Resources for Dementia & Alzheimer’s Patients

Resources for Dementia & Alzheimer’s Patients

A severe decline in mental ability is enough to sadden anyone especially as it occurs during old age. Dementia and Alzheimer’s invades one’s life greatly and makes tasks that were once easy much more difficult, which upsets the routines you or your loved one may be accustomed to. It is important to note that dementia is a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life while Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, which is categorized as a disease that attacks the brain. Whether it be dementia or Alzheimer’s you and your loved one may be dealing with, and living through, difficult times that could become worse as time progresses. One should not succumb to the disease and stop living their life though. It is important for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients to continue to work and challenge their brain as much as possible in order to prolong or sustain mental capacity and ability.

If you or a loved one is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s it is important to know that you are not alone in your battle. There are resources available to help you with the care of a person suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. You may or may not be aware of the multitude of services that various agencies and people have to offer. For example, here at Oxnard Family Circle Adult Day Health Care Center we strive to help you get informed of all the resources available to you and your loved one. We know that researching and calling agencies and other places can be a burden especially when your time is needed elsewhere. As a social worker here at Oxnard Family Circle we can assist you in determining your eligibility for Medi-Cal, VA benefits and more which can alleviate some stress from your hectic day. It is important to note that services and aide can vary for city to city or even by counties or states, so it is best to contact your local agencies to get the most accurate information.

Did you know that your local support agencies may have resources and other forms of aid to help with the costs associated with caring for a loved one with dementia and Alzheimer’s?

If your are located near our facility we would be more than happy in assisting and informing you of the resources we have to offer as well as those outside of the facility and in the community. For example, if you go to http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp and type in your zip code you could find the nearest Alzheimer’s Association office in your specific area. You may feel that you do not have time to go directly to the office, but their online site, alz.org, has plenty on information and resources as well. On this site you can find support programs for you and your loved one, so that you do not burn yourself out while caring for a loved one. We all need a helping hand and these resources give us the support we need to get through these difficult times.

If you are unable to find a sufficient amount of support on the Alzheimer’s Association website or if you wish to find out about other resources try calling Tri-Counties (for developmental disabilities) or 211 (for information on various resources). You never know you may find out about a food share program or information on adult day health care centers in your area that can help in alleviating you of the care of your loved one, so that you may have peace of mind while at work or doing other tasks. Another excellent website for information and resources is National Institute on Aging where you can navigate through the page and find what you may need.

It is important to help those with a declining memory and mental capacity, but we know it can be difficult especially when applying for senior care grants seems foreign. Never think you are alone in your battle as there are people able and ready to help you get the most of what you need. We can help guide you in the right direction and assist you in applying for the various forms of help and aide you may qualify for and need.

If you or your loved one qualifies for veteran benefits there are resources available to you as well. Here at Oxnard Family Circle ADHC, for example, we know that there are VA resources for veterans’ care which veterans, their spouses and caregivers may benefit from. Let us assist you in finding the available help. Our center has social workers dealing with veterans care exclusively, so be assured that you will be receiving information pertaining to your situation as well. On May 3^rd,2014 we will be hosting the DAV Veterans Information Seminar at our center and anyone is welcome. A highly trained National Service Officer from the DAV’s Oakland office will conduct the seminar. This veterans’ benefits expert offers you the best counseling and claim filing assistance you and your family can get.

As you can see help is available, so do not carry the burden alone. Take advantage of the resources and help available to you.

How Can Oxnard Family Circle Help?

At Oxnard Family Circle Adult Day Health Care Center we can help you get started by rounding up the information and resources you may need for senior care, memory care or even veterans care. We understand that waiting on the phone for your call to be answered can be a hassle, but we are here to help you get in contact with these agencies even if that means we have to call them and stay on hold. We pride ourselves in the excellent care of our participants while also assisting their families get all the help needed to care for them after hours or on the weekends. Our facility also has a Memory Care Unit where those that require more attention can receive the extra care they need in their own area of the facility. The memory care offered does not exclude them as they too have stimulation and activities planned throughout the day.

Our center works closely with the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter to ensure our participants and their families get all the information on changes and resources they may need. Our most notable collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association is the Garden of Memories Cafe held every 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am-1pm. Here we discuss various topics and provide support for families with a loved one suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. This event is open to participants and the community, so join us if you can. We also offer additional respite care every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month so you can drop off your loved while you run errands. While here your loved one would be encouraged to participate in activities and offered a snack.

Schedule your tour today. If you wish to get assistance or specifics about the resources we have to offer email us at info@oxnardfamilycircle.com or call us at (805) 385-4180. We understand that receiving the best senior and memory care is important to you and we want to help. We can also assist you in getting information on resources in your area (if not situated in Ventura County area).