Alzheimer's Caregivers' Help

Article submitted by Rosemary Hudgins, Alzheimer's Foundation of the South, Mississippi Division.
For more information, she can be reached at 228-867-6251 or 800-950-6251.

Whether you be a caregiver or a friend, if someone you love has Alzheimer's we can help you through this difficult period. Our goal is to four-fold:

First, to promote, by close contact, an exchange of ideas and experiences between caregivers and all other interested parties. Second, to foster a better understanding in the community towards individuals with Alzheimer's disease, their families and caregivers. Third, we encourage training and education of personnel for interaction with Alzheimer's patients, their families, and caregivers. Our fourth goal is to provide respite and daycare assistance to caregivers.

To meet these goals, our programs and services include the following:

• Local office providing information and referral services and a resource library
• Support groups for families and friends of people with dementing illnesses
• Quarterly newsletters offering up-to-date information in research and treatment options, caregiving tips, upcoming events, etc.
• Educational programs for professional, family and volunteer caregivers, including an annual conference, memory loss seminars, and in-service training.
• Outreach activities including a speakers bureau and advocacy committee seeking to increase services for patients and caregivers
• Caregivers' Friend program, offering information and a friendly ear provided by support group members to those unable to attend support group meetings