Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia is challenging.  Every day is different and presents new situations that can leave caregivers wondering how to handle a social situation, the best way to bathe someone with dementia or what to do when they refuse to take their medication.  As the disease progresses so does the level of care needed can lead to more questions.

To help caregivers and family members, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a number of resources including message boards where you can connect with others or ask questions, and many educational courses that are available 24 hours a day.

Courses include everything from Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior which covers some common triggers for behavior, how to assess the person’s needs and respond more effectively to Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease to review important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place and identify local resources that may help cover the cost of some care.

Other topics include resources for caregivers broken out by stages of the disease, how to handle difficult conversations such as driving or staying home alone and many more.

If you are caring for, or have a loved one, with Alzheimer’s or dementia take the time to learn more about these important topics.

As a caregiver it can help you become a more confident, better understand the person’s needs, or stay connected with others who are facing the same challenges.  For those whose loved one is cared for in a residential facility, like The Memory Center, there are still questions as it relates to their care.  We encourage all our families to stay involved, ask questions and educate themselves on the disease and how it progresses.

Read more about our approach to caring for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia in our specially designed memory care communities in Midlothian and Virginia Beach, VA.