When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it is usually after they begin having trouble with their mental processes. For some, their symptoms may be mild enough to remain at home with the supervision and care of a spouse, adult child, or someone else who is close to them. While the person receiving care from a loved one is ideal, attending to a person with this condition on a daily basis can take its toll on the caregiver. Therefore, it will be important that the caregiver get the resources they need in order to take care of themselves and their loved one.
Support Groups
One resource which can be helpful to caregivers is a support group where they can converse with similarly situated people about the trials of providing care for someone with this condition. By meeting other people who are coping with the same issues, caregivers can provide each other with empathy and encouragement as well as exchange techniques and information on how to manage their loved one’s symptoms. Participation in this kind of group can help the caregiver feel empowered and less isolated. One available resource is the Michigan chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association which offers support group meetings throughout the State. This caregiver support group is there to provide a forum for Michigan caregivers who are taking care of someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
Michigan State Support Services
Caregivers are responsible for so many aspects of their loved one’s care. In order to alleviate some of the burdens they have, Michigan’s Department on Aging has programs in place which can help support caregivers. The caregiver assistance services offered may include help with adult day care, counseling, respite care, support groups, and training. The agency also offers a “Creating Confident Caregivers” program which is free and provides information and resources to families caring for a person with dementia who is living at home.
Non-Profit Organizations
Throughout Michigan and the United States, there are several non-profit organizations whose primary focus is to provide resources and support to caregivers in this situation. For instance, the Michigan Family Caregiver Alliance is a non-profit which provides a Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) through local agencies. The FCSP program offers information, assistance, individual counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care, and some supplemental services such as transportation and home modification to those who qualify. There are also several other non-profit groups who are devoted to helping people who are caregivers to those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
There are numerous resources available to people who are providing the care that their loved one with dementia needs. Our office h understands the challenges which come with being in this role and can direct you to resources which can help. Please contact us online or by phone if we may be of assistance.