ALZHEIMER'S FAMILY & FRIENDS - ARE YOU STANDING ON THE SIDELINES?
The number of people impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia is sobering. On the front lines, caring for the 5 million people with the disease, are an estimated 15 million unpaid caregivers - the majority of them spouses or children. These people face incredible challenges physically, emotionally, and financially. Did you know that 59% of caregivers report being on call 24/7 for the last year of their loved one's life?
Most caregivers I know eventually reach a point where they feel completely helpless and hopeless. They exist day to day, just surviving.
It can feel hard to help a caregiver. They often don't ask for help, especially from friends, but they need your support. Here are a few things you can do that will makes a difference:
Ask what you can do to help.
Send an email or text just to check in, offer help, or to share a memory. (Do this often!)
Offer to make pharmacy runs (there are many) or to do the grocery shopping.
Tell them to call you, any time day or night, if they have to go to the hospital or ER.
Have everyone over for dinner.
Take over for a few hours on a regular basis. 10am to 2pm is great -- it gives them time to get through the morning routine; ample time for a walk, some personal errands, lunch with a friend.
Take over a regular chore or two (taking out the trash and bring the cans back in, yard work, housecleaning.
Offer to set up interviews with in-home caregivers.
Ask what you can do to help.
Need more ideas? Click here for a list of other suggestions, but not matter what, get off the sidelines and find a way to help.
Jeff Gray