National Alliance for Caregiving with Grace C. Whiting

Episode 150 of The On-Air Advocate

Original Airdate: 11/6/19

Host: Tammy Flynn, Connect with Tammy on Facebook @theonairadvocate.

Guest: Grace C. Whiting, J.D. President/CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving

Topic: Alzheimer’s Awareness Month - Support, Resources & Education

Mission of the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC): Established in 1996, the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coalition dedicated to improving quality of life for friend and family caregivers and those in their care, by advancing research, advocacy, and innovation. 
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What is Dementia?
Dementia falls under a wide range of neurological conditions that affect the brain. It also affects the person’s ability to remember, and progresses over time. It can take up to 10- 20 years for signs of dementia to show. However, rare dementia can be caused by certain medications the person may be on or is sometimes brought on by infections like a urinary tract infection.

What Dementia Isn't:
Dementia is NOT a natural part of aging.

Some Early Signs Of Dementia
• A major change in their behavior
• A major change in judgment
• Difficulty in numbers
• The person never recalls the answer to the question they were asking.
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Further Info On Dementia:
Ms. Whiting believes it can be beneficial to bring along a third-party that is not as close to the situation to observe, listen in and give an outside perspective on your loved one’s situation . She also advises to make sure to utilize the multiple resources and support groups that are available to you and your loved one. In addition, keeping your loved one active is so important as socialization within your community has a major impact on your health and overall well-being.

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Where To Go for Help and Support:

• The CDC
• The Statistical National Institute Of Aging
• The National Alliance for Care Givings’ Booklet
• The Alzheimer’s Association Of America they have a hotline that runs 24/7
• Ms. Whiting also encourages partnerships with others.
• caregiving.org
• A program called, REACH, is a program that provides interventions for caregivers. You can find the program in one of two ways: The VA system, or through
• The Rosalyn Carter Institute.
• An online blog called, MemoryWell.

Tammy’s Final Thoughts:
Tammy advises to make sure that you are observing the quality of the conditions in your loved ones surroundings as well their personal hygiene, overall cleanliness, health, wellness and are they meeting nutritional needs etc.

You can listen or watch the full interview below