Alzheimer’s Association has information on various other disorders like Parkinson’s, Korsakoff Syndrome, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
- Trial Match: If you’ve thought you’d like to participate in Alzheimer’s research, but weren’t sure how to connect with researchers, then this is for you. The free resource involves making an account and filling out a few questions so the matcher can determine which trials you qualify to participate in.
- Care Zone App: This app is intended to help you and/or your elder keep track of medications, health information, caregiving tasks, and more. The app will also link you to other Alzheimer’s Association resources.
- Free e-learning workshops: There’s so much to learn about Alzheimer’s, from early onset symptoms to end-of-life care, that it can be very overwhelming to research. The e-learning workshops organize all the information you need to know about a specific Alzheimer’s topic in one place. There’s a basics course; a course on legal, medical and financial planning; and a course on effective communication strategies. Several of the available courses are also offered in Spanish.
- Cognitive Assessment Tools: Both for the person with Alzheimer’s and for their family members and caregivers, tracking a person’s cognitive skills is important. The Alzheimer’s Association offers various tools for this assessment including AD8, Memory Impairment System, Short Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE), and more.
- Message Boards: The Alzheimer’s Association offers a few different message boards over which you can connect with people experiencing the same thing you are. There’s a board for spouses, for caregivers, for those with Alzheimer’s, for those with early-onset, and more.
- Caregiver Stress Check: This quick questionnaire can help you assess how stressed you are as a caregiver for any elder, not just one with Alzheimer’s. The stress check gives you concrete suggestions for each sign of stress you exhibit. In many cases, the questionnaire will also suggest other Alzheimer’s Association resources you can use to alleviate the different stressors you’re facing.
Give the team at Aging Life Network a call if you’re not finding the resource you’re looking for, or want more tangible support. We’re here to help. Our team of professional care managers and senior living experts can provide guidance on living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
