When caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, caregivers experience a variety of challenges. These challenges encompass everyday hands-on care and may also include personal issues such as stress, isolation, fatigue, anxiety, and feelings of loss. While the Alzheimer’s Project Support Groups are a great place to find comfort from peers, some caregivers may need more space or time to discuss their personal challenges. With this in mind, the Alzheimer’s Project widens their breadth of support by offering additional one-on-one and family counseling.
This additional form of support provides the individualized care families need for their particular situation. In a confidential setting, caregivers share private information with trained professionals about emotional problems, difficulties in managing care, and their personal understanding of the disease process. Family counseling facilitates changing family dynamics, works through communication issues, and provides information on best practices for sharing the care of a loved one. Because dementia impacts the whole family, holistic education and resource gathering can also reduce anxiety for the recently diagnosed and their family.
In a recent survey, 3 out of 4 caregivers believe that attending one-on-one or family counseling with an Alzheimer’s Project family support counselor increased their coping strategies. In addition, 96.5% of caregivers feel supported by their Case Worker/Alzheimer’s Project staff. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Project is to provide comfort and support to people living with memory disorders and their caregivers. Counseling is one of the most important support services we provide. If you are a caregiver in need of counseling, please contact us at 850-386-2778. If you know a caregiver or family that needs help, please tell them about the Alzheimer’s Project.
