“Caregiving Changes Everything” campaign recognizes the nearly 13 million Americans caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia
During National Family Caregivers Month in November, the Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, is honoring the nearly 13 million Americans who provide unpaid care and support to someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, including the 776,000 caregivers in New York State who provide 1.3 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at $33.8 billion.
Through its “Caregiving Changes Everything” campaign, the Association is recognizing how dementia changes family life and the profound difference caregivers make through their love, patience and support.
“Every day, family caregivers demonstrate remarkable compassion, resilience and love,” said Kate Flannery, executive director for Upstate New York Chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association. “They provide comfort, advocate for their loved ones and create moments of connection that matter deeply. The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to making sure caregivers have the information, resources and support they need throughout their caregiving journey.”
One of those devoted caregivers is Karen Pask of Cheektowaga, N.Y., who is caregiver to her husband, Larry. She says the most challenging aspect of caregiving is watching her husband slip away. “Watching the man I once knew turn into a man of extreme confusion,” she says, “and watching this horrible disease take over his body.”
Karen says a rewarding aspect of caring for Larry are the times when he’s still able to communicate clearly. “When he tries to talk in the present time, he cannot find the words and it frustrates him,” she says. “But he talks about his past like it was yesterday and can speak in full sentences.”
Karen counts on the Alzheimer’s Association for support as they navigate Larry’s condition. “The Alzheimer’s Association has helped me realize I am not alone in this journey,” she says. “The support, understanding and caring that is given speaks volumes.”
Across the country, family caregivers often manage medical appointments, medications, safety, transportation, financial decisions and emotional support. Many sandwich generation caregivers do so while balancing careers, raising families and managing their own health needs.
Friends, family members, employers and communities can also support caregivers through simple acts, such as helping with errands, delivering a meal, providing a break from caregiving or simply checking in.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, offers education programs, support groups, care planning tools and other resources for local families. More information is available at their website, alz.org/wny.
Help is also available around the clock through the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. Because while Alzheimer’s changes everything, caregivers do, too.