Alzheimer's Foundation of America to Host Support Group for New Caregivers
"A Beginner's Guide to Caregiving" Kicks Off July 8
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On July 8, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) will kick off a new, telephone-based support group designed for people whose loved ones have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related illness. "A Beginner's Guide to Caregiving" will offer an opportunity for individuals to express their feelings, seek support and learn from others, while gaining practical tips and knowledge of resources.
"Family caregivers are often at a crossroads when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's," said Heather Saposnick, LMSW, at AFA, who will lead the group. "Emotions can run the gamut from empowerment to helplessness, and determination to fear. This group is designed to help educate and encourage these caregivers as they embark on this new journey."
The six-week session will take place July 8-August 5, 2015, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. (EDT). Space is limited and participants must register. For more information or to register, click here or call 866-232-8484.
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New Report Profiles Family Caregivers in the U.S.
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AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) released a report, Caregiving in the U.S. 2015, which provides a national profile of family caregivers, with a new emphasis on "higher-hour family caregivers" (defined as those who spend more than 62 hours a week performing medical/nursing tasks).
The report found a growing diversity among caregivers that share similar struggles with stress, health and financial burdens. Here's a peek at today's caregiver:
- 60 percent are female;
- 34 percent have a full-time job, while 25 percent work part time;
- have been caring for four years on average, spending 24.4 hours per week helping with activities like bathing, dressing, housework, and managing finances;
- 32 percent provide at least 21 hours of care a week;
- 22 percent are providing care to persons with Alzheimer's disease; and
- 38 percent of caregivers report high emotional stress from the demands of caregiving.
AFA is working with its policy partners, as well as members of Congress and executive agencies on initiatives to increase caregiver training, promote family-friendly work policies and increase the financial security of family caregivers. This report will help support those efforts, by painting a picture of the 40 million plus family caregivers in the U.S. Click here to read the report.
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Memory Screening Mondays at AFA
Beginning July 20, AFA will host free, confidential memory screenings at its New York City headquarters every other Monday, from 11 a.m.-noon (EDT). Screenings will be administered by one of AFA's licensed social workers. Spanish language screenings will also be available. For more information, please contact Allisyn Vachon, AFA's national programs manager, at 866-232-8484 or by e-mail.
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Missing Link Found Between Brain, Immune System-With Major Disease Implications
Researchers recently determined that the brain is directly connected to the immune system by vessels previously thought not to exist. This stunning discovery could have major implications for diseases from autism to Alzheimer's to multiple sclerosis. Read more...
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Did You Know?
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AFA's Quilt to Remember is an ideal way to pay tribute to an loved one with Alzheimer's disease or a caregiver.
The quilt is composed of more than 170 panels created by individuals and organizations.
When its panels are laid out side by side, the quilt is the length of more than five Olympic-sized swimming pools. For more information on the quilt or to learn how to submit a panel, click here.
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Fundraiser Spotlight
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Hoops 4 A Cause
Hoops 4 A Cause hosts competitive youth basketball events, donating a portion of proceeds to select nonprofit organizations.
This year, Hoops 4 a Cause selected AFA as the beneficiary of its Great Lakes Summer Classic tournament, which takes place in Highland, Ind., on June 13 and 14.
Boys' and girls' teams from second through ninth grades will participate in the tournament, which also has a separate division for varsity high school teams.
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