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

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