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Senior News September, 2004 Vol. 25. No. 9
Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.
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Humboldt Senior Resource Center Back issues Table of Contents
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Unsung heroes Alzheimer's patients place a much greater demand on caregivers by Maggie Kraft A survey of 7,443 community-dwelling older Americans found that patients with moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's disease type require the assistance of caregivers for 22 hours per week on average, whereas the typical older person without Alzheimer's requires just 4.6 hours of caregiving. According to additional data, those who care for people with Alzheimer's disease visit their physicians more often, use more prescription drugs, are more likely to report symptoms of depression or feel more isolated than the general population, and report more family conflict than do those caring for people with other illnesses. These caregivers are the ultimate unsung heroes. At the Alzheimer's Resource Center, we believe it is essential to help these caregivers cope with the complexity and emotional burden of providing care to a loved one with Alzheimer's. We provide support groups, educational events and materials and one-on-one counseling to help reduce social isolation and caregiver burnout. For the families who aren't using a day care program, these ancillary services can make all the difference. For those who attend either of our two day care programs, we offer scholarships to help make paying for these services just a little easier. Help us this year in singing to these heroes and ensuring the services we provide are there for them. It is as easy as joining us at 10 a.m., Oct. 23 for the 15th Annual Soroptimist Walkathon. If you can't come out for the walk, make a pledge to one of our walkers. This year we have a new and shortened route: a two-mile walk from the Adorni to our center at 1901 California Street. Free shuttle service will be provided during and after the walk. A BBQ luncheon will be provided at the Alzheimer's Resource Center, courtesy of Soroptimist International. Each walker will receive a T-shirt to wear the day of the race. The three walkers who bring in the most donations over $500 will win prizes: a one-night stay at the Lost Whale Bed and Breakfast Inn in Trinidad; a two-night stay at the Albion Inn in Ashland, Oregon; and a special home spa package from Bubbles. The entry fee for this walk, which includes the T-shirt and luncheon, is only $15. For information or pledge forms, contact the hotline at 707-441-5120. For more information about Alzheimer's or other related dementias and how we can help you cope, call the Alzheimer's Resource Center at 707-444-8254. Maggie Kraft is director of the Alzheimer's Resource Center, a program of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, www.humsenior.org. |
Senior News