2. Caregiver's of Individuals With Memory Loss Diseases Tina Joyner Adult Learning & Technology December 10, 2005

3. What is Dementia? A loss of impairment of mental powers (Mace and Rabins, 1999) A group of symptoms Not the name of a disease Most common causes of dementia: Alzheimer Vascular dementia Depression

4. Examples of Memory Loss Diseases Alzheimer’s disease A gradual progression of intellectual impairment from forgetfulness to total disability Vascular dementia: The result of a series of strokes within the brain Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are irreversible forms of dementia Depression Can lead to memory loss, confusion, or other changes in mental functions Common in older people It is treatable and reversible

5. What is a Caregiver of a Person with Memory Loss? Provides assistance to a person diagnosed with some form of dementia Assist in the person’s daily routine, their personal care, and provides emotional support Primary responsibility is to provide a safe environment

6. What is a Successful Caregiver? Love Respect Optimism Humor Patience Education Ability to remain focused Flexible Spontaneous Nonjudgmental Ability to value every moment Qualities of a successful caregiver include:

7. Ways to Become Educated Conferences ~ Experts in field: Explain memory loss diseases in detail Speak to issues faced by caregivers Give suggestions for activities for the individuals Provide the basics for legal issues Are present to discuss available resources Focus Groups Identify needs of the person & the caregiver Exchange ideas Identify issues that need to be addressed Support Groups Exchange information about personal situations Brainstorm with each other Make suggestions to one another Facilitator assists in the discussion

8. Available Resources Adult Day Care Facilities Respite Assisted Living Nursing Homes Meals on Wheels The Alzheimer’s Association The National Council on Aging

9. Caregiver Printed Resources The 36-Hour Day Responds to all facets faced by families caring for persons with Alzheimer Disease and other dementing illnesses Provides a list of valuable resources A Dignified Life Described as the “best friend approach to Alzheimer’s care” Teaches skills & abilities needed to provide care Teaches the art of doing difficult things with ease Activity Programming for Persons with Dementia: A Sourcebook Provides direction and suggestions for designing activities for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias.

10. Online Resources The Alzheimer’s Association http://www.alz.org/ Official website of the Alzheimer’s Association Provides lots of resources for persons with memory loss, caregivers and health professionals MemoryCare http://www.memorycare.org/links.htm This part of the MemoryCare website links to resources for memory and aging related topics

11. Online Resources (continued) The Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers- caregiver/AZ00038 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers- caregiver/AZ00038 Alzheimer's Caregivers: How to Cope. Provides information to help caregivers cope with caring for someone with Alzheimer's. The National Council on Aging http://www.ncoa.org/content.cfm?sectionID=109&d etail=67#5 http://www.ncoa.org/content.cfm?sectionID=109&d etail=67#5 The Caregiver’s Guide ~ examines the challenges encountered by caregivers

12. Summary Education ~ Knowledge is power! Utilize Healthcare Professionals Printed Resources Online Resources Activities ~ Mind stimulation Never Stop Learning....