If you’ve just been told that your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, you may be in a complete state of shock. It’s natural to have many questions and concerns. Can your loved one still drive? What medicine should he or she be taking? What legal papers need to be drawn up? How will your loved one’s disease progress?
Whatever your questions or concerns, rest assured that the Alzheimer’s Association can help.
Alzheimer’s Association History
The Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 to help support friends and family members of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. It now offers chapters in all 50 states. While continuing to offer support and advocacy to friends and family of people with Alzheimer’s, as well as those who themselves suffer from the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association has also entered the fields of research funding and Congressional lobbying.
Alzheimer’s Association: Online Services
The Alzheimer’s Association offers extensive online information and support. You can look here to find accurate, up-to-the-minute information about Alzheimer’s disease. If you want to talk to other people in your situation, the message boards and chat rooms provide a great way to communicate with caregivers and Alzheimer’s patients across the country. You can also share your personal stories and poetry.
Alzheimer’s Association: In Your Community
Sometimes when the going gets tough you want a hand to hold, not a keyboard to type on. The Alzheimer’s Association understands this and offers support through its many local chapters. The services vary slightly from chapter to chapter, but in general you’ll find support groups (for both caregivers and people with early-stage Alzheimer’s), educational programs, informational resources (books, DVDs, etc.), financial assistance, a Safe Return program, and a social worker to help you with community resources.
Many families have found special peace of mind with the Safe Return Program. For a small fee, you can register your loved one and purchase a hard to remove silver bracelet with your loved one’s name and your contact information engraved upon it. That way, if your loved one wanders off, he or she can be easily returned to you.
Alzheimer’s Association: Giving Back
If you have received services from the Alzheimer’s Association and you want to give something back to them, there are several ways you can contribute. Monetary donations, of course, are always welcome. In addition, some chapters publish “wish lists” in their newsletters, and are delighted to accept new personal care items, office furniture, computers, etc.
You may also decide to volunteer your time at your chapter office. Finally, consider taking part in the Memory Walk held every year to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. You can participate joyfully, knowing that your time and money are going to help a good cause.
