Helping caregivers help each other
Many of you have joined WEGO Health’s Alzheimer’s Disease Community seeking resources, reassurance and hope from other caregivers, patients and advocates. I’m here in the midst of it all, listening to your concerns and questions, and helping point you in the right direction.
My involvement with Alzheimer’s is painted with a broad brush. As a medical educator, I’m continually tracking the latest advances in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment. There’s so much going on, from Capital Hill proceedings on proposed benefits and funding for Alzheimer’s research, to increasing reports of Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, which strikes people in their forties.
Personally, I watched my close friend Janet travel this road with her mother – a descent she describes as swift and relentless, like writing a story that can have only one ending.
As an Alzheimer’s caregiver, Janet has navigated a large cast of characters – some unforgiving and detached, emerging only when financial or guardianship disputes arise. Janet’s the one who changes diapers and ensures her mother doesn’t wander out for the mail -- for the tenth time that day.
Of course, Janet’s story isn’t unique. Many of the stories shared on WEGO Health - including those from health activists Carol Bradley Bursack and Michael Murphy - express similar frustration, loneliness, anger and guilt. I invite you to add your own.
This fall, we’ll launch a series of free online seminars focused on the specific challenges of Alzheimer’s caregivers. Our first seminar will focus on what Janet says she’s lacked: Knowledge about the policies and guidelines nursing homes follow to determine the cost of care.
What other seminar subjects would be useful? Join the discussion in the community or e-mail me your ideas. I look forward to hearing from you all!
Take care,
Wendy Gammon, M.A., M.Ed.
WEGO Health Activist
My involvement with Alzheimer’s is painted with a broad brush. As a medical educator, I’m continually tracking the latest advances in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment. There’s so much going on, from Capital Hill proceedings on proposed benefits and funding for Alzheimer’s research, to increasing reports of Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, which strikes people in their forties.
Personally, I watched my close friend Janet travel this road with her mother – a descent she describes as swift and relentless, like writing a story that can have only one ending.
As an Alzheimer’s caregiver, Janet has navigated a large cast of characters – some unforgiving and detached, emerging only when financial or guardianship disputes arise. Janet’s the one who changes diapers and ensures her mother doesn’t wander out for the mail -- for the tenth time that day.
Of course, Janet’s story isn’t unique. Many of the stories shared on WEGO Health - including those from health activists Carol Bradley Bursack and Michael Murphy - express similar frustration, loneliness, anger and guilt. I invite you to add your own.
This fall, we’ll launch a series of free online seminars focused on the specific challenges of Alzheimer’s caregivers. Our first seminar will focus on what Janet says she’s lacked: Knowledge about the policies and guidelines nursing homes follow to determine the cost of care.
What other seminar subjects would be useful? Join the discussion in the community or e-mail me your ideas. I look forward to hearing from you all!
Take care,
Wendy Gammon, M.A., M.Ed.
WEGO Health Activist
Tags: alzheimer's, eoad, homes, nursing
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