Alzheimer's caregiving: Organizations offer help

Every little bit of help you can get as an Alzheimer's caregiver means you'll have that much more energy to spend with your loved one. Several organizations within your local community may offer services that can make your day-to-day life much, much easier.

National Eldercare Locator
The first place to contact is the National Eldercare Locator, which can link you to local organizations that provide services to seniors. This site is especially useful for family members who may live some distance from the person with Alzheimer's. All you need is a ZIP code to find the services for that region.

A free service provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Eldercare Locator can be accessed via the Internet or by phone. The toll-free number, 800-677-1116, has operators available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Spanish-speaking operators also are available.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
AAA offices can be found through the Eldercare Locator or in the phone book, under "Aging" or "Social Services." In addition to senior centers, subsidized housing and elder care services, AAAs also offer a wealth of in-home services, including:

• Meals On Wheels
• Homemakers, who help with such tasks as grocery shopping and housekeeping
• Chore services, which include minor home repairs and yardwork
• Personal care services, which assist with bathing and feeding
• Respite care, to provide a short break for caregivers

Alzheimer's Association
Most communities have a regional chapter of the organization, which sponsors local support group meetings. The national organization offers a wide variety of programs, educational materials and support services, including:

• A 24-hour, toll-free contact center, 800-272-3900, that links callers to information about the disease, treatments, care strategies and community programs.
• The nation's largest Alzheimer's library, containing more than 5,000 books, journals, audiocassettes, videotapes and CD-ROMs. After browsing the online catalog, you can arrange for interlibrary loans through your local library.
• The Safe Return program, which helps families locate loved ones who have wandered off. More than 100,000 individuals with Alzheimer's have been registered in the program nationwide.

A heartbreaking journey

Watching a loved one travel through the stages of Alzheimer's is heartbreaking. Caring for them during this time is one of the hardest jobs imaginable. It requires an abundance of physical and emotional energy. Accepting help and taking care of yourself are crucial to success.