As devastating as Alzheimer’s is for individuals, it can have a startling impact on family members. Depression is often a common side effect of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s. So as part of our awareness and research efforts, I am thrilled to welcome the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) to The 7 Summits Climb for Alzheimer’s: Memories are Everything.
From their website, the National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to help transform family caregivers’ lives by removing barriers to health and well being.
The NFCA envisions an America in which family caregivers lead full and productive lives, free from depression, pain, isolation and financial distress. NFCA provides family caregivers support, education and a public voice.
I am often asked if I have any advice for an Alzheimer’s caregiver. In addition to many clear suggestions such as becoming informed on the disease; I always suggest that caregivers must take care of themselves. After all, if their own health fails or they fall into depression; they will no longer be able to support their loved one.
The NFCA has these 10 Tips for Family Caregivers:
1 Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right. Reward yourself with respite breaks often.
2 Watch out for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
3 When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
4 Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.
5 There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.
6 Trust your instincts. Most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.
7 Caregivers often do a lot of lifting, pushing, and pulling. Be good to your back.
8 Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
9 support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
10 Stand up for your rights as a care- giver and a citizen.
I am very pleased to join forces with the NFCA.
“2011 marks the Year of the Caregiver, and as such, we are thrilled to join Alan in his efforts to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and the burden it places on family caregivers,” said Suzanne Mintz, president and CEO of NFCA. “We applaud Alan for his commitment, perseverance and tireless advocating for the AD community.”
You can order caregiver education materials from their store or join their Caregiver Community Action Network (CCAN); a unique and highly dedicated volunteer group of over 110 NFCA members in more than 40 states who regularly attend meetings, conferences, and conventions about family caregiving issues. They serve as presenters, speakers, panelists, and workshop directors. CCANers advocate on behalf of family caregivers, talk to local and regional media, and may even manage their own family caregiver web sites. Some CCANers are professional caregivers while others care full-time for their own loved ones.
Thank you NFCA for joining our efforts along with the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund to raise research funds, awareness of Alzheimer’s and the needs of family caregivers.
All donations to support the NFCA are appreciated and can be made at their site. Please note the 7 Summits Climb for Alzheimer’s in the drop down box.
Climb On!
Alan
