Various forms of dementia are some of the fastest growing conditions affecting the population. And as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, more and more people will be affected.
Many family members of dementia patients choose to care for their loved ones in their own homes for as long as possible. However, this can often lead to the caregiver feeling isolated, overwhelmed and alone.
To help remedy this situation, a dementia support group has recently formed where caregivers can meet one another, discuss their situations and share tips on how to better care for their loved ones. The group meets at the Hilton Garden Inn at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month.
The group was formed by April Claxton, an APRN-CNP at Neurology Care, and Sara Cope, a hospice consultant with Good Shepherd Hospice.
Claxton said everyone caring for a dementia patient is welcome to attend the meetings, regardless of whether their loved one is a patient of either Neurology Care or Good Shepherd.
“We want this to be all about the community,” Claxton said. “It’s really not about us at all. In fact, if people meet up, swap contact information and become a friend to talk to, that’s fantastic.”
As most forms of dementia are progressive and will only continue to advance, Claxton said the most important thing there is when it comes to caring for a patient is coming up with a plan early.
“You need to go ahead and have that conversation about when to take the car keys and what that is going to look like,” she said. “You also need to discuss what to do if a long-term care facility becomes necessary and start looking into finances if you think that will be a concern.
“That way you aren’t have to deal with all of that at once while you’re trying to care for your loved one.”
Topics that will be covered during support group meetings include: types of dementia, stages of dementia, communicating with your loved one, managing behavior, home safety, nutrition, legal and financial issues, community resources, and much more.
The dementia support group will be meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 710 Premier Pkwy. in Ardmore at 6 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 12. A special guest speaker will discuss how she cares for her husband with dementia. Attendees can either come in by the lobby or park and come in by the meeting room or come in at the south end of the hotel.
