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Supports for Families Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. Tony Gobroski, Education Specialist Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska. Today’s Objectives…. Provide an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
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Supports for Families Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease Tony Gobroski, Education Specialist Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska
Today’s Objectives… • Provide an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias • Provide descriptions of ADRAA programs and services
Alzheimer’s Disease “A progressive, degenerative disease that attacks certain nerve cells within the brain” • Leads to loss of function and death of those nerve cells • Characterized by impaired memory, thinking and behavior • Most common cause of dementia among those age 65 and older
What is Dementia? • Not a disease, dementia is a term to describe a group of symptoms, including: • Loss of intellectual functions • Loss of memory • Confusion • Behavioral changes • Personality changes
Irreversible Alzheimer’s disease Pick’s disease Parkinson’s disease Lewy body Dementia Vascular Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease Reversible Depression Medication side-effect Thyroid disorders Acute alcohol abuse Anemia Electrolyte imbalance Causes Include…
Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease • No concrete cause has been determined, but age/genetics are thought to be risk factors • Diagnosis made through elimination of other conditions/diseases • Sticky plaques on nerve cells prevent neuron firing (information transfer) • Cell loss/chemical imbalance leads to decline of brain’s abilities • Damage to cells done years before symptoms appear
Current AD Facts • 5 million people in the U.S. have diagnosed AD • 4,500 Alaskans • 1 in 10 people have a family member w/ AD • $148 billion spent annually on direct/indirect care
Other points to ponder… • AD crosses all socio-economic, racial, gender boundaries • Each person is affected in a different way • Active brains are less likely to contract AD
ADRAA Programs/Services • Education/Outreach • Care Coordination • In-Home Services
Education/Outreach • Offices in Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau • Provides access to all ADRAA services and programs • Support groups, family/provider consultations, education and training opportunities throughout the State.
Support Groups • Regular, scheduled groups designed to offer peer support in a non-judgmental atmosphere • Caregiver support groups held on Thursdays • Memory Loss group held on Tuesdays for 8 weeks; all participants pre-screened
Education Opportunities • Savvy Caregiver: 6-week class for families caring locally • ABC Presentations: Offered to anyone interested in ADRD. Topics vary • Research Forum: Annual event to provide Alaskans w/ current trends in research, treatment
Mini-Grant Program • Grant funds for services and items • Alaskans diagnosed w/ ADRD • Essential items to improve quality of life and/or increase independent functioning • Maximum request is $2,500; multiple applications = $2,500 are accepted. • Applications reviewed throughout year
Care Coordination • Care-planning service for adults in Anchorage area. Short or long term. • Assistance w/ locating and accessing community services. • Eligible recipients are any individual w/ AD, and/or a frail elder age 60 or over • Private pay ($55.00/hr) or Choice Medicaid Waiver
In-Home Services • Respite: Short break for family caregivers • Chore: Help for seniors not physically or cognitively able to do household chores, meal preparation, laundry, etc. • CDPCA: Selected by consumer. Consumer trains, supervises for Activities of Daily Living. Agency does payroll, insurance, etc.
In-Home Services, cont’d • Eligible clients: Anyone diagnosed w/ AD or related dementia, and/or frail elder age 60 or older. • Private pay $22.44/hr • Sliding scale based on household income • Medicaid • Statewide service
Why should people contact ADRAA? • Diagnosis of ADRD can be overwhelming; families often feel lost • Agency staff can outline a “plan of action” to get started on needed support • Educational benefits and peer support create sense of “knowledge is power” • Help = Strength
How to Contact Us… • In person 1750 Abbott Road Anchorage, AK 99507 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday • By telephone 907-561-3313 toll free in AK 1-800-478-1080 • On the web www.alzalaska.org