120,000 Wisconsin residents have Alzheimer's Disease and the COVID pandemic is presenting unique challenges for them and their caregivers.
Alzheimer's Association spokesperson Julie St. Pierre in Rhinelander says they've stepped up to provide virtual programming and other services, including important support groups for caregivers..
"So we take those support groups we normally do in person and moved them to a telephone version where caregivers can call in and connect with the staff and volunteers at the Alzheimer's Association and also connect with other caregivers..."
St. Pierre says besides emotional support, caregivers can share tips on what's working for them. There's two groups: one for people providing care at home and another group for family with a loved one living in a care facility. Because of the pandemic, they can't visit with their loved one at the facility.
By 2050, 13 million people are likely to be affected. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Julie St. Pierre says if someone wants to get more information about the support groups or general information, to the Alzheimer's hotlline(800-272-3900) which offers 24 hour support or go to their website.
We have the contact information at here.
