LiveSmart: Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s Disease – You Don’t Have to do it Alone

[This article written by Emily Nicki, LMSW, CDP, supervisor of Eddy Alzheimer’s Services.]

As we kick off the holiday season, it is a great time to learn more about services that are available to caregivers in the family who may need help caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

There are more than 1 million family members and friends caring for loved ones with these conditions in New York state alone. November is National Family Caregivers Month; the Eddy is here to share valuable resources that can help caregivers navigate what can be a difficult and overwhelming situation.

Eddy Alzheimer’s Services, which is part of St. Peter’s Health Partners, is primarily funded through the Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative, a New York state grant-funded effort which seeks to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens placed on these caregivers.

This statewide initiative is funding Eddy Alzheimer’s Services to provide a wide range of free support services for dementia caregivers living in the 11-county Capital Region.

How can we help?

• Participate in a caregiver assessment with a care navigator who will provide disease education and referrals to community resources. The care navigator will remain a source of support throughout the caregivers’ journey.
• Participate in a family assessment where caregivers and family members meet to discuss areas of common concern and work together to develop strategies to address these concerns.
• Participate in our education and training programs designed to help caregivers understand the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and prepare them for their evolving roles as caregivers.
• Attend a support group designed to provide emotional support, information, resources, and a platform for caregivers to share strategies with each other about lessons learned in their journeys.
• Take advantage of respite services that provide temporary relief from the stresses associated with caregiving.
• Use our trained volunteers to help with non-medical assistance, support, and companionship for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementias as well as family members – things like meal preparation, running errands, help with transportation, etc.
• If you have a family member living alone with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, we provide services to help them maintain their independence and remain in their home.

Preparing for the holidays can be stressful for anyone but may be especially challenging for a family caregiver. Reach out and ask for help. If you are the caregiver of someone living with dementia, consider using these resources to increase your support network and prevent burnout.

To learn more or to set up an assessment, visit https://www.sphp.com/find-a-service-or-specialty/memory-care-and-alzheimers/eddy-alzheimers-services/ or call 518-238-4164.