Celebrating an unsung hero – Alzheimer’s disease

The fight against Alzheimer’s disease requires hard work on many different fronts. From advocates to researchers and caregivers to donors — we all stand together to end to Alzheimer’s. Donations like yours help give a voice to those who work tirelessly towards that day and support volunteer work like Debra’s.
Debra Desrosiers didn’t have a personal connection with Alzheimer’s disease when she got involved with her local Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s^® 10 years ago. However, she would soon see firsthand how the disease robs individuals of precious memories and affects entire families.
Debra owns a home care agency. “When I started my agency, I didn’t realize how much Alzheimer’s disease affected the local community,” she said. “But it’s an epidemic.”

Your support of the Alzheimer’s Association enables us to advocate for change, advance research and provide vital care and support to all those affected by Alzheimer’s.

Not only has Debra received training in dementia care, she has also evolved into a tireless advocate and top fundraiser. In 2013, her Walk team raised more than $12,000, and those funds were matched by the national corporate office of her agency franchise, which is now a Walk sponsor — thanks to Debra.
“I cringe when I hear stories of families seeking more information about Alzheimer’s disease but not being given the information they truly need. That is why I refer families to the Alzheimer’s Association,” Debra noted. “I hope that the money we raise will help families map out the road for their Alzheimer’s journey and I want to find a cure, but right now, we need to support families facing the disease.”
You can see why Debra received the Unsung Hero Award from her local chapter. Now, I’m privileged to recognize this exceptional volunteer and friend of the Association. Please donate today.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Register for an audio conference

Are you too busy to attend an educational program? Audio Conference is designed for those who aren’t able to attend a program outside the home or office.
Once registered, you will receive an e-mail with a toll free telephone number and instructions. On the day of the conference you will call-in and join many others who are seeking the latest information on memory loss. Register today!

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Teacher stands before students to disclose his Alzheimer’s diagnosis

In an excerpt from Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias, teacher Sandy Morris details how her husband, Tom, also a teacher, stood before his students to tell them about his secret: an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis at age 46. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias is available for purchase, with all royalties going to the Alzheimer’s Association.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Get the emotional support you need

A support group is a regularly scheduled in-person or virtual gathering of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, family, friends or caregivers who interact around issues relating to dementia. Groups are facilitated by individuals who have received training from the Alzheimer’s Association.
We have over 80 support groups in the Greater Illinois Chapter area, at various times and locations. Check to see if there is a group close to you that fits your needs.

Get the emotional support you need

A support group is a regularly scheduled in-person or virtual gathering of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, family, friends or caregivers who interact around issues relating to dementia. Groups can have social,
educational and/or support components and are facilitated by individuals who have received training from the Alzheimer’s Association. This information is provided as a resource but is
not intended as an endorsement of any one product or provider.
We have over 80 support groups in the Greater Illinois Chapter area, at various times and locations. Check to see if there is a group close to you that fits your needs. If you prefer, call our
24-hour Helpline – 800.272.3900

Support Groups

Please note that support group meeting dates are subject to change, particularly if the posted meeting date happens to fall on or near a holiday. If you have a question about a group’s posted meeting date, please call the Helpline at 800-272-3900.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 911. If you need to speak with Alzheimer’s Association staff immediately, please call our 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Vibrant, once-healthy man now on a journey through Alzheimer’s disease

Sandy Halperin, a dentist and Harvard University assistant professor, was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in 2010 at age 60. Instead of giving up in the face of his diagnosis, Halperin, a former Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisor, is fighting back.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL