Learn tips for caregiver stress at Jan. 28 Alzheimer’s meeting

Anyone who provides care for someone with dementia can develop their own symptoms including denial, sleeplessness and anger but the Alzheimer’s Association support group at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese may provide some relief.

“Caregivers can exhibit denial about the disease and its effect on the person who’s been diagnosed and suffer sleeplessness from a never-ending list of concerns,” said Sandy Radford, program director for the hospital’s Senior Renewal service.

“They can experience anger—at the patient or others, that no cure exists or that people don’t understand,” Radford said. “We encourage caregivers to attend a support group meeting to see if it is helpful.”

The next session is at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in the Senior Renewal area of the hospital HealthPlex. The HealthPlex is north of St. Joseph’s in Breese along Jamestown Road.

Sessions are open to anyone caring for a person with dementia at home or in a nursing home or who has a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s or similar. There is no charge.

The group provides support in understanding, coping with and managing Alzheimer’s disease, assistance with community resources and information on the latest research.

A tour of the Senior Renewal area and an opportunity to meet staff members will be available.         

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease can include memory changes that disrupt daily life; challenges in planning or solving problems; difficulty completing familiar tasks; confusion with time or place; trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships; new problems with words in speaking or writing; misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps; decreased or poor judgment; withdrawal from work or social activities; and changes in mood and personality.

For more information, contact 526-5486, 526-5699 or e-mail Sandy Radford.

Alzheimer’s information is also available at 1-800-980-9080, e-mail the Helpline or visit www.alzstl.org.