What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of a group of brain diseases called dementias. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases. Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, mixed dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease, like all dementias, gets worse over time and there is no known cure. Nearly 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease destroys brain cells causing problems with memory, thinking, and behavior that can be severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies, and social life. Eventually, it can affect one’s ability to carry out routine daily activities. Today, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. It is the fifth leading cause of death for those aged 65 years and older.

For more information, see www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figuresexternal icon.

What is known about caregiving for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?

People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are usually cared for by family members or friends. The majority (80%) of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are receiving care in their homes. Each year, more than 16 million Americans provide more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for family and friends with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In 2019, these caregivers will provide an estimated 18.5 billion hours of care. Approximately two-thirds of dementia caregivers are women, about one in three caregivers (34%) is age 65 or older, and approximately one-quarter of dementia caregivers are “sandwich generation” caregivers, meaning that they care not only for an aging parent, but also for children under age 18.

Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias provide care for a longer duration than caregivers of people with other types of conditions (79% versus 66%). Well over half (57%) of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias provide care for four years or more. More than six in ten (63%) Alzheimer’s caregivers expect to continue having care responsibilities for the next 5 years compared with less than half of caregivers of people without dementia (49%).

The demands of caregiving can limit a caregiver’s ability to take care of themselves. Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/alzheimer.htm.

People aged 65 or older are more prone to heat-related health concerns. Older adults can’t adjust to sudden temperature changes as fast as younger people. This may happen because of certain medicines they take or chronic illnesses that affect their ability to regulate body temperature. When not treated properly, heat-related illnesses can lead to death. But you can take steps to stay cool during hot weather.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS

If your body becomes overheated, you can be in danger of heat-related illness. These illnesses can includeexternal icon :

• Heat syncope, or sudden dizziness.
• Heat cramps.
• Heat edema, or swelling in your legs and ankles.
• Heat exhaustion—when your body can no longer stay cool. This often appears as feeling thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, or nauseated. You may sweat a lot and have cold and clammy skin or a rapid pulse.
• Heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Signs can include fainting, behavior changes, high body temperature (over 104° F), dry skin, a strong and rapid pulse, a slow and weak pulse, and no longer sweating even though it’s hot.

HOW TO STAY COOL IF YOU ARE AN OLDER ADULT

• Drink water regularly. Do NOT wait until you’re thirsty to start drinking water.
• Avoid using your oven or stove to prepare meals.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Take showers to cool down.
• Maintain the heating and air conditioning system in your home, so your home cools properly.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, consider staying with a friend or family member during a heatwave. It may be enough to take an “air conditioning break” at a local mall or library during the heat of the day.
• Don’t overwork yourself, and make sure you rest.
• Have others check up on you, and vice versa.
• Wear sunscreen and clothing to protect yourself from sunburns, which make it hard for your body to cool down.
• When outside in the heat, wear a hat, try to stay in the shade, and move slowly so you won’t become overheated.

Seek medical care immediately if you have symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness, or vomiting.

HOW TO HELP AN OLDER ADULT AVOID HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS

As a friend, family member, or caregiver, you can help an older adult avoid heat-related illness during the warmer months. Some things you can do are:

• Know what medicines they are taking and find out if they affect body temperature.
• Call or connect regularly and ask if they are cool enough. Listen for patterns or shared concerns. Consider having a remote body or home temperature sensor or monitor installed.
• If you don’t live nearby, have the contact information for someone who does and who can regularly check in on them.
• Complete a care plan together to provide structure and direction. The care plan should include ways to stay cool during extreme heat and should note if any medicines the person takes may affect body temperature regulation.
• If you are the one checking in on older adult, make sure they
  • Stay hydrated
  • Have the living space set to a comfortable temperature
  • Know how to stay cool during extreme heat
  • Don’t show signs of heat stress
• Seek medical care immediately if the person has symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness, or vomiting.

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA AVOID HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS

About 25% of people with dementia live alone, and they may not always have awareness about their surroundings. Learn how to make a home safety checklistexternal icon for someone with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. During the warmer months:

• If the person is using a portable fan, make sure that objects can’t be placed in the blades. Place fans near electrical outlets to avoid using an extension cord. If an extension cord must be used, attach it to the baseboards to reduce the risk of tripping.
• Install alarms that alert you if a door or window is opened. This can reduce the risk of wandering in hot weather and keep cool air inside the home.
• Fence off swimming pools with a locked gate, cover if possible, and closely monitor the person when they are in the pool.
• Hide an extra key outside the home in case the person with dementia locks the door and a caregiver or emergency responder needs to get inside.
• Keep a list of all medicines the person takes and ask the doctor if any of them increase the risk of becoming overheated.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/emergency-preparedness/older-adults-extreme-heat/index.html.

Happy National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day to our AMAZING Talent Acquisition team! These individuals go above and beyond for our communities every single day. Learn more about the team:

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People of color face discrimination when seeking health care for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Findings from two national surveys conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association show that Black Americans reported the highest level of discrimination in dementia health care followed by Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans.

A Special Report on Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s in America pdf icon[PDF–787 KB]external icon from the Alzheimer’s Association shows these populations reported higher rates of discrimination when seeking health care than non-Hispanic White Americans:

• 50% of Black Americans.
• 42% of Native Americans.
• 34% of Asian Americans.
• 33% of Hispanic Americans.

Non-Hispanic White Americans reported discrimination at a much lower rate of 9%.

With the projected increases in Alzheimer’s disease among minority populations, it is more important to address these care inequities.

Elements of Cultural Competence

• A culturally diverse staff that reflects the population served.
• Ability to overcome language barriers, either with bilingual staff or interpreters.
• Training for providers on the cultures and languages represented in the population.
• Patient materials and practice signage that are translated and sensitive to cultural norms.

Hispanics and African Americans, for example, will see the largest increases in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the future. By 2060, the number of Alzheimer’s disease cases is predicted to rise to an estimated 14 million people, with minority populations being affected the most.¹

• Cases among Hispanics will increase seven times over today’s estimates.
• Cases among African Americans will increase four times over today’s estimates.

What Is a Health Disparity?

A health disparity is when a group of people experience a higher rate of illness, injury, disability, or death than another group.

Health disparities can have a profound, negative effect on entire populations or individual communities. Dementia care and support services can vary widely depending on race, ethnicity, geography, and social and economic factors. Stigma, cultural differences, awareness, and understanding about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can all be factors leading to health disparities. In addition, the ability for a person to get a diagnosis, manage the disease, and be able to access quality health care contribute to health disparities.

These disparities reach beyond clinical care to include uneven representation of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native Americans in Alzheimer’s research in clinical trials.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Also Face Discrimination

The surveys show that among non-White caregivers, half or more say they have also faced discrimination when navigating health care settings for their care recipient. Their top concern being that providers or staff do not listen to what they are saying because of their race, color, or ethnicity. This concern was especially high among Black caregivers (42%), followed by Native American (31%), Asian American (30%), and Hispanic (28%) caregivers. Fewer than 1 in 5 White caregivers (17%) expressed this view.

Health Disparity vs. Health Care Disparity

Health disparity: a higher burden of illness, injury, disability, or mortality experienced by one group relative to another.

Health care disparity: differences between groups in health insurance coverage, access to and use of care, and quality of care.

Both: differences that are not explained by variations in health needs, patient preferences or treatment recommendations and are closely linked with social, economic and/or environmental disadvantage.

Lack of Diversity Among Health Care Staff Creates Barriers

Understanding how different racial and ethnic groups view, access, and experience health care is critical to improving the health care system and helping health providers care for an increasingly diverse population. It is projected that people of color will account for over half (52%) of the population in 2050.

Characteristics of health care systems that contribute to disparities should be acknowledged. These include implicit bias on the part of health care providers. Cultural and language barriers can also hinder patient-provider relationships.

Minority Populations Desire Health Care Providers Who Understand Their Ethnic or Racial Background

Given their own experiences with discrimination, it is not surprising that non-White racial/ethnic populations feel it is important for Alzheimer’s and dementia care providers to be more culturally competent. Responses from surveys indicate a strong desire for dementia health care providers who understand different racial and ethnic backgrounds, but many survey respondents say access to these providers is lacking.

As shown in the graphic from the Alzheimer’s Association Special Report, 92% of Native Americans say they want dementia health care providers who understand their ethnic background, yet only 47% have confidence they currently have access to them. Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans felt similar.

Graphic used with permission from the Alzheimer’s Association, 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, Special Report: Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s in America pdf icon[PDF–787 KB]external icon. Accessed March 31, 2021.

A Path Forward—Bridging Racial and Ethnic Barriers in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

Findings from the Alzheimer’s Association surveys indicate that, despite ongoing efforts to address health and health care disparities in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, there is still much work to do.

Based on the surveys’ findings, paths forward should address three areas:

1. Preparing the workforce to care for a racially and ethnically diverse older adult population.
   1. This includes cultural competence education, and training providers to recognize and overcome implicit bias. (See sidebar: Elements of Cultural Competence)
2. Increasing diversity among providers for dementia care.
   1. Currently, only 1 in 3 US physicians are Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic, or Asian. Primary care is more diverse with approximately 40% of physicians coming from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Ensuring diversity in these frontline providers may help reduce future disparities in dementia care. Developing a workforce that reflects the demographics of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias should begin during outreach and recruitment to training programs, continue with programming designed to support racially and ethnically diverse students during their training years, and extend to offering residency opportunities in health care settings that treat diverse populations. In addition, hiring practices should consider diversity and inclusion to meet the needs of local patient populations.
3. Engaging, recruiting, and retaining diverse populations in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials.
   1. A critical first step to increase diverse participation and representation in clinical research is building and restoring trust in underrepresented communities. One way to do so is through community-based organizations and other respected local partners. The Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: 2018–2023 Road Map, launched in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is organized around a core principle of “eliminating disparities and collaborating across multiple sectors.”

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/barriers-to-equity-in-alzheimers-dementia-care/index.html.

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
• It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment.
• Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
• It can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

WHO HAS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

Alzheimer’s Disease and Racial and Ethnic Disparities infographic

All Alzheimer-related infographics

• In 2020, as many as 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease.¹
• Younger people may get Alzheimer’s disease, but it is less common.
• The number of people living with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65.
• This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060.¹
• Symptoms of the disease can first appear after age 60, and the risk increases with age.

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease. There likely is not a single cause but rather several factors that can affect each person differently.

• Age is the best known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Family history—researchers believe that genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, genes do not equal destiny. A healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Two large, long term studies indicate that adequate physical activity, a nutritious diet, limited alcohol consumption, and not smoking may help people. To learn more about the study, you can listen to a short podcast.
• Changes in the brain can begin years before the first symptoms appear.
• Researchers are studying whether education, diet, and environment play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, may also reduce risk for subjective cognitive decline. Here’s 8 ways.

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

In addition to memory problems, someone with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may experience one or more of the following:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as getting lost in a familiar place or repeating questions.
• Trouble handling money and paying bills.
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.
• Decreased or poor judgment.
• Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
• Changes in mood, personality, or behavior.

Even if you or someone you know has several or even most of these signs, it doesn’t mean it’s Alzheimer’s disease. Know the 10 warning signs (also available in Spanish).

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Getting checked by your healthcare provider can help determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are related to Alzheimer’s disease, or a more treatable conditions such as a vitamin deficiency or a side effect from medication. Early and accurate diagnosis also provides opportunities for you and your family to consider financial planning, develop advance directives, enroll in clinical trials, and anticipate care needs.

HOW IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE TREATED?

Medical management can improve quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and for their caregivers. There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment addresses several areas:

• Helping people maintain brain health.
• Managing behavioral symptoms.
• Slowing or delaying symptoms of the disease.

SUPPORT FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Currently, many people living with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for at home by family members. Caregiving can have positive aspects for the caregiver as well as the person being cared for. It may bring personal fulfillment to the caregiver, such as satisfaction from helping a family member or friend, and lead to the development of new skills and improved family relationships.

Although most people willingly provide care to their loved ones and friends, caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease at home can be a difficult task and may become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. As the disease gets worse, people living with Alzheimer’s disease often need more intensive care.

You can find more information about caring for yourself and access a helpful care planning form.

WHAT IS THE BURDEN OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN THE UNITED STATES?

• Alzheimer’s disease is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States.²
• The 6th leading cause of death among US adults.
• The 5th leading cause of death among adults aged 65 years or older.³

In 2020, an estimated 5.8 million Americans aged 65 years or older had Alzheimer’s disease.¹ This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060.¹

In 2010, the costs of treating Alzheimer’s disease were projected to fall between $159 and $215 billion.⁴ By 2040, these costs are projected to jump to between $379 and more than $500 billion annually.⁴

Death rates for Alzheimer’s disease are increasing, unlike heart disease and cancer death rates that are on the decline.⁵ Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, has been shown to be under-reported in death certificates and therefore the proportion of older people who die from Alzheimer’s may be considerably higher.⁶

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT REDUCING YOUR RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

The science on risk reduction is quickly evolving, and major breakthroughs are within reach. For example, there is growing evidence that people who adopt healthy lifestyle habits — like regular exercise and blood pressure management — can lower their risk of dementia. There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, may also reduce risk for subjective cognitive decline. To learn more about the current state of evidence on dementia risk factors and the implications for public health, please read the following summaries on Cardiovascular Health, Exercise, Diabetes and Obesity, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Tobacco and Alcohol, Diet and Nutrition,  Sleep, Sensory Impairment, and Social Engagement or the Compiled Report (includes all reports in this list).

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm.

Follow these easy steps to make sure you’re protected.

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards, may force you to evacuate your home or shelter-in-place at short notice. It is important to know what to do in case of an emergency well before disaster strikes.

If you are an older adult living in the community, you may face some challenges during an emergency. For example, you may have mobility problems, or chronic health conditions, or you may not have any family or friends nearby to support you. Support services that are usually available, such as help from caregivers or in-home health care and meal delivery services, may be unavailable for a period of time. In addition, older adults may experience challenges that come with advanced age, such as hearing or vision problems or cognitive impairment, which may make it difficult to access, understand, and respond to emergency instructions.

You or the person you care for can be prepared for emergency situations by creating a plan, reviewing or practicing it regularly, and keeping an emergency supply kit.

CREATING A PLAN

The first step in preparing for an emergency is creating a plan. Work with your friends, family, and neighbors to develop a plan that will fit your needs.

• Choose a contact person who will check on you during a disaster, and decide how you will communicate with each other (for instance, by telephone, knocking on doors). Consider speaking with your neighbors about developing a check-in system together.
• Create a list of contact information for family members and friends. Leave a copy by your phone(s) and include one in your Emergency Supply Kit.
• Plan how you will leave and where you will go during an evacuation. If you are living in a retirement or assisted living community, learn what procedures are in place in case of emergencies. Keep a copy of exit routes and meeting places in an easy-to-reach place.
• Create a care plan and keep a copy in your Emergency Supply Kit. Try out CDC’s easy-to-use care plan template pdf icon[ PDF – 1 MB ]. Español (Spanish) pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]
• If you have medical, transportation, or other access needs during an emergency, consider signing up for SMART911, Code Red, or your local county registry, depending upon which service your area uses to helps first responders identify people who may need assistance right away.

CREATING AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

After an emergency, you may not have access to clean water or electricity. Make sure you are prepared with your own supply of food, water, and other items to last for at least 72 hours.

• Visit Ready.govexternal iconexternal icon for a list of basic items to gather for your Disaster Supply Kit.
• Medical-Related Items:
  • A 3-day supply of medicine, at a minimum. If medications need to be kept cold, have a cooler and ice packs available.
  • ID band (full name, contact number for family member/caregiver, and allergies)
  • Hearing aids and extra batteries
  • Glasses and/or contacts and contact solution
  • Medical supplies like syringes or extra batteries
  • Information about medical devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen including model numbers and vender.
• Documents (Keep physical copies in a waterproof bag and take photos of each document for backup):
  • Your Care Plan pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]        Español (Spanish) pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]
  • Contact information for family members, doctors, pharmacies and/or caregivers
  • List of all medications, including the exact name of the medicine and the dosage, and contact information for pharmacy and doctor who prescribed medicine
  • List of allergies to food or medicines
  • Copies of medical insurance cards
  • Copies of a photo ID
  • Durable power of attorney and/or medical power of attorney documents, as appropriate.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/emergency-preparedness/index.html

During National Nurses Week, take time to celebrate the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale! Her endeavors to improve the aspect of healthcare has greatly shaped the quality of care by nurses in the 19th and 20th centuries. 

Currently, there are nurses all around the world putting their lives on the line. It’s clear that Florence Nightingale’s impact on healthcare also helped pave the way for modern-day nurses and healthcare professionals to follow suit.

“With nurses around the world on the front lines of a global pandemic, it’s a poignant time to reflect on how Nightingale’s legacy laid the groundwork for their heroic work in hospitals today.” Says Greta Westwood, CEO of the Florence Nightingale Foundation. “She never took no for an answer – anything was possible.”

Also known as “The Lady with the Lamp”, Florence Nightingale started her nursing career in London, and later became appointed as the head nurse of the 1854 Crimean War. Nightingale’s passion and determination set her apart from others and got her the famous nickname “Lady with the Lamp” for checking on her patients via lamplight during the war. Not only did she care for her patients’ health, but she also often wrote letters to soldiers’ loved ones on their behalf.

The “Angel of the Crimea” made it her goal to lower death rates by improving hygiene practices in hospitals. She created numerous patient services that improved each patient’s quality of care while admitted in the hospital. She oversaw “invalid’s kitchen” where she set out food plans for patients that had dietary requirements. She also secured a laundry area so patients could have clean bed sheets and towels.

After the Crimean War, Nightingale wrote a book called Matters Affecting the Health, Efficiency and Hospital Administration of the British Army to share her observations and experiences while tending wounded soldiers. In 1857, the War Office’s administrative department was completely reconstruction due to Nightingale’s book and her experiences during the Crimean War, reforming several military hospitals that were under very poor conditions. (History.com Editors 2009)

In August of 1910, Nightingale became ill and was battling with heart failure. She died a week later at her home in London, bringing her life to an end at 90 years old. (History.com Editors 2009) Two years after her death, the Florence Nightingale Medal was created by the International Committee of the Red Cross, dedicated to be given to exceptional nurses every 2 years. In 1965, International Nurses Day was also created, residing on Nightingale’s birthday to continue celebrating her accomplishments. (Alexander 2018)

Despite her unexpected death, her legacy continues to live on at the Florence Nightingale Museum, which is located at the exact same spot of the original Nightingale Training School for Nurses. The museum holds over 2,000 artifacts to memorialize the mother of modern nursing. (History.com Editors 2009)

Florence Nightingale’s legacy is important to note during significant time for nurses courageously fighting on the frontlines during the pandemic. Notes Westwood, “Florence would be so proud of what nurses have managed to achieve during the pandemic.” (Haynes 2020)

References:

https://time.com/5835150/florence-nightingale-legacy-nurses/

http://history.com/topics/womens-history/florence-nightingale-1

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/florence-nightingale

You are a caregiver if you care for someone who needs help. Caregiving can be hard on you despite the great sense of reward you may feel. To continue being a good caregiver, you need to take care of yourself. One way you can do that is to make sure you have consistent breaks from your caregiving responsibilities. This is called respite. Short breaks can be a key part of maintaining your own health.

WHAT IS RESPITE CARE?

You are a caregiver if you are caring for someone who needs help. Taking short breaks can be the key to maintaining your own health.

Respite care allows the caregiver some time off from their caregiving responsibilities. It can take the form of different types of services in the home, adult day care, or even short-term nursing home care so caregivers can have a break or even go on vacation. Research shows that even a few hours of respite a week can improve a caregiver’s well-being.¹ Respite care may be provided by family, friends, a nonprofit group, or government agency. Some of these services may be free or low-cost.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Make Your Needs Known

Here are some suggestions for getting help from people you know.

1. Identify a caregiving task or a block of time that you would like help with. Perhaps there’s a book club meeting you’d like to go to that you’ve been missing because of your caregiving responsibilities. Be ready when someone says, “What can I do to help?” with a specific time or task, such as, “It would be really helpful for me if you could stay with Mom Tuesday night so I can go to my book club for 2 hours.”
2. Be understanding if you are turned down. The person may not be able to help with that specific request, but they may be able to help another time. Don’t be afraid to ask again.
3. If you have trouble asking for help face to face, try writing an e-mail to your friends and family members about your needs. Set up a shared online calendar or scheduling tool where people can sign up to provide you with regular respite.

YOUR DOCTOR OR OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Does your doctor know you are a caregiver?

• You have special needs as a caregiver that your doctor should be aware of. Be sure to let your doctor know if your caregiving responsibilities are making you feel depressed or anxious. Health care professionals may also know about support groups offered in the community.
• Let your doctor (or your care recipient’s doctor) know that you need help finding respite care. A doctor may be able to write you a “prescription” for respite services via Medicare’s PACE program. PACE services are available to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in some states.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Here’s how to get back some of your “me time”

A great source for respite services is the Area Agencies on Aging. Check the website for the agency in your area. Other resources include:

• Organizations that advocate for people with specific diseases. If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, cancer, or lung disease, respite care services may be available from the following organizations.

• Alzheimer’s Association
• American Heart Association
• American Cancer Society
• American Lung Association
• National Respite Locator. This resource can help you find adult day care and other respite services.
• CDC’s free Complete Care Plan [PDF – 1 MB] and other caregiver resources.

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers respite resources for veterans or their spouses.

STILL NOT ABLE TO GET A BREAK?

Consider joining an online support group. It’s important for you to have an opportunity to share your experiences with others in similar circumstances and to get support and new resources from them.

• Family Alliance on Caregiving—The Caregiver-online support group is an unmoderated group for families, partners, and other caregivers of adults with disorders such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, brain injury, and other chronic debilitating health conditions. The group offers a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges, and rewards of providing care for another.
• Caring.com Resource Center—Offers key resources to help you better navigate caregiving and access to online support groups, such as the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group.

Remember—To be an effective caregiver, you must take care of yourself. Your care recipient is counting on you.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/caring-for-yourself.html.

We are preparing for an amazing celebration of National Nurses Week this year! Many companies are showing their gratitude for nurses and healthcare workers by offering awesome deals and freebies during Nurses Week and throughout the year. Whether you are a healthcare worker looking for a good deal or you’re shopping for a healthcare hero in your life, check out these great deals valid for the entire month of May for Nurses Week 2023!

Food & Grocery

• Cinnabon – Free classic Cinnamon Roll, Minibon, or 4-count Bonbites
• Outback Steakhouse – 10% off entire check
• Hello Fresh – 55% off your first box
• KIND – 15% off and free shipping
• Thrive Market – Free membership

Electronics

• Bose – Special discount on orders over $199
• Samsung – 30% off
• HP – Savings up to 40% off & free shipping
• McAfee – Special discount on 10-Device McAfee Total Protection for Nurses
• Therabody – 20% off regularly-priced Theragun or TheraOne CBD for Nurses
• Sennheiser – Up to 20% off & free shipping for Nurses
• Netgear – 15% off
• Leatherman – 30% off multi-tools
• Ember – 20% off
• Sonos – 15% off
• Lenovo – 5% off

Apparel, Shoes, & Accessories

• Calvin Klein – 20% off
• Backcountry – 20% off
• Citizen – 15% off select models
• Clarks – 10% off
• Dagne Dover – 20% off
• Hunter Boots – 20% off
• Jockey – 10%
• Klogs – 15% off
• L.L. Bean – 10% off
• Motherhood – 10% off
• Vera Bradley – 15% off
• Tortuga Backpack – 20% off
• The Sak – 20% off
• RVCA – 30% off
• Bodybuilding.com – 10% off
• Everyman Jack – 25% off
• HEYDUDE – 20% off
• Merrell – 20% off
• Moosejaw – 20%off
• Southern Tide – 20% off
• Tuckernuck – 15% off
• O’Neil – 20% off
• Ashley Stewart – 20% off
• Orthofeet – 10% off orders over $70 for Nurses
• Keds – 20% off
• U.S. Polo Assn. – 20% off
• Unique Vintage – 10% off
• Champion – 10% off
• Sunglasses Hut – 15%
• Sperry – 30% off
• Dockers – 25% off
• Lululemon – 15% off
• Nike – 10% off at Nike.com and Nike app
• Puma – 20% off entire order
• Ray-Ban – 20% off entire order
• Under Armour – 20% off
• Pandora – 10% off
• Adidas – 10% off
• Asics – 40% off
• Vera Bradley – 15% off
• Carhartt – 25% off
• Levis – 15% off
• Reebok – 50% off
• Rothy’s – 20% off

Entertainment & Services

• TireBuyer – 10% off
• Verizon – Welcome unlimited for $20/line per month for 4 lines
• AT&T – 25% off unlimited plans
• Verizon Fios – Fios Internet for as low as $34.99.mo
• Cheap Caribbean – $150 off your next vacation
• Babbel – Save 60% off on 6 months of Babbel lessons
• Redrock Casino, Resort, & Spa – Up to 35% off
• Planet Hollywood – Up to 30% off the lowest hotel rate
• Getaway – 15% off every getaway
• Walt Disney World Resort – Save up to $100 off gate prices
• Budget – Up to 25% off
• Hilton All-Inclusive – 15% off the lowest rates (all dining & drinks included)
• Indiana Wesleyan University – 15% off tuition

Cosmetics, Skincare, & Nutrition

• TULA Skincare – 20% off
• Grown Alchemist – 20% off
• Chantecaille – 15% off & free shipping
• Spongelle – 20% off
• Stacked Skincare – 20% off
• Grande Cosmetics – 15% off
• SiO Beauty – 15% off
• Natura – 20% off
• Colorscience – 15% off
• e.l.f. – 25% off a minimum order of $30
• ContactsDirect.com – 15% off any order % free shipping
• GNC – 10% off
• Hairstory – 15% off
• Discount Contact Lenses – 20% off
• Joy Organics – 50% off
• Ritual – Get 20% off your first 3 months
• Glasses.com – 50% off lenses & free shipping

Outdoors, Sports, & Fitness

• Huffy Bikes – 25% off
• Competitive Cyclist – 20%
• Rad Power Bikes – $50 off a RadRover 6 Plus
• VKTRY Gear – 25% off
• Beyond Yoga – 20% off
• TRX Training – 20% off
• Sole Bicycles – Extra 15% off
• Jillian Michaels | The Fitness App – 40% off
• Spalding – 20% off
• Saucony – 20% off
• No Bull – 20% off
• TaylorMade Golf – 15% off
• Arctic Zone – 15% off
• Burton – 20% off of select gear
• Fanatics – 15% off
• GCI Outdoor – 15% off
• Stanley – 20% off
• Yeti – 20% off
• Peloton – $200 off accessories or accessory packages with purchase of a Peloton Bike, Bike+, or Tread

In addition to this month’s discounts and freebies, we are proud to partner with Panda Perks to give our Care Team members 24/7 access to discounts and perks on the brands you love!

Elliott Nursing and Rehabilitation is excited to share resident Glenna Crockett’s Success Story!

Glenna came to Elliott Nursing and Rehabilitation for Occupational Therapy to improve overall muscle weakness due to COPD and Respiratory Failure. She has been a resident here at Elliott Nursing & Rehab for the past year with plans to return home. Since introducing the RESTORE Program and engaging her more in functional activities, Glenna’s outlook for a successful discharge plan to return home is becoming a reality!  Before, Glenna was not able to complete simple functional tasks and spent little time out of the bed. She is now able to complete functional transfers, ambulate approximately 36ft with a walker and become more engaged in a daily routine! Congratulations to Glenna and her Care Team on their success!