Stress Management for Alzheim... Video Transcript

Webcast Transcript

Respite can take the form of a friend or neighbor looking after the Alzheimer affected individual. Or there are programs in many places which provide a few hours of time for the caregiver to go shopping or do other things that just restore a sense of normalcy.

DAVID MARKS, MD: So, get some time for themselves.

DELLA RIOS, RN: Absolutely. And there are social models for that, and there are medical models, so that if someone has a problem in addition, a medical problem in addition to the Alzheimer's, there are full-day programs in which the person can go and participate socially with others, and have the medical resources there to see to their needs. And there are other things, too.

DAVID MARKS, MD: How does the Alzheimer's Association fit into this?

DELLA RIOS, RN: I was just about to say that. You read my mind. The Alzheimer's Association, really, in many ways, is a source of referral for people. We have information, I believe, on every aspect of the disease and the care. So one of the ways you gain power and diminish your anxiety over this illness is to have knowledge. If you call the Alzheimer's Association, we have a 24-hour a day, seven day a week health line, and we'll answer anything. Be it you just need to talk, it's 2 a.m. and you can't get the person to sleep, what do you do? You're exhausted, and you just want somebody to talk to. Call us.

Or, you want to know what you can get some ongoing rest: Call us. We'll tell you what daycare programs are in your area, how to access them.

DAVID MARKS, MD: You refer to support groups?

DELLA RIOS, RN: We refer to support groups. That's probably one of the single most important things that a caregiver can do for themselves. It's a place to feel understood. This is not a very normative experience that you're going through as a caregiver. It's a great place for other information. Someone will say: Oh, I use Dr. So-and-so, or: I have this great daycare program.

DAVID MARKS, MD: How do they contact the Alzheimer's Association?

DELLA RIOS, RN: All they need to do is call 212-983-0700.

DAVID MARKS, MD: Okay. Thank you both. That was some very good and practical information. I appreciate it. Thank you for joining our webcast. I'm Dr. David Marks, and I'll see you next time on healthology.com.

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