CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia CARES along with AARP West Virginia and other organizations held an event at University of Charleston Tuesday night for people caring for patients with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
The caregiver resource fair and film screening, which nearly filled UC’s Ballroom, was part of a statewide effort to help and educate patients’ family members.
“So they can be better educated on what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s disease, and how they can be more compassionate and caring in their roles within the community, said Helen Matheny, the Director of Alzheimer’s Outreach Program at Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute on what she hoped attendees would take away.
Living with and caring for an Alzheimer’s patient presents a number of challenges, Matheny explained.
“Everything from getting an accurate diagnosis, to having assistance with caregiving. In many cases it’s on the family’s shoulders to provide that care. And just information on the progression of the disease and what to expect,” she said.
Knowing the right way to care for loved ones is important, said Matheny, because many who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia don’t want to be placed in assisted living facilities.
“Many seniors want to stay at home,” Matheny said. “We’re seeing more and more best practices and models of care for community based resources that can be available to help people live their lives at home.”
West Virginia CARES stands for Coordinated Action, Response, Education and Support. More information on patient care can be found on their Facebook page.