Right now, over 827,000 Floridians across our state are serving as unpaid family caregivers for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Over 66% of those providing care are living with their own chronic health conditions. Here in Boca, many of our friends, neighbors and family members are impacted by this disease. November is National Family Caregiver month and an important time to ask ourselves and our community leaders, what are we doing to support them?
I personally took care of my father for seven years as he suffered from this disease. I had to make decisions and tough choices on my own and it was very difficult. My own family took a back seat as my father required more attention and I was unaware of the resources available to me until I got involved with the Boca Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Caregiving is challenging at the best of times and comes with increased rates of depression, anxiety and overall poor health. We give so much as caregivers but often don’t take care of ourselves. We need help. We cannot do it alone. My caregiving journey would have been completely different if I had known about the resources for caregivers available in my area. Especially the support groups.
If you are a caregiver, please seek support when you need it. Services like adult day care or in-home respite can provide a much needed physical and mental break from the demands of caregiving. Many times they can be covered through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs or local agencies. Reach out to the Elder Helpline at 800-963-5337.
Remember to take care of your own health and don’t skip doctor’s appointments or annual checkups. Make time to check in with your mental health and seek help when needed. Support groups can be a great way to connect with others going through a similar situation. The Alzheimer’s Association provides both virtual and in-person meetings as well as other area nonprofits. Visit alz.org or call their 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.
To our community leaders, we must ensure that caregivers have access to the resources they need for their loved ones. Our governor and legislature have invested historic increases in Alzheimer’s funding, however, it is not enough. We must do better. Local services like adult day care, in-home respite, Meals on Wheels and transportation support are critical for caregivers’ physical and mental health.
Please join me in making our voices heard and demanding that everyone impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia gets the help they need. Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place at South County Regional Park at 8 a.m. Nov. 12. Together, we will walk to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s. For more information and to register, visit alz.org/BocaRatonWalk.
Jennifer Thomason is a Boca Raton resident.