Free Alzheimer Program Addresses Caregiver Stress

Caregivers face a variety of challenges when a loved one develops Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. To address specific challenges, The Alzheimer’s Association is offering a program, Caregiver Stress.

“This program will help caregivers navigate through the sometimes overwhelming process of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder,” said Melissa Grenier, Program Coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association New Hampshire office.

The program will take place Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 South River Road, Suite 210, Bedford. The program is free and open to family and friends caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. To register or for more information call 800.272.3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that nearly 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high; more than one-third report symptoms of depression. Due to the physical and emotional burden of caregiving, Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers had $9.3 billion in additional health care costs of their own in 2013.

“We want caregivers to know there are resources and support to help them,” said Grenier. “We want them to know they’re not alone.”

The Alzheimer’s Association, with headquarters in Watertown, has regional offices in Springfield, Raynham, and Worcester, MA and Bedford, NH. The Alzheimer Association provides services and programs for those with Alzheimer’s, family and professional caregivers in the form of support groups, a 24/7 Helpline, care consultation, advocacy efforts, research funding and education programs.

For more information about Alzheimer programs, visit www.alz.org/MANH or call 800.272.3900.