Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Hilton Head

Alzheimer’s affects millions of Americans each year along with even more unpaid family caregivers that support those living with it.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the perfect time to raise awareness for a disease affecting over 6 million Americans. There are plenty of ways to raise awareness and show support. One of the easiest is to wear teal throughout the month, this is the color of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. They chose teal as it has been showing to be a calming color and can help comfort someone living with Alzheimer’s.

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

While each person is unique and may experience different symptoms, here are some of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s:

• Memory loss, particularly of recent events, names, places, and new information
• Confusion about time and place
• Struggling to complete familiar tasks such as brushing one’s teeth
• Trouble finding the right words to use
• Difficulty in judging situations
• Changes in mood or personality

How to Care for Someone with Alzheimer’s?

Most of the care provided to those living with Alzheimer’s typically comes from family and friends. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is no easy task though. It can be very stress-inducing and affect the caregiver’s physical and mental health. Here are a few tips you can use to help your loved one living with Alzheimer’s.

• Encourage independence – Treat your loved one as an adult, not a child. Give them as much independence as possible.
• Set structure – A day that is scheduled with activities helps those living with Alzheimer’s manage some symptoms such as agitation and depression.
• Be your loved one’s memory – You now need to remember appointments, names, people, places, etc. for your loved one. Gently remind your loved one, but don’t overdo it to embarrass them.
• Listen – Be there to listen, someone living with Alzheimer’s will likely feel some of the following: frustration, depression, anxiety, and anger. Make sure you also have a support system in place to support your own frustrations.
• Live in the moment – You can’t change what may have occurred yesterday, or predict what the next day holds. You can, however, enjoy the time you have with your loved one today.
• Reduce expectations – Don’t expect your loved one to remember tasks, things you have said, or anything similar. Reset your expectations to reflect your loved one’s condition.

Local Resources

Alzheimer’s Association Support Groups – They work to bring care and support to every community so that no one has to face Alzheimer’s or dementia alone. They offer support groups across South Carolina for both caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. They offer in person support groups nearby in Bluffton on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month.

Memory Matters – They aim to create communities that support individuals and families living with the impact of dementia and to be a leader in brain health. Established in 1997, they have been providing memory care to Lowcountry families while also focusing on educating the community on what can be done to slow Alzheimer’s and ways to keep the brain healthy.

Alzheimer’s Family Services of Greater Beaufort – This organization provides social day programming for those living with Alzheimer’s twice a week. The program is therapeutic for the patients and allows for respite time for their primary caregivers.

How Can Griswold Support Someone with Alzheimer’s?

If you or someone you love is living with Alzheimer’s in the Hilton Head, Bluffton, or Beaufort area, Griswold Care Pairing for Hilton Head is here to help you navigate the journey with greater confidence and support. Our referred Caregivers can provide companionship and respite care, giving family Caregivers time to rest, recharge, or take care of other responsibilities. Caregivers can also help create comfortable daily routines, offer gentle reminders, prepare meals, assist with personal care, encourage familiar activities, and provide reassuring companionship in the comfort of home. You don’t have to navigate Alzheimer’s alone. Reach out to us today to learn how we can pair a Caregiver who fits your family’s needs.