The Rhode Island chapter of the Alzheimer's Association collaborated on a State Guide on Alzheimer's with the Rhode Island Department of Health and other key stakeholders.
It's a pleasure to offer The Guide For People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers.
From the guide:
The Rhode Island Department of Health recognizes dementia as a public health crisis. The condition affects so many people – not only the person living with dementia but also their caregivers, families, friends, and communities.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 24,000 Rhode Island adults aged 65 or older live with some form of dementia. Given the state’s aging population, this number is expected to increase in the coming years. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia have an enormous impact on informal, unpaid caregivers. In Rhode Island, more than 36,000 unpaid caregivers provide more than 51 million hours of unpaid care. More than half of these caregivers live with their own chronic health conditions.
Living with dementia and caring for a person living with dementia can be challenging and frustrating at times. It can also be rewarding, empowering, and fulfilling. While many families will feel the confusion and uncertainty that comes with increased memory loss, others will feel the joy of laughter, growth, and resiliency that are part of living with this condition.
This guide is a resource for:
- Those who are curious about their aging brain. You’ll find information about brain health and how to keep your brain healthy as you age.
- Those who are living with a diagnosis of some form of dementia. You’ll find information about the stages of dementia and how the disease progresses.
- Those who are caregivers of a loved one with some form of dementia.
You’ll find information on actions you can take to care for your loved one, along with supports and services available right here in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Department of Health and its partners are committed to supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers in this state. This guide includes information, tools, and resources to help you make an action plan that’s right for you.
Please click here to download the full guide. (PDF)