Valencia Family Resource Library Guide: Community Helpers

Community Helpers

The following are suggestions for types of helpers that may exist within your community. Some are resources for you to look up yourself, others will be more useful for folks who live in remote communities and may need help finding the right people to assist them. 

Support Groups

Many communities have support groups that focus specifically on families, caregivers, or patients. Patient groups are often organized by gender or by the different stages of Alzheimer’s.

Therapists

Many communities have therapists that focus specifically on caregivers, children or patients.

Adult Day Care Centers

These are places similar to day care centers for children, where you can drop your loved one off while you’re at work, then pick them up when you’re finished. Some offer evening and weekend hours and/or transportation services. Most offer services beneficial to your loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Assisted Living Facilities

These places offer more permanent living situations for your loved one.  

Alzheimer’s Association

This organization has an incredible amount of resources. From a virtual library to a 24/7 hotline, if you’ve got questions about Alzheimer’s, they have answers.

Hospital Staff

Asking questions isn’t just important for your kids, but for you as well. Utilize your time with hospital staff by asking questions and identifying more resources.

Counselors or Social Workers

Counselors can provide a neutral and nonjudgmental setting for you, your family, or your child to express and process feelings about what it’s like to love someone who is affected by Alzheimer's. A social worker might be assigned to patients in hospitals and facilities for reasons such as helping the patient transition from independent living to a facility.

Nursing Home Staff

These folks won’t just be watching your loved one if they join an assisted living facility, they’ll be engaging with him/her and can offer valuable insight into their progression, current likes or dislikes, and strategies for how to help them in the best way possible.

Emergency Responders

Should you have an emergency, these people can be reached via 911 to assist you in your emergency and get your loved one the care they need.

Church or Religious Leaders

Many find that religious support can be a source of relief during times of family illness. Even if you don’t consider yourself an active member, your religious community can offer support in a variety of ways.

United Way

If you’re unsure about local resources, the United Way can be a great way to get started. Calling them can help you find out what’s available locally to your and your family

Resources

Kosik, K.S., (2015) Outsmarting Alzheimer’s: What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk. The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. Larsen, F. K., Bowman, A., (2006). Learning to Speak Alzheimer's: The New Approach to Living Positively with Alzheimer's Disease. (A book for a positive look towards Alzheimer affected). Dementia, 5(2)