Ken Krall talks with Alzheimer's Association Community Outreach specialist Julie St. Pierre about giving care to others. November is National Caregiver Month and a special month for the Alzheimer's Association...
Julie St. Pierre of the Alzheimer's Association with Ken Krall. Health officials estimate more than 1,100 people in Oneida county have dementia. In Vilas county it's about 775. Those numbers are expected to continue to rise in upcoming decades.
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Health officials estimate more than 1,100 people in Oneida county have dementia.
In Vilas county it's about 775. Those numbers are expected to continue to rise in upcoming decades. November is National Caregiver Month and Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.
Community Outreach Specialist for the Alzheimer's Association, Julie St. Pierre, says the two months bring into focus the long-term commitment of family members to those who are ill...
"...We know there's 5.8 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer's, including 110,000 people in Wisconsin alone. We know 70 percent of those individuals are cared for at home by their family, friends and neighbors. Really informal support networks which is why the tie between national family caregiver month and why the tie between National Caregiver Month and Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month is such an amazing fit...."
She says it's important to get help early...
"...Even if they can't identify a pressing need they need today, it's very important for families to start seeking help and assistance before there's come type of crisis. So they can learn about what kind of resources are available and tools that are out there to help them best care for their loved one..."
She says contact the Alzheimer's Association at ALZ.org or your local Aging and Disability Resource Center to see what support is available.
