Editor: The holidays created a busy time for the Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, but not in the way one would typically expect.
The holiday season brought many family members on their annual visit to their parents’ and grandparents’ Florida homes. It’s these visits when many family members witness a dramatic change in the behavior and memory of their loved ones from their time here last holiday season. It is most likely a time when they may also see a decline in the emotional and physical health of the caregiver.
If you have a family member or you are sharing the challenges of caring for someone with dementia, please don’t delay accessing support. Research indicates that 65 percent of caregivers over the age of 65 pass away before their loved one with Alzheimer’s disease because they don’t have needed support and they do not take time to care for themselves.
The Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter exists to provide a support system for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. Services provided include a 24-hour help line, support groups, respite care assistance, caregiver training and resource materials, and Safe Return, a national wanderer’s identification program.
Call the Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter today at 1-800-772-8672 and ask for information specific to your caregiver needs, schedule a care consultation with a program specialist, or find a support group in your neighborhood. There are no fees for these services.
Gloria J.T. Smith, President Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
