While the month of November is largely associated with the beginning of a busy holiday season for many families, there is another very important observance that may hit close to home for millions of families across the country. National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, along with National Family Caregiver Month, is an important time of year to bring more attention to this illness that affects approximately one in eight Americans, making it the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. In fact, Alzheimer’s disease is the only illness among the top ten for which there is no known effective prevention.

It’s no wonder that Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most feared diseases in America. A recent Marist survey commissioned by Home Instead Senior Care showed that approximately 44 percent of Americans cite the illness as their most feared disease, compared to 33 percent who cite cancer. What’s more, this same survey revealed that despite the seriousness for which most of us regard Alzheimer’s, 61 percent of Americans feel unprepared to care for a loved one diagnosed with the disease.

With approximately 80 percent of Alzheimer’s care provided by family members, Home Instead Senior Care knew this issue needed to be addressed. The organization sought for a way to provide all current and future caregivers with the much-needed formal education and support to care for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer's CARE training program (Changing Aging Through Research and Education^SM)—based on the Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care developed by internationally known author and expert David Troxel—offers caregivers innovative resources for coping with challenges presented by the disease, while maintaining their loved one’s dignity and helping them live more fulfilling lives.

While Home Instead will be offering more than 600 free, in-person Alzheimer’s CARE training sessions in all 50 states during the months of November and December, you find one near you as the local Skokie branch will be hosting an hour-long workshop on Thursday November 29^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilmette Public Library. This workshop will focus on teaching family caregivers:

• Strategies for managing challenging behaviors
• Techniques to encourage your loved one to engage in activities
• Activities that are suitable for various stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

For more information on the workshop contact Tessa Silvestri at Home Instead Senior Care – tsilvestri@homeinstead.com, (847) 673-1250.

Thanks for reading!

Michael Melinger

mmelinger@homeinstead.com

Home Instead Senior Care

Caregivers & Companions, Live-In/Hourly, Meals, Housekeeping, Errands, Personal Care

Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette - 847-673-1250

Niles, Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Des Plaines - 847-518-1400

www.homeinstead.com/383

www.HomeInsteadChicago.com