November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and a way to bring a voice to this disease. By 2050 an estimated 28 million American Baby Boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Are you prepared to be a person with the disease or be a caregiver of a person with Alzheimer’s disease? The Alzheimer’s Association works tiredlessly to bring Awareness, Advocacy, Research, Care, and Support to everyone afflicted with this long term illness. Because that is what it is, an illness that lasts a long time, 15-20 or more years.
The cost to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is over $60,000 a year. As the disease progresses to end stage that cost only increases. Bringing awareness to Alzheimer’s disease is essential for families. The more we know about the disease, and how to care for a loved one with the disease the better quality of life there will be for everyone touched by Alzheimer’s disease.
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness month. You may ask yourself how can I help?
- Tell everyone about the 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900). It is a key starting point to find out about programs and services in your area.
- Start a conversation with your local legislatures about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease. Tell them it must be eradicated.
- Learn about clinical trial research through the Alzheimer’s association. There is exciting progress being made in Alzheimer’s and Dementia research.
- Attend a free educational program in your area. Family Caregivers Network, a home care agency in Pennsburg offers many free programs throughout the year.
- Attend a Virtual Dementia Tour program. Learn what it is like to walk in the shoes of someone with Alzheimer’s disease
- Participate in a support group. Take along a friend. There is safety in numbers.
- Participate in “Walk to End Alzheimer’s”; a signature program by the Alzheimer’s Association. To find a walk in your area go to the Alzheimer’s association website.
- Show your support with “#GivingTuesday” on December 1st. To donate click here.
- Be a voice for those who can’t. Keep the energy going by telling others about the disease and how they can also become involved.
For more information about Alzheimer’s or Dementia disease go to the Caregiver Center website or call Family Caregivers Network, 866-539-7515.
