1. Giving In-Home Care To Those With Alzheimer’s Disease Jan Johnston, Ph.D. Gerontology State Specialist Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Oklahoma State University July 2009

2. Part 1: Alzheimer’s Disease Background Information

3. Alzheimer’s & Dementia What’s the Difference?

4. What is Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s is a brain disease It slowly destroys brain cells It affects many aspects of a person’s life and well-being

5. More About Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Often called a “family disease” Not a normal process of aging A major public health problem

6. Three Stages of AD Early Stage: 2-4 years (average or longer) Middle Stage: 2-10 years (average or longer) Late Stage: 1-3 years (average or longer)

7. How/Why Does AD Develop? No one knows the exact causes … Yet Medical scientists are hard at work to determine how to prevent the disease

8. The Numbers of AD 5.2 million Americans Every 70 seconds 9.9 Million Unpaid Caregivers $148 Billion Annual Costs

9. Incidence of AD in OK Estimated 70,000 Oklahomans in 2009 Increased by 220% in the last 10 years By 2025, the number is expected to increase unless we discover how to prevent the disease from starting

10. The Rural OK Caregiver 68 of 77 OK counties are rural Access to care can be more difficult Obstacles: Distance to and lack of local support for AD services & providers

11. Part 2: Alzheimer’s Disease and In-Home Safety

12. Home Safety Look at home and yard with new eyes Safe environments reduce accidents Safe environments promote comfort and security

13. Home Safety Tips Less is Better: Clear all clutter Don’t move favorite things Increase the light in rooms Remove or secure all throw rugs

14. More Home Safety Tips Use childproof latches on cabinets Keep all dangerous items out of reach Be alert to kitchen safety issues

15. Part 3: How to Be An Effective Caregiver

16. Who is Giving Care? Who is the #1 person who provides care to those with Alzheimer's? Who is the #2 person who provides care to those with Alzheimer’s? What are the some of the challenges each might face with the additional responsibilities of providing care?

17. Who is Giving Care? #1: Spouses: Older; Often with own health issues #2: Daughters: “Sandwich” Generation Others Include: Sons: Son/Daughter In-Laws: Siblings: Earlier conflicts can flare Grandchildren:

18. Prepare to Care Get Educated Recognize warning signs Know the myths Become aware of risk factors

19. Prepare to Care Taking Care of Self Join a support group or start one Build a Support Network Maintain regular checkups Use Respite Services Engage in hobbies

20. Caregiver Reminders Without support, there is increased caregiver risk Accept help from others Develop a daily plan

21. Caregiver Challenges Life can be Unpredictable The role of the caregiver will change Must deal with loss along with other demands

22. Symptoms of Caregiver Stress Denial Anger Depression Increasing Health Problems

23. Reaching Out: Extended Community Helpers Home Health Services Residential Care

24. Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Resource Alzheimer’s Association: OK chapter 1-800-272-3900 (24/7) www.alz.org/alzokar

25. Oklahoma Caregiving Resources OK Respite Resource Network (ORRN) 1-800-426-2747 http://oasis.ouhsc.edu/ Respite Voucher Program 1-888-771-4550 (Application)

26. Oklahoma Caregiving Resources Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)  11 Planning & Service Areas in OK  Senior Info-Line: 1-800-211-2116  OK Dept of Human Services

27. National Alzheimer’s Resources Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral (ADEAR) Center 1-800-438-4380 www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/

28. References Alzheimer’s Association. 2009. 2009 Alzheimer’s facts and figures. Retrieved May 2, 2009 from http://www.alz.org/alzokar/http://www.alz.org/alzokar/ Alzheimer’s Association. Coach Broyles’ playbook for Alzheimer’s caregivers: A practical tips guide. Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Fact Sheet. Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Home safety: For people with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Alzheimer’s disease: Unraveling the mystery Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center. National Institute on Aging (undated) Caregiver guide: Tips for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease.