RHODEISLAND SENIOR BEAT
RELEASE: September 4, 2009
CONTACT: Larry Grimaldi 462-0509
RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALZHEIMER’S FAMILIES
Q. My father has recently been diagnosed as having Alzheimer’s disease. We know that there are several stages to this disease and, as a family, we would like to help my father live as independent a life as possible. We know that we will have to learn to cope with the many challenges that Alzheimer’s disease will present to my father and our family. Where can we locate the resources and information we need to effectively deal with this situation?
A. Your first resource will be the Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Association, Rhode Island Chapter. Theirmission is to coordinate resources for caregivers, educate health professionals and the general public, and advocate for improved public policy regarding Alzheimer’s families. Their services include a 24-hour helpline, speaker's bureau, newsletter, a listing of support groups around the state, a resource library, and an early stage Alzheimer’s family program.
The Association's Live and Learn Program was developed for individuals with early stage memory loss. The program offers meaningful activities for individuals experiencing early memory loss and much needed respite for their caregivers. Individuals participating in the Live and Learn Program choose from a variety of structured activities such as exercise programs through the YMCAs, guest speakers at public libraries, craft classes, and a pet therapy program.
For information, call421-0008 or 1-800-272-3900. You can also go to their web site at
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Here are some other resources for Alzheimer’s patients and families:
Medic Alert and Safe Return:People with Alzheimer's or dementia can enroll in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®. MedicAlert has created an alliance with the Alzheimer's Association to create Medic Alert & Safe Return. It provides 24 hour assistance when a person wanders or is lost locally or far from home. When a person with dementia wanders or becomes lost, one call immediately activates a community support network to help reunite the lost person with his or her caregiver. When a person is found, a citizen or law official calls the toll-free 24-hour emergency response number on the identification product and the individual's family or caregivers are contacted. The nearest Alzheimer's Association office provides support during search and rescue efforts. In addition, should medical attention be required, access to a personal health record is immediately available.
There is a fee to enroll, which you can do on-line or via phone, mail, or fax. Call 1-888-572-8566 for information or go to .
Missing Senior Citizen Alert Program: Police departments with Missing Senior Citizen Alert Programs register Alzheimer's patients and have protocols for the state police to assist them if they are found wandering. Contact your local phone police department to find the senior citizen police advocate in your community.
Alzheimer’s Memory Walk:The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting its annual walk on Sunday, October 4. The Providence walk will start at 10:00 a.m. from SlaterMemorial Park, 401 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket. Registration is at 9:00 a.m. The Newport area walk will start from SalveReginaUniversity, O’Hare Academic Center at 4:00 p.m. Registration is at 3:00 p.m. For more information, call Bella Garcia at 421-0008 or e-mail .
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Questions for Rhode Island Senior Beat may be mailed to the Rhode Island Department
of Elderly Affairs, John O. Pastore Center, 74 West Road-2nd floor, Cranston, RI 02920. Questions can also be e-mailed to . For a confidential discussion about questions, issues or problems regarding growing older, call DEA at 462-3000. Seniors, families, and caregivers can also call THE POINT Resource Center at 462-4444.
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