KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Alzheimer's Association Heat of America Chapter is throwing a virtual life-line to caregivers.
People caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's can access a virtual world of tools and techniques to reduce their stress and loneliness.
Many of those caregivers, who are already stressed from medical bills and long hours caring for their loved one, have added fears and frustrations because of the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the Alzheimer's Association Heart of America Chapter is offering virtual support groups and cyber classes on topics like recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer's, how to communicate with a person losing their memory and making a daily care plan for the Alzheimer's patient.
"We have a lot of caregivers in the sandwich generation, you know, that are taking care of their children and then having to care for their parent or a spouse," explained Shalae Harris, the program manager for the chapter.
In Kansas, 55,000 people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. In Missouri there are twice as many cases, more than 110,000.
The National Alzheimer's Association is predicting those numbers will jump exponentially in the coming years, so more caregivers will be searching for support.
The virtual support groups and online classes are on Skype and Zoom. Caregivers connect facing similar financial burdens from medical expenses, and the loneliness of constantly being at home, caring for their loved ones. They also learn how to reduce their frustrations of daily battling a deadly, incurable disease that's slowly robbing their loved one's memory and life.
"These are very strong people. Care-giving lends you to have to be that whether you like it or not. But that perseverance is your engine and there's always hope." Harris added.
The Alzheimer's Association recommended caregivers do three things:
- Arm themselves with education
- Make sure their loved one is safe.
- Give themselves permission to take a break and do something they enjoy and don't feel guilty about it.
Harris also encourages caregivers to ask for help because it's so much easier when you're not alone.
For a schedule of virtual education and virtual support group opportunities visit the Alzheimer's Association Heart of America Chapter.
They also offer a Community Resource Finderwhere individuals can search for virtual education programs and support groups.