When you Need Help: Getting Help with Caregiving
Adapted from 'Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease'
from the National Institute on Aging
Some caregivers need help during early stages of AD. Other caregivers look for help when the person is in the later stages of AD. As the person moves through the stages of AD, he or she will need more care. One reason is that medicines used to treat AD can only control symptoms, they cannot cure the disease. Symptoms such as memory loss and confusion will get worse over time. Because of this you will need more help.
You may feel that asking for help shows weakness or a lack of caring, but the opposite is true. Asking for help means you know your limits and when to seek support.
Your local support system may include your caregiver support group, the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, family, friends and faith groups. Here are some additional resources that may help:
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
1-800-438-4380
Information on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, and research and clinical trials related to AD.
Alzheimer's Association
1-800-272-3900
Information, a help line and information about local chapters.
Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116
Community resource such as home care, adult day care and nursing homes.