Like a thief in the night, Alzheimer’s disease robs the memory of its victims; and the number of Americans with this devastating and heartbreaking disease is growing – and fast.
Today, more than 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. – 5.2 million age 65 and over. It is estimated by the Alzheimer’s Association that by 2050 as many as 16 million Americans will have the disease.
“With Alzheimer’s, it’s not just those who have the disease who suffer, but their caregivers as well,” says Hanna Jacoby, of The Homemakers Health Services, who has extensive training in the area of Alzheimer’s disease.
To provide caregivers of persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with the information and support they need, The Homemakers Health Services will be offering an Alzheimer’s Educational seminar on Saturday, February 18th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at its office located at 215 Rochester Hill Road, Rochester. The program is free and open to the public.
“It’s been said that taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s disease can be like living in a foxhole – at anytime, something can hit. As the disease progresses, new behaviors emerge as old abilities are lost,” says Jaboby. “Yet at each given stage of the disease, there are ways to help make life easier and more pleasant for both the victims of the disease and those who care for them.
“Caregivers are the lifelines to persons with Alzheimer’s disease – a role which is physically and emotionally stressful and demanding,” says Jacoby. “Although there is no exact way to live with Alzheimer’s disease as the experience is different for every caregiver and every person, through this program we offer information about what you can expect throughout the disease process and suggestions on how to live with the changes you experience.”
Highlights of the session will include: an overview of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease, techniques on how to successfully handle problems which arise when caring for persons with the disease, daily living and recreational suggestions, communication techniques and a question and answer period.
As seating is limited, reservations are required and can be made by calling 822-2108.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
An Alzheimer’s Support Group, facilitated by Hanna Jacoby, of The Homemakers Health Services, is held from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Thursday of each month at the Frisbie Hospital Educational Building, 11 Whitehall Road, Rochester.
All interested persons are invited to attend. For more information contact Hanna Jacoby at 822-2108.
Established in 1974, The Homemakers Health Services provides home health, home support, adult medical/social day care and community wellness services to adults throughout Strafford County and parts of Carroll and Rockingham counties. Services include visiting nurses, wound care, IV therapy, rehabilitative therapies, medical social work, case management, home health aide, Alzheimer’s respite, homemaker, in-home care provider and adult day care.
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