FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM NOVEMBER 23, 2017 • SENIOR LIVING • THE QUEENS COURIER 39
senior living
Tips for helping reduce the
burden of Alzheimer’s caregiving
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s
or other dementias is exceptionally
demanding, and especially challenging.
Th e caregiving needs of people living
with Alzheimer’s are not only oft en more
extensive, but are oft en needed over many
years - even decades.
A recent survey by the Alzheimer’s
Association indicates many caregivers are
not getting the help and support they
need - a whopping 84 percent of caregivers
say they would like more support
in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s,
especially from family members.
“Too many people are shouldering
the caregiving burden alone,” says
Ruth Drew, director of information
and support services at the Alzheimer’s
Association. “Many people want or would
welcome help, but they are reluctant or
just too overwhelmed to ask.”
Tips for supporting a caregiver
Providing help and support to caregivers
can be easier than most people think.
Even little acts can make a big diff erence,
Drew says. Th e Alzheimer’s Association
off ers these suggestions:
Learn: Educate yourself about
Alzheimer’s disease - its symptoms, its
progression and the common challenges
facing caregivers. Th e more you know,
the easier it will be to fi nd ways to help.
Build a team: Organize family and
friends who want to help with caregiving.
Th e Alzheimer’s Association Care Team
Calendar is a free, personalized online
tool that allows helpers to sign up for specifi
c tasks, such as preparing meals, providing
rides or running errands.
Give a break: Spend time with the person
with dementia, allowing the caregiver
a chance to run errands, go to their
own doctor’s appointment or engage in
an activity that helps them recharge. Even
one hour could make a big diff erence in
providing the caregiver some relief.
Check in: Many caregivers report feeling
isolated or alone; make a phone call to
check in, send a note or stop by for a visit.
Tackle the to-do list: Ask for a list of
errands that need to be done. Pick up
groceries or dry cleaning, or even off er to
shuttle kids to and from activities.
Be specifi c and be fl exible: Open-ended
off ers of support (“Call me if you need
anything,” or “Let me know if I can
help.”) may be well-intended, but are
oft en dismissed. Be specifi c in your off er
(“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 for the holidays: Help caregivers
around the holidays by off ering to help
with cooking, cleaning or gift shopping. If
a caregiver has traditionally hosted family
celebrations, off er your home instead.
Join the fi ght: Honor a person living
with the disease and their caregiver
by supporting the Alzheimer’s cause.
Volunteer at your local Alzheimer’s
Association offi ce or participate in fundraising
events.
“It’s a mistake to assume caregivers
have everything under control,” Drew
says. “Most caregivers can use and would
appreciate help. No one can do everything,
but each of us can do something.”
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease
and ways you can support families
and people living with the disease,
visit www.alz.org, the website of the
Alzheimer’s Association.
Editor’s Note: November is National
Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
and National Family Caregivers Month.
Courtesy BPT