My Recommended Resources for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is much more challenging than most people realize. The stress of taking over a dementia patient’s financial and personal responsibilities, as well as managing their care is exhausting.  

During the later stages of the disease, patients with dementia need continual help as they lose the ability to bathe or carry out simple tasks without assistance, such as wiping after going to the bathroom. Once the disease progresses to late-stage Alzheimer’s, the person will eventually lose the ability to eat, swallow, and walk and will also be susceptible to infections such as pneumonia. Finding trustworthy professional help in the home can be expensive and burdensome.  

However, there are some resources and organizations out there to help caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. Following are some you may find useful:

The Laona M. Kitchen Foundation provides support for those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. The foundation was established by Gary Kitchen to honor his late mother, Laona, who passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease in 2011 at the age of 90. The organization is funded through a combination of donations and fundraisers, which include an annual golf tournament and casino night.  

One of the ways the LMK Foundation helps caregivers of dementia patients is through its Respite Care Voucher program. The voucher, up to the value of $500, may be used for day care, in-home care, or a short respite stay for your loved one to give you a well-deserved break.   

Another excellent resource for Alzheimer’s caregivers is the Eldercare Locator, a nationwide service that connects caregivers with agencies and resources in their local communities. The organization assists caregivers in finding reliable help with education and training, meals, home and respite care, and transportation.  

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration of Aging. Many states have cash assistance programs that allow a family member or caregiver chosen by the patient to be paid for their caring services. You can find further information about cash assistance programs in your state on the organization’ website.  

The Alzheimer’s Association is another fantastic resource for caregivers. Its website contains information about topics ranging from adult day care programs and legal planning to hospice care, support groups, and transportation.  

Being a caregiver can be a challenging role, but you don’t have to do it alone. By using the resources available, you can access support while you navigate the tough road that is Alzheimer’s.  

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Note: Alzheimer’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Alzheimer’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Alzheimer’s Disease.