Caregiving during COVID-19

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https://www.alz.org/greatermissouri/helping_you/virtual-programs-and-services

 

Caregiving during COVID-19

 

The social distancing guidelines in place across Missouri and Illinois have resulted in even more challenging caregiving situations. We’re here to help. Contained on this page is information about our ongoing support mechanisms – 24/7 Helpline and virtual and phone-based care consultations and support groups – as well as our enhanced online resources and education programs. Please take a few minutes to read about how we can help and support caregivers and persons with the disease during this difficult time. And plan to check back, as we will be updating the information on a regular basis.

As always, the Alzheimer’s Association is available to you 24/7 for around-the-clock care and support at 1-800-272-3900.

Click the buttons below to learn more about each resource.



Questions from Caregivers

Our staff and volunteers have been fielding a range of questions as families settle into their new “normal.” We’ve compiled a list of these questions and will be adding to it as new ones arise. Please click on the ‘Q&A’ button and it will open a tab with the complete list or click the ‘Q&A Videos’ button to visit our playlist of helpful videos addressing your questions.

 

Education Classes

Join one or more of our free online education classes to learn about the signs, symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, care strategies and resources for individuals impacted by dementia.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s: Learn how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone with memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis; positive tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

COVID-19 and Caregiving: Caring for someone living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic adds unique challenges for caregivers. This program provides simple tips caregivers can put in place whether the person living with dementia lives at home, in a residential facility, or care providers are coming into the home.
Dementia Conversations: This program provides tips for breaking the ice with your family so you can address some of the most common issues that are difficult to discuss: going to the doctor for a diagnosis or medical treatment, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans for future care.
Effective Communication Strategies: Join us to explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
Healthy Living for your Brain and Body: Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Introduction to Alzheimer’s: Hear a brief overview of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and the Alzheimer’s Association services. Topics include the impact of Alzheimer’s, risk factors, warning signs and how others can join the fight against the disease.
Legal and Financial Planning: This program will cover information for families and individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Topics covered will include: making legal plans that fit your needs; legal documents you’ll need and what they mean for all of you; how to find legal and financial assistance; practical strategies for making a long-term plan of care; tax deductions and credits; government programs that can help pay for care
Living with Alzheimer’s Middle Stage – For Caregivers: In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this class as we discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s.
Living with Alzheimer’s for Late Stage Caregivers: In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically
involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person with the disease. In this 2-part series, you’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for the person with late-stage Alzheimer’s and their families.
  • Check back for more dates soon!
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Join us to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s; the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia; stages and risk factors; current research and treatments available for some symptoms; and Alzheimer’s Association resources.
Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior: Join us to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Care Consultations

Our social workers are available to conduct free care consultations by phone during this time. Care consultations provide families with a comprehensive needs assessment, individualized action plan to address current and future needs, and connections to critical chapter services and community resources.
To schedule a care consultation, call 314.801.0414.

Support Groups

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our support group structure has changed from in-person support groups to virtual – meaning connecting by video conference via your computer or by phone. The traditional groups are transitioning to virtual as the facilitator is able. These groups can reach you wherever you are!

Three ways to find a support group that meets your needs:
  • Call our 24/17 Helpline at 800.272.3900
  • Click the button below for a complete list of support groups
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  • Visit Community Resource Finder – click on ‘Alzheimer’s Association Programs and Events’ and then ‘Alzheimer’s Support Groups’.
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COVID-19 Tips for Caregivers

COVID-19 presents new challenges for caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia. Learn about safety tips and how to best care for your loved one whether they’re at home or in assisted living. Click here to view our tips for dementia caregivers.

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Additional Online Resources

  • Email us: Do you have a question or concern that wasn’t addressed on this page? Email us at [email protected] and a trained Alzheimer’s expert will get back with you.
  • ALZ Connected: ALZ Connected is a free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia, including people with the disease, caregivers, family members, friends, and individuals who have lost someone to Alzheimer’s.
  • Community Resource Finder: Community Resource Finder is a database that helps you easily locate dementia resources, programs and services in your area. Resources provided include Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, adult day centers, geriatric care managers, home care, housing options, hospice care, legal services and transportation services.
  • Alzheimer’s Navigator: Alzheimer’s Navigator is an innovative online tool to help caregivers and people living with dementia evaluate their needs, create a customized action plan and link to information, support and local resources.
  • United Way 2-1-1: United Way 2-1-1 is your 24/7 connection to agencies and resources near you. Serving United Way of Greater St. Louis’ service area and the entire state of Missouri, United Way 2-1-1 connects people to services that help them live their best possible lives – from basic needs to child care to disaster relief to counseling.
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Home-Based Activities and Resources

During this time of social distancing, those living with memory loss and their care partners may feel increasingly isolated and alone. To address the difficulties associated with staying home and being isolated from others, we have created a list of activities and coping strategies to help you through this time.

Click here to find virtual activities, resources, and tips on how to avoid conflict between caregivers and those with memory loss.

Chipotle Fundraiser September 26 4pm-8pmDepression can deepen over time for Alzheimer’s caregivers