Alzheimer's disease progresses over time. As a result, people with Alzheimer's disease will experience a variety of changes. Alzheimer's disease can affect a person's mental and physical abilities. It is important to remember that the changes the person is experiencing are because of the disease, they are not the person's intent.
As the disease progresses a person's need for care assistance will increase. Your responsibilities as the main caregiver may include making important legal, financial and health care decisions, assisting them with day-to-day tasks and understanding changes in their behaviour.
One of the services we provide are support groups for both caregivers and those recently diagnosed with early stage dementia. If you think you could benefit from meeting others who may be encountering similar experiences as you, or if you want to share information or receive support, one of these groups may be what you are looking for.
The Alzheimer Society of Calgary also provides educational programs to caregivers. These workshops are part of our Family Education Series aimed at providing information about dementia, care giving strategies, available resources, long term care placement and end of life issues.
If you would like further information about the Family Support Services available at the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, please do not hesitate to contact our Family Support Coordinator at (403) 290-0110 or by email at familysupportcoordinator@alzheimercalgary.com.
This Month's Caregiving Tip: Travelling with Someone with Dementia
Sometimes families ask if it is okay to take a person with dementia travelling. It is different for every family. A good approach is to try a small trip and see how it works out. People with dementia sometimes can be overwhelmed with new environments, new people, change in routine, change of time zone and noise. It is better to start slow than introduce a drastic change in environment. Here are some tips that you can use to facilitate the care team process:
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Remember as a family member or caregiver you are an important part of the care team.
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Establish a good relationship with health care providers to help ensure the best care for the person with dementia.
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Understand the role of each health care provider and how they will be helping your family member or the person for whom you are caring.
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Be an advocate for your family member. If you feel concerned about their care, communicate this to the appropriate member of the care team and work towards change.
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Before contacting health care providers, find out the best time to call to discuss the person's care.
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Keep a notebook with key information about the person's health care including contact names of all care providers, a list of medications and a log of changes you have seen in the person for whom you are caring.
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Encourage professionals to speak to your family member. This allows the person to be a part of their own care plan.
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If you have concerns about health care providers, it may be appropriate to organize a case conference that involves key health professionals, a social worker, home care or other relevant individuals.
If you'd like to receive tips and suggestions like this each month, please send us an email and request your name be added to our monthly e-bulletin for families.
For more tips, visit our Caregiving Tips page.
Talking to Children about Dementia
If or when dementia begins to affect a member of your family, it is important to help children first understand that the person does not choose to forget or behave differently - it is the disease that causes them to do so. Your child may need to be assured that Alzheimer's disease is not contagious. Depending on the age of the child, you can also explain the disease process, to help him or her prepare for changes to come.
Encourage children to share their feelings - even negative ones. However, emphasize the positive by helping them find new ways to interact with the person. Understanding - and adapting to - the changes wrought by the disease can ensure that it does not end relationships, just sets them on new paths.
Please visit our Youth Support section for more information.
Care Planning
We can offer individuals and families information, support or assistance with care planning that is specific to your situation.
Telephone Support, Information and Referral
If you would like more information about dementia, are unsure how to deal with a caregiving situation, or would like assistance accessing community resources, a Family Support Coordinator who is also a registered social worker is available during regular working hours to provide information, referral and support.
Family Education Series
If you are a family member or friend of someone with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, you will find the Family Education Series offered through the Alzheimer Society of Calgary useful. Simple strategies for helping with daily tasks, encouraging activities and communication are explored, along with information on resources and support services available in Calgary and area.
Support Groups
Living with Dementia
This new workshop is specifically designed for people recently diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Read more on our Support Groups page.
The Alzheimer Society provides a variety of support groups throughout Calgary and area. Support groups provide an opportunity for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias an increased capacity to gain and share information, find support and benefit from interaction with others sharing like experiences. Visit our Support Groups page for more information.
Information and Resource Library
Enjoy free access to the books, videos, periodicals and information sheets that pertain to Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
Many of the information sheets available in our library can now be downloaded. Please visit our Resources section for these and other resources:
Day to Day
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Communication
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Bathing
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Meal Time
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Personal Care
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Toileting
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The Progression of Alzheimer's Disease
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Caregiving Options
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Adjusting to Long Term Care
Pamphlets
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Are You Caring for Someone With Alzheimer's Disease? Remember To Take Care of Yourself Too!
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Ways to Help: Assisting Families Living With Alzheimer's Disease
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First Steps: For Those Recently Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Disease
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First Steps: For Families of Those Recently Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Disease