The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter is recognizing the nearly 12 million Americans who provide unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another dementia during National Family Caregivers and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November.
The Iowa chapter also announced new and expanded resources. They’re designed to help families navigate the challenges of dementia at every stage.
Burlington, Iowa, resident Ashlie Timm understands the demands of dementia caregiving firsthand. After noticing her friend Sue’s house was in disarray, with unpaid bills and signs of distress, Ms. Timm stepped in to help. She now assists Sue with doctor appointments, meal delivery, home maintenance, and finances, becoming her primary caregiver due to Sue’s daughter’s severe health issues.
Ms. Timm’s experience with caring for her mother, who had dementia, led her to volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Burlington.
New resources launched this year include:
- Transitions in Care: An online education program to help families navigate the decision to transition a person living with dementia into long-term care.
- The Empowered Caregiver: An evidence-based education program designed for middle- and late-stage caregivers to build skills, manage stress, and find community.
- My ALZ Journey: A free, personalized digital tool that helps individuals newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias – and their care partners – access tailored information and local support.
Currently, 80,000 caregivers in Iowa provide care to more than 62,000 individuals over the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides local support and programs. That includes 24/7 Helpline staffed by master’s level clinicians and specialists. It’s available 365 days a year. Call the Helpline at (800) 272-3900.
