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Connecting with People
- When to Call? Due to the challenges of dementia and
Alzheimer's disease, individuals are faced with tough situations and
hard conversations. As the disease progresses, the family caregiver
takes on increasing responsibilities. At the same time, the person
with memory loss would like to maintain independence, and stay involved
in care decisions. Discussions about money, health care decisions,
legal issues, driving safety, treatments and future financing of
care are all common areas of concern in Alzheimer's.
These emotionally charged issues need to be addressed as early as
possible and sometimes help is needed from an outside, unbiased person
who understands Alzheimer's and the common challenges, and can offer
solutions.
Connecting with People
The Connections Care Consultation program provides individualized
guidance to families and individuals to address immediate needs and
planning for the future, with ongoing support throughout the course
of the disease.
Our professionals help families identify and respond to the
challenges and changes of Alzheimer's; set individualized goals;
help problem solve; and connect individuals to services and
resources. They also provide practical advice, consumer information
and disease education about how to manage care.
The Connections care consultant meets in person with the person who
has memory problems, their family caregiver, partner or support
system. We make every effort to understand the history of the person
who has Alzheimer's disease and to learn about their background,
life story and current needs.
From this initial meeting or meetings, a written plan of care or
action is created to guide the family caregiver to practical
solutions, and also build a stronger safety net of support. Our goal
is to optimize the health and function of the person with memory
loss while maintaining the health and well-being of the caregiver
and all involved. back
to top When to Call?
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Difficulties in
managing care, person with memory loss refuses help
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Disagreements amongst
family members about care
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Concerns about money
or need to find help
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Family caregiver
experiencing health problems, depressed, fatigued or overwhelmed;
increased anger, guilt and sadness
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Safety concerns for
the person with memory loss or the caregiver
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Need immediate help
or want to make a plan for the future
back to top
To Access Connections, contact the Chapter at 800-848-7097 or
contact Joanne McMahon.
The Connections program is confidential and offered at no cost.
Donations accepted. |
