dementia

Caregiver Support Groups Ease the Burden of Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

Although caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia is rewarding, it can also be exhausting. To help individuals cope with the difficulties of caregiving, the Alzheimer's Association offers support groups where care partners and family members can share experiences and learn from others. The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter offers more than 60 ongoing support groups throughout its 11-county region, which helped 2,929 family members and caregivers cope with Alzheimer’s disease in the past year.

Support group meetings are regularly scheduled gatherings of family, friends, or caregivers who interact around issues relating to Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. Groups have social, educational and support components and are facilitated by trained volunteers. Many different organizations collaborate with the Alzheimer's Association to offer support groups throughout the community, including hospitals, adult day care centers, churches, senior centers, mental health agencies, libraries, community centers, and other aging service providers.

Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. The groups encourage caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical, and emotional health even while providing regular care for the person with dementia. In addition, they may provide a needed break from caregiving responsibilities.

The Chapter offers a number of special groups for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia. Usually family care partners and persons with dementia gather at the meeting place and then each group holds its own separate session for approximately one hour.

For more information or a complete listing of support groups, call the Alzheimer’s Association toll-free Helpline at (800) 272-3900 or visit the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter’s website: www.alzheimers-sewi.org.

Recognizing Caregiver Stress

Educating caregivers about how to maintain their own well being is an educational priority of the Alzheimer’s Association. One of the first steps in caring for yourself is recognizing signs of stress. If you or someone you know shows some of these signs on a regular basis, the Association recommends consulting a physician or mental health professional.

10 Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who’s been diagnosed.

Anger at the person with Alzheimer’s or others, anger that no cure exists, and anger that people don’t understand what’s going on.

Social withdrawal from friends and activities that once brought pleasure.

Anxiety about facing another day and what the future holds.

Depression that begins to break your spirit and affects your ability to cope.

Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.

Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns.

Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions.

Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks

Health problems that begin to take their toll, both mentally and physically.

Attending a support group can be one effective outlet for addressing caregiver stress. The Alzheimer’s Association has developed recommendations on “10 ways to be a healthy caregiver.” A brochure detailing these recommendations is available by calling the Helpline (800-272-3900) or the Chapter office at (414-479-8800).

Other Services of the Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; providing and enhancing care and support for all affected; and reducing the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter works at the local level to provide information, education, and support to the estimated 50,000 people affected by Alzheimer’s disease in its 11-county region. Staff and volunteers for the Association also promote awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and advocate for increased funding for Alzheimer’s services and research.

Support Groups as described above are one of five “core services” of the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter. Additional Chapter services include:

Information and Referral – The first point of contact for persons seeking information on Alzheimer’s disease or referrals to community resources is through the toll-free telephone Helpline (800-272-3900). Professionals and trained volunteers offer confidential support and respond to questions on a wide range of topics 24 hours a day. The Chapter also maintains a collection of books and videos, which are available for loan or purchase. The Chapter’s website – www.alzheimers-sewi.org - is another source of information on Alzheimer’s disease and the full-range of Chapter services and events.

Individual Care Consultations – Chapter staff are available to assist families with problem solving and goal setting through a one-on-one meeting. The need for a care consultation is based on a professional assessment and is most often recommended as a result of a specific trigger or situation, such as a safety or health issue, or an emotional concern.

Education and Training – an extensive array of educational opportunities for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease as well as healthcare professionals. Topics range from the basics of Alzheimer’s disease to brain health to dementia specialist training for direct care staff. The Chapter also provides workshops at area businesses through its Workplace Education Program. A current education calendar is available on the Chapter’s website at: www.alzheimers-sewi.org

Safe Return^® program – A nationwide registration program for persons with dementia who are at risk of wandering and becoming lost. For a nominal fee, identifying information, contact information, and a photo of the registrant are included in a nationwide data base. The person with dementia is provided with an identification bracelet with an i.d. number and an 800-phone number linked to the national database. In the event that the individual becomes lost, the law enforcement official or community member contacts the 800 number and the family member is notified and reunited with their loved one.