NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH AND NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

Top Five Tips to Help a Family Caregiver

The Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people to lend a hand to caregivers. According to a recent Alzheimer’s Association survey, people overwhelmingly agree (91 percent) that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia should be a group effort among family or close friends, yet one out of three caregivers are not engaging others in caregiving tasks. More than four in five caregivers would have liked more support in providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, especially from their family.

The five top tips for caregivers are: 1. Join a support group. 2. Get strategies to manage stress. 3. Learn new caregiving skills specific to dementia care. 4. Accept help from others. 5. Know what resources are available in your community. The Alzheimer's Association offers help with all off these tips.

Contact: lpennington@alz.org | Call our 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900

Honor A Caregiver>>

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S FUNDRAISING CONTINUES UNTIL END OF YEAR

Final Push to Reach Goal is On Now

Thanks to more than 3,200 walkers in Maine for bringing us closer to finding the first survivor. Although the events are complete, fundraising is open until December 31, 2017 and we are working diligently to reach our goal of $820,000. Now is the time for the final push. Turn in any outstanding funds raised. Ask your employer if they offer a matching gift program. Email family and friends for donations through your Walk Participant Center. Remind your social network about your fundraising efforts through social media. Have a jeans day, bake sale or another fundraising event. 

Contact: lfrazell@alz.org | 207.249.8962

Walk to End Alzheimer's>>

FIND A FAMILY AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Support Groups Are Offered Statewide

We offer 37 family and caregiver support groups statewide that meet regularly. The groups are designed to provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings. They help participants develop coping methods and encourage caregivers to maintain their personal, physical and emotional health, as well as optimally care for the person with dementia.

We also offer a monthly telephone caregiver support group to accommodate those who cannot attend in person. If you don't see a support group listed in your area, call our program staff at 207.772.0115 for more information. 

EARLY-STAGE PROGRAMS BENEFIT CARE PARTNERS 

Join the Fun and Connect with Others

Our early-stage social programs are specifically designed to enable both the care partner and person with dementia to live well. The ability to remain healthy, active, engaged and independent are important to newly diagnosed individuals. Several studies indicate that regular physical and social activity play a role in stress reduction. Social engagement provides opportunities to connect with other care partners and to build a support network of people who understand the challenges dementia presents. The programming offers meaningful activity in friendly, supportive environments and includes art, writing, photography, museum visits, social outings, concerts, physical activity and planning committees. Let us know what interests you and join the fun.   

Contact: mpechenik@alz.org | 207.772.0115

MAINE SENATORS SUPPORT FAMILY CAREGIVER LEGISLATION

Help Pass the RAISE Family Caregiver Act 

Congress is currently considering legislation that would provide much needed support to our nation’s family caregivers – the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act (S. 1028/ H.R. 3759). The RAISE Family Caregivers Act would facilitate the creation of a national strategy to address the many issues facing caregivers, including education and training, long-term services and supports, and financial stability and security. The act is supported by Senator Collins and Senator King and endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM).

In September, the Senate unanimously passed the Act, sending a clear message of support to our nation’s family caregivers. It is now time for the House of Representatives to take the same action and pass the RAISE Family Caregivers Act. 

Contact: alacher@alz.org | 207.772.0115

Support the RAISE Family Caregiver Act>>

Maine Chapter Resource Links

About the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. The Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter serves the entire State of Maine from its Scarborough office. There are more than 26,000 families in Maine who are affected by Alzheimer's disease. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. alz.org/maine

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