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Navigating Community Resources for Dementia Care
If you or someone you care about has recently been diagnosed with dementia, finding the right resources can feel like a daunting task.
But you’re not alone. From local organizations to online tools, the Fort Worth area has many resources to support you on this journey.
Starting Your Search
It’s difficult to know what questions to ask when you don’t yet know what the questions are.
“It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when dealing with a dementia diagnosis,” says Jaime Cobb Tinsley, from the James L. West Center for Dementia Care. “Take your time to research and find what works best for you and your loved one.”
James L. West has been serving the Fort Worth area dementia community for more than 30 years with education, day services for individuals living with dementia and residential care. The team frequently fields questions from families whose loved ones have recently been diagnosed.
Local Community Support
Begin by exploring local resources such as the Area Agencies on Aging, Alzheimer’s Associations, and organizations like Dementia Friendly Fort Worth. These groups offer services, from educational programs to caregiver support groups.
Area Agency on Aging North Central Texas is part of a network of 670 Area Agencies nationwide and one of 28 in Texas. These local organizations offer a variety of resources and operate programs that support caregiving at home such as education, support groups and financial assistance for respite care.
Dementia Friendly Fort Worth, a local organization committed to building a community that honors, values, supports and includes persons living with dementia, is another resource to help caregivers connect with services to support caregiving at home. They host online engagement activities and a weekly “memory café” for persons living with dementia and their caregivers.
James L. West offers free online and in-person classes on dementia and caregiving for families and care partners. Online sessions are recorded and available on-demand through the James L. West website and their YouTube Channel.
Online Tools and Information
While the internet can be a vast resource, it’s important to verify the information you find. Trusted sites like the Alzheimer’s Association, National Institute on Aging, and Mayo Clinic offer reliable information and resources for caregivers.
Through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America website, you can also find reputable member organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with a dementia diagnosis.
Support Groups for Caregivers
Taking care of yourself is crucial when caring for a loved one with dementia. Joining a support group, either in-person or online, can provide you with the emotional support and practical advice you need.
Several organizations in the Fort Worth area offer support groups for dementia caregivers, including the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter and the James L. West Center. Support groups are available in both in-person and virtual options.
Dementia caregiver support groups provide an opportunity to meet other caregivers and share caregiving experiences in a safe place. Facilitated by professionals, these groups allow caregivers to support each other through the ups and downs of life with a loved one living with dementia.
Extending Home Care
Many caregivers aim to keep their loved ones at home for as long as possible. Resources like home health agencies, private pay home care agencies, and adult day programs can provide assistance with daily activities and offer much-needed respite for caregivers.
In some cases, home health agencies, a service paid for by Medicare and/or Medicaid, can assist with activities of daily living such as bathing and grooming as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy on a short-term basis.
Private pay home health agencies can provide in-home services such as companionship, help with activities of daily living, and household chores. This service is available at an hourly or daily rate and may be covered by long-term care insurance.
James L. West’s Senior Day Program serves families caring for loved ones at home and provides flexible, secure and affordable assistance from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays.
While the caregiver goes to work, takes a break, or attends to their own needs, the James L. West Senior Day Program provides medication administration and other nursing services, showering, hair and nail care, meals and snacks and fun, purposeful activities throughout the day.
Planning Ahead
It’s never too early to start planning for the future care of your loved one. Financial planning, advance care directives, and exploring options like Medicaid or veteran’s benefits can help you prepare for the road ahead.
Elder attorneys often have Medicaid specialists in their offices who can assist with the application. If your loved one served in the military, contact the Veterans Administration to see what options you have.
To help navigate the medical side of things, you will need a social worker. It’s important to start looking early because there’s often a three- to six-week wait to be assigned.
If your loved one can still provide guidance for their future medical treatment, getting advance care planning documents in place is another important early step.
For families whose loved one wanders, the Alzheimer’s Association and the MedicAlert® Foundation provide membership plans with 24/7 Wandering Support.
Staying Informed and Connected
Stay curious and stay connected to trusted resources like the James L. West Center, the Alzheimer’s Association, or other local agencies. They can offer ongoing support and guidance as you navigate the challenges of dementia care.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. By exploring the available resources and staying informed, you can find the support you need to care for your loved one with dementia.
For more information, visit the James L. West Center for Dementia Care website or call 817-877-1199.
