Providing care for an aging loved one can be challenging, especially if he or she has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. These challenges have been exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic.
Hawai‘i has an estimated 29,000 citizens suffering from Alzheimer’s. By 2035, that number could rise to 35,000.
Care for those suffering with dementia is generally provided by family members. Many family caregivers begin this journey with no experience or training, so they can be understandably overwhelmed by their new responsibilities. Having no experience causes stress, uncertainty, fear, frustration and a myriad of other emotions.
One of the most effective ways to help ensure the highest quality of care for those with dementia is through caregiver education. Learning practical caregiving approaches and using local caregiving resources are important strategies.
Caregivers can be more successful if they know there is help in the community to assist them in their endeavors and when they are armed with the resources they need in order to provide safe, effective care for their loved ones.
In addition, caregiver education leads to improved health outcomes, not only for the kūpuna, but also for the caregivers.
HALE HAU‘OLI HAWAII (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
98-1247 Kaahumanu St., Ste. 207, Aiea, HI 96701
808-292-4665 | Kwyatt01@aol.com
www.halehauolihawaii.org
