Who usually cares for people with Alzheimer's disease?
Despite the widespread belief that most people with Alzheimer's disease reside in nursing homes, families are the primary caregivers for their relatives with Alzheimer's disease.
Within families, care giving is provided most often by wives and husbands, followed by daughters.
What types of professionals are available to assist caregivers?
Professionals such as counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, and clergy may be able to provide information. They can also ease caregiving burdens or help with specific issues throughout the course of the disease.
A physician may help with health care needs, including management of behavioral symptoms. Select a professional who is familiar with dementia and with whom you feel comfortable. Adult day care providers and home care professionals also can provide information about adult day care and home health care.
What support services are available for caregivers?
State and county agencies on aging are a good source of information about support services for caregivers. They can provide information on nursing homes, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, attendant care, and caseworker services.
The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center, or ADEAR provides publications and other information about Alzheimer's disease and caring for people with Alzheimer's disease. You can call ADEAR at 1-800-1-438-4380 or visit the website at www.alzheimers.org.
At the federal level, the Administration on Aging, or AOA, has a toll-free number for its Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 which will put caregivers in touch with local resources.
