Should You Call the Alzheimer's Association BEFORE you know you need help for someone (or oneself..) or After? How About Before and ASAP....

 Here's some information I got from the amazing resource and support organization to help a friend in need consider options for addressing care needs for her relative. There's Lots to Learn Well in Advance and With A Team about caring for anyone, especially someone who needs homecare or has symptoms of becoming confused, forgetful, accusatory of others, angry over 'nothing', sundowning (confused or agitated in the evening, not sure if it's day or night or the next day,) losing things or not knowing what things are  or are used for now and then.

Needing help with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living such as getting up and dressed, eating and transferring to a commode, bathroom, wheelchair, or help with balance and not falling, hygiene) and preparing food and getting to medical and other appointments and having a routine and socializing are all important to monitor--especially if a person is driving, lives alone or has a lot of responsibilities to manage for their healthcare or business or personal life.

It can all add up to reasons for finding support and learning early on about signs for many kinds of declining ablities (such as managing finances or other executive functions to run one's life, drive or arrange rides and follow up with medical or other important details and routines including getting regular good sleep, having meals and social interactions, exercise such as walking or chair exercise, and keeping in touch with a few others or more in one's community and family or social group.) Here's the info I wanted to pass along from the Alz.org.

"The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. We provide reliable information, education, support and crisis assistance to families affected by dementia. Our toll-free 24/7 Helpline is available anytime – day or night – at 800.272.3900. We also provide a variety of online services through our website alz.org, including:
 

• I Have Alzheimer’s website (alz.org/IHaveAlz) — an online resource created with input from individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias that offers information and strategies to help those living in the early stage of the disease lead their best life for as long as possible.
• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center (alz.org/care) — a resource for caregivers, family and friends that provides reliable information and access to helpful online tools, including:
  • ALZConnected^® (alzconnected.org) — an online community for people with dementia, caregivers, family and friends.
  • Alzheimer’s Navigator^® (alz.org/alzheimersnavigator) — an innovative tool for creating a customized plan of action for life with Alzheimer’s.
  • Community Resource Finder (alz.org/CRF) — a tool for finding local resources, programs and support.
• Green-Field Library (alz.org/library) — the nation’s largest library dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease with material accessible virtually"