The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to more than triple in the next few decades – from five million today, to more than 16 million by 2050, unless a cure is found. As the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia grows, the need for communities to adapt and become more accessible to those living with dementia-related diseases will also grow.
This September, as part of World Alzheimer’s Month, the Home Instead Senior Care® network is on a mission to educate Americans about Alzheimer’s. Home Instead is encouraging people to learn more about the disease, and how to respectfully and compassionately interact with those who live with it.
On Alzheimer’s Learning Day, Sept. 21, Home Instead Senior Care invited people in greater Baton Rouge to participate in free live training webinars. The online sessions featured leading experts in Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
“As the number of seniors in our community grows, it is likely that every one of us will be touched by Alzheimer’s at some point, whether it’s a family member, neighbor, friend, or customer at work,” said Matt Cohn, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care offices serving greater Baton Rouge. “That’s why it’s important for each of us to learn how to better interact with people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. That way we can create a supportive environment that engages them.”
Home Instead’s Alzheimer’s Learning Day hopes to help improve the quality of life for those living with the disease and for their caregivers. Currently, more than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care for those living with the Alzheimer’s, and nearly 60 percent of individuals with dementia-related diseases live at home with support from family, friends, and other members of the community.
Cohn urges everyone to take the following steps:
-Learn the symptoms. Visit http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia-dealing/symptoms-and-stages/ to learn more about the symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s, and other dementias.
-Read an article about Alzheimer’s. Articles about Alzheimer’s can be found at http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia-dealing/guide/.
-Watch and share the “I Will Remember You” video at http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia-dealing/capturing-memories/video/.
-Take an E-Learning Class. Visit http://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/alzheimers-dementia-education/ to find an online Alzheimer’s and dementia class that interests you.
-Spread the word. Take the Home Instead Alzheimer’s Learning Day pledge, and share on your social media channels why you are participating.
"Many people caring for someone with dementia feel alone and isolated from their communities," said C. Grace Whiting, Chief Operating Officer of the National Alliance for Caregiving. "Caregivers need allies who understand the disease, and who have knowledge and resources to help those living with Alzheimer's, or other forms of dementia. By educating the community, we are fostering a global movement to build dementia-friendly neighborhoods that will reduce the stigma and isolation of caregiving, and bring caregivers back into the fold."