November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregiver Month. To commemorate these events, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages people to lend a hand to help the nearly 12 million family members and friends nationwide who serve as caregivers for people with dementia.
Providing help and support to caregivers can be easier than most people think. Even small acts can make a big difference.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers these suggestions:
– Learn:
Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease, its symptoms, its progression, and the common challenges caregivers face. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help.
– Build a team:
Organize family and friends who want to help with care. The Alzheimer’s Association offers links to several free online care calendar resources that families can use to build their care team, share experiences, and coordinate aides.
– Give caregivers a break:
Set up regular appointments to give the caregiver a break. Spend time with the person living with dementia and allow the caregiver the opportunity to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment, participate in a support group, or do an activity that helps them recharge. Even an hour can make a big difference in providing the caregiver with some relief.
– Get in touch to find out how you are doing:
Many caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia report feeling isolated or alone. So start the conversation – calling to check on them, sending a note or stopping by to say hello can make a big difference to a caregiver’s day and help them feel supported.
– Tackle the to-do list:
Ask for a list of errands that need to be done, such as picking up groceries or prescriptions. Offer to do yard work or other household chores. It can be difficult for a caregiver to find time to complete these simple tasks that we often underestimate.
– Be specific and flexible:
Open offers of support (“call me if you need anything” or “let me know if I can help”) may be well-intentioned, but are sometimes dismissed. Be specific in your offer (“I’m going to the store, what do you need?”). Continue to let the caregiver know that you are there and ready to help.
– Help on holidays:
Holiday celebrations are often joyful occasions, but they can be challenging and stressful for families coping with Alzheimer’s disease. Help caregivers during the holidays by offering help with cooking, cleaning, or buying gifts. If a caregiver has traditionally hosted family celebrations, offer their home instead.
– Join the fight:
Honor a person living with the disease and their caregiver by joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. You can volunteer at your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter, participate in fundraising events like the «Walk to End Alzheimer’s» and the campaign «Do What You Love to End ALZ»advocate for more research funding, or sign up to participate in a clinical study through Trial Match of the Alzheimer’s Association.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can support families and individuals living with the disease, visit alz.org.
