Today there are about 5,000,000 cases of Alzheimer's in the USA, but that doesn't tell the full story. Most of those cases also have siblings, sons, daughters and grandchildren, making the actual number of families involved a multiple of that number, and they all need HELP.
The large number of people who are currently caring, or have in the past cared for, Alzheimer's patients should mean there is a wealth of experienced help available out there. Alz-Helpers are people who can help, either on a volunteer basis or for hire, and not just limited to those with nursing degrees.
As anyone dealing with Alzheimer's soon learns, the day-to-day chores of living become a challenge. Sometimes just having someone who can change a flat tire, or mow the lawn, or sit with the patient while the primary caregiver does grocery shopping, or even just someone to drop by and chat for an hour can greatly assist the caregiver and, by extension, the patient.
Alz-Helpers are people who can help, in any capacity. If you are someone with experience in caring for an Alzheimer's (or any other form of dementia) patient, or perhaps just someone who wants to help those who do, please list your availability and parameters below. In the near future we plan to tour the USA offering seminars to caregivers, both family and professional, to teach care giving skills specific to Alzheimer's. If you'd be interested in attending such a seminar, please note this on your sign-up form. If you wish, you can get an Alz-Helper lapel pin after signing up.
