Supporting Alzheimer's Caregivers
Explore resources dedicated to helping Alzheimer’s caregivers.
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Caregiver Support Group
The Leon A. Mathieu Senior Center offers a monthly caregiver support group. Mary Lou Moran, Director of the Senior Center, leads this group. By participating in this group, you can build a support system with people who understand your needs. You can exchange caregiving challenges and possible solutions with those attending and talk through the challenges and ways of coping. By attending, you will learn more about the community support resources available.
Please register for these meetings by calling the Senior Center at (401) 728-7582 or by emailing seniorcenter@pawtucketri.com.
Alzheimer's Alert Program
The City of Pawtucket’s Alzheimer’s Alert Program is a joint effort between the City’s Division of Senior Services and the Pawtucket Police Department. The purpose of this program is to ensure the safety of registered participants who are suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia’s. Client information is kept completely confidential.
To learn more about this program please contact the Senior Center at (401) 728-7582.
Opportunity to Participate in Ongoing Research Studies
Carelink, an East Providence-based healthcare organization, received funding for a three-year grant that offers innovative therapeutic services and programs. In addition, it connects participant with resources and provides caregiver education.
Project Ahead is an exciting step in the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. Join a four-year clinical trial that aims to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease, testing an investigational treatment aimed at delaying memory loss before noticeable signs of Alzheimer’s Disease begin. This study is funded by the National Institute of Health and Eisai, Inc. It is run at Butler Hospital through their Memory and Aging program.
For details, call 1-800-AHEAD-70 (1-800-243-2370).
Alzheimer’s Association U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. Pointer Study) is a two-year clinical trail to evaluate whether lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target many risk factors protect cognitive function in older adults who are at an increased risk for cognitive decline. U.S. Pointer is the first such study to be conducted on a large group of Americans across the United States.
For details, email pointerinfo@alz.org or call 1-800-272-3900.
Providence-based Bulter Hospital is one of six locations nationwide to host this program.
For those going on grocery and shopping trips, please note that purchases of cases of water, soda, or beverages are limited to one case per person. The following items are not allowed: large appliances, furniture, and items weighing more than 20 pounds. Please limit the number of shopping bags to no more than four.
Tips for Caregivers
The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter offers these seven tips to lend a helping hand to more than 39,000 family members and friends who serve as caregivers in Rhode Island.
Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s Disease—its symptoms, its progression, and common challenges facing caregivers. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help.
Organize family and friends who want to help with caregiving. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a variety of resources and support systems for caregivers.
Make a standing appointment to give caregivers a break. Spend time with the person living with dementia and allow the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointments, participate in a support group, or engage in an activity that helps them recharge. Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver with some relief.
Many Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers report feeling isolated or alone. So start the conversation—a phone call to check in, sending a note, or stopping by for a visit can make a big difference in a caregiver’s day and help them feel supported.
Ask for a list of errands that need to be run—such as picking up groceries or prescriptions. Offer to do yard work or other household chores. It can be hard for a caregiver to complete these simple tasks that we often take for granted.
Open-ended offers of support (“Call me if you need anything” or “Let me know if I can help”) may be well-intended but are often 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.
Holiday celebrations are often joyous occasions, but they can be challenging and stressful for families facing Alzheimer’s. Help caregivers around the holidays by offering to help with cooking, cleaning, or gift shopping. If a caregiver has traditionally hosted families, offer your home instead.