The Alzheimer’s Association works to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Their services span care, support, education, legislation, and research.
When a family receives the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, it impacts every aspect of life. Fortunately, the Association is there to listen, guide, and educate. Two hundred twenty thousand people in Ohio have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Family caregivers lives are also significantly impacted. Alzheimer’s Association services to support the needs of individuals with dementia and their caregivers are offered free of charge.
CARE AND SUPPORT
The Care and Support resources available include:
- Nationwide 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900)
- Face-to-face support groups and education
- Free Care Consultations by trained clinicians with the tools to diagnose, educate, inform, and coach
- ALZConnected®, an Online community forum, providing a place to connect, question, and share
- Innovative resources to support those living with Alzheimer’s
- Online caregiving resources and information
- Alzheimer’s Navigator®, another online tool, helps those facing the disease to determine their needs and develop an action plan
- Education on the diagnosis, warning signs, communication, living with Alzheimer’s and caregiving techniques – often partnering with an organization to present in their facility, the Association office, or at a workplace.
- Alzheimer’s Association & AARP Community Resource Finder, a comprehensive database of dementia and aging-related resources
- The nation’s foremost library and resource center devoted to increasing knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
Whether it is a question about when it is necessary to ask a family member to stop driving, or learning about warning signs of dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association is available to help. You can call the Helpline or read through a forum, gathering ideas from people who have already been through the same issue. You can also stop in the Alzheimer’s Association office right here in Arrowhead Park. Caregiving is extremely stressful for the spouse and adult children, impacting their jobs, which creates a significant benefit for businesses to help educate their employees.
RESEARCH
As the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, the Association is committed to advancing vital research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure. Imagine a world without Alzheimer’s.
ADVOCACY
The Association is the leading voice for Alzheimer’s disease advocacy, fighting for critical Alzheimer’s research and care initiatives at the state and federal level. They work to educate our lawmakers, encourage families to reach out to their representatives, and run awareness campaigns. For example, Ohio state legislation currently has a bill in process that would require all new first responders to have dementia training. The Association works with volunteers and families to make the issue known to the legislature. They encourage families to take part in the process, teaching them what to listen for and what questions to ask.
EVENTS
You may have heard about the two big events that the Association holds each year. “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” events are held in Toledo (October 10, 2020) and Archbold, Sandusky, Grand Lake, Findlay, Mansfield, Tiffin, and Lima. Karen Moore handles these events and would love to see a team registered from your office! Check out alz.org/nwohio/walk.
“The Longest Day” fundraisers are created by individuals who use their private events to raise awareness and donations. The event name, the longest day, not only indicates the summer solstice, but also the long days and struggles of families dealing with this horrible disease. Your event could be any day, in honor of a loved one coping with dementia. MaritzCX on Indian Wood Circle has hosted an event in the past including a kickball tournament and a picnic.
The next event, held in Arrowhead Park at the Pinnacle, is the “Reason to Hope” fundraising education breakfast on April 29. Doors open at 7:30 am for networking with a program from 8-9 am. Mark your calendars for this uplifting event. RSVPs are required.
The Alzheimers Association moved into the former Andersons corporate headquarters building at the corner of Ford and Dussel about a year ago and love their new space. Executive Director Julia Faulkner Pechlivanos and Karen Moore report being delighted with the building and location. Stop by any time, 8:30-4:30 M-F, with your questions and to find out more about their many resources.
