Resources for the diagnosis and care of seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A Place to Start is a nonprofit organization, started in memory of a loved one who had Alzheimer’s disease, that provides hope, help and guidance to other families in similar circumstances. We can help develop individualized care plans for living with a dementia diagnosis. We also offer mentorship, navigation assistance, guidance, planning, support and understanding.
Provides education and training programs throughout Maine and a round-the-clock telephone Helpline for information, consultation, referral services and care management services.
A Biddeford-based support group for caregivers of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Outpatient geriatric programs. Services include a Falls Clinic for strength and balance, general geriatric assessments, and a dementia evaluation center.
In dementia evaluations, a collaborative team consisting of a geriatrician, nurse and social workers can make a diagnosis of dementia or memory disorder, provide information about the disease, and offer access to resources for appropriate care.
City of Portland Adult Day Services Program is designed to offer supportive, daytime care that enables individuals living alone or with family to remain at home, help individual clients rediscover and expand their abilities, friendships and interests, provide a specialized program for clients with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, and provide much-needed respite for caregivers. Services include: Light breakfast and hearty noon meal, health and medication monitoring by an R.N., therapeutic activities such as music, art, exercise, and much more.
Affiliated with Mercy Hospital, VNA’s LifeStages programs provide in-home care services to help seniors maintain independent lifestyles as they age. Specialized “Care Navigators” trained in Alzheimer’s care can work with clients living at home or in long-term care facilities.
Q: I am the primary caregiver for my husband, who has just recently been diagnosed with dementia. I feel that his symptoms are already getting worse.
I have recently retired and we have had some quality time together, but I need to know more and could really use some support.
I’m sure there are others out there with the same issues. How do I get connected?
-Polly in Cape Elizabeth
Director of Community Services at the Southern Maine Agency on Aging
A:Several agencies offer classes to help people who are caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s. For instance, the Family Caregiver Support Program offers a six-week course called Maine Savvy Caregiver. The class will teach you more about how dementia affects your loved one, as well as strategies for how to reduce stress and take care of yourself, and how to communicate more easily with your loved one.
To find out more and get a schedule of classes, call the Southern Maine Agency on Aging at 1 800 427-7411. The Alzheimer’s Association also is another resource for caregivers in this situation; they may be reached at 772-0115.
Email us at [email protected] with your questions. We’ll find an expert who can offer advice and post their response here.
Visit The Challenge of our Age on Facebook to talk with other seniors and caregivers and share advice about issues you’ve faced.
