Written for AGIS.com by Eric J. Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

With an estimated five million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, millions of caregivers each day are facing challenges and issues that are uniquely tied to this heartbreaking brain disorder. These caregivers often feel overwhelmed—and, moreover, alone. But this doesn’t need to be the case.

www.alzfdn.org encourages caregivers to reach out for care—to national organizations such as ours that has a wealth of resources and services, to local organizations, including our member organizations, in their communities that offer hands-on support services, and to other caregivers willing to share their experiences and knowledge.

AFA is proud to be a part of AGIS.com’s new Alzheimer’s and Dementia section to offer trusted information and resources for caregivers, including Ask the Expert. The Ask the Expert feature marks a new level of support for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. It connects them directly with our trusted advisors—AFA’s team of licensed social workers—to help guide caregivers and other family members on their journey. If you or someone you know has a concern , has questions about caregiving, such as behavioral issues, medication management, safety issues, etc., or simply needs to express feelings, we are available to bring you the answers and support you need. We know caregiving during this progressive disease can be extremely difficult at times, so don’t be afraid to ask about any challenges you are facing. No question is insignificant. Our team at AFA is committed to continue to provide providing useful and timely information that will aid your understanding.

In addition to providing expert advice, AFA offers many other services and national initiatives, including help with finding adult day programs, long-term care facilities and local support groups, educational videos for family and professional caregivers, a free quarterly magazine specifically for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, National Memory Screening Day, an AFA Teens division, and the AFA Quilt to Remember, which offers caregivers the opportunity to celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

AFA’s mission is “to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families—through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life.” We are pleased that AGIS shares this desire with us and to partner with them to help bring family caregivers this new in-depth resource so they do not have to face this devastating disease alone.

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, please visit our Web site at www.alzfdn.org or call our toll-free number at 866- AFA – 8484. Reach out for care…

Resources from AGIS.com:

Ask the Expert – AFA
New Alzheimer’s and Dementia section
Additional Alzheimer’s Section

Filed under: Alzheimer's, Expert