Alzheimer’s disease is devastating not only for nearly 7 million Americans living with the disease, but also for the 11 million family and friends serving as caregivers. Here in Delaware, there are 31,000 family caregivers providing support to more than 22,300 people living with the disease.
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, offering an important reminder to support Delaware caregivers. The caregiving needs for someone living with Alzheimer’s are extensive and increase over time – on average four to eight years following a diagnosis. Many family caregivers juggle competing priorities including work and other family responsibilities.
Delaware caregivers are often stretched thin. Many are overwhelmed. Most could use help.
I am one of these caregivers. My wife of 36 years was diagnosed last year with Alzheimer’s. Our battle to slow the progression of the disease is constant and requires help from family, friends, medical professionals and the Alzheimer's Association.
This November, the Alzheimer’s Association is asking all Delaware residents to reach out and lend a hand. Take time to support a caregiver you know. Run errands, help with a household chore, give caregivers a break by spending time with the person with dementia, and educate yourself about the disease. The more you know, the easier it will be to help. Reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association to learn more and get involved by calling 800-272-3900 or going to alz.org.
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to newsroom@capegazette.com. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number and address for verification. Please keep letters to 500 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content and length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days. Letters restating information and opinions already offered by the same author will not be used. Letters must focus on issues of general, local concern, not personalities or specific businesses.
