Giving In-Home Care To Those With

Alzheimer’s Disease

Jan Johnston, Ph.D.Gerontology State Specialist

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

Oklahoma State University July 2009

Part 1: Alzheimer’s Disease

Background Information

Alzheimer’s & Dementia

What’s the Difference?

What is Alzheimer’s Disease

• Alzheimer’s is a brain disease

• It slowly destroys brain cells

• It affects many aspects of a

person’s life and well-being

More About Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

• Often called a “family disease”

• Not a normal process of aging

• A major public health problem

Three Stages of AD• Early Stage: 2-4 years (average or

longer)

• Middle Stage: 2-10 years (average or longer)

• Late Stage: 1-3 years (average or longer)

How/Why Does AD Develop?

• No one knows the exact causes … Yet

• Medical scientists are hard at work to determine how to prevent the disease

The Numbers of AD

• 5.2 million Americans

• Every 70 seconds

• 9.9 Million Unpaid Caregivers

• $148 Billion Annual Costs

Incidence of AD in OK

• Estimated 70,000 Oklahomans in 2009

• Increased by 220% in the last 10 years

• By 2025, the number is expected to increase unless we discover how to prevent the disease from starting

The Rural OK Caregiver

• 68 of 77 OK counties are rural

• Access to care can be more difficult

• Obstacles: Distance to and lack of local support for AD services & providers

Part 2: Alzheimer’s Disease

and In-Home Safety

Home Safety

Look at home and yard with new eyes

• Safe environments reduce accidents

• Safe environments promote comfort

and security

Home Safety Tips

• Less is Better: Clear all clutter

• Don’t move favorite things

• Increase the light in rooms

• Remove or secure all throw rugs

More Home Safety Tips

• Use childproof latches on cabinets

• Keep all dangerous items out of reach

• Be alert to kitchen safety issues

Part 3:

How to Be An Effective Caregiver

Who is Giving Care?

• Who is the #1 person who provides care to those with Alzheimer's?

• Who is the #2 person who provides care to those with Alzheimer’s?

• What are the some of the challenges each might face with the additional responsibilities of providing care?

Who is Giving Care? #1: Spouses: Older; Often with own health issues #2: Daughters: “Sandwich” Generation

Others Include:

Sons:

Son/Daughter In-Laws:

Siblings: Earlier conflicts can flare

Grandchildren:

Prepare to CareGet Educated

•Recognize warning signs

•Know the myths

•Become aware of risk factors

Prepare to CareTaking Care of Self

• Join a support group or start one

• Build a Support Network

• Maintain regular checkups

• Use Respite Services

• Engage in hobbies

Caregiver Reminders

• Without support, there is increased caregiver risk

• Accept help from others

• Develop a daily plan

Caregiver Challenges

• Life can be Unpredictable

• The role of the caregiver will change

• Must deal with loss along with other demands

Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

• Denial

• Anger

• Depression

• Increasing Health Problems

Reaching Out:

• Extended Community Helpers

• Home Health Services

• Residential Care

Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Resource

Alzheimer’s Association: OK chapter1-800-272-3900 (24/7)

www.alz.org/alzokar

Oklahoma Caregiving Resources

• OK Respite Resource Network (ORRN)

1-800-426-2747

http://oasis.ouhsc.edu/

• Respite Voucher Program

1-888-771-4550 (Application)

Oklahoma Caregiving Resources

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

11 Planning & Service Areas in OK Senior Info-Line: 1-800-211-2116 OK Dept of Human Services

National Alzheimer’s Resources

Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral (ADEAR) Center

1-800-438-4380

www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/

ReferencesAlzheimer’s Association. 2009. 2009 Alzheimer’s facts and figures. Retrieved May 2, 2009 from http://www.alz.org/alzokar/

Alzheimer’s Association. Coach Broyles’ playbook for Alzheimer’s caregivers: A practical tips guide.

Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Fact Sheet. Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Home safety: For people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Alzheimer’s disease: Unraveling the mystery

Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Caregiver guide: Tips for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease.