The best community support.

There is a reason this Facebook group is the first resource on the list. It has been hands down the most valuable thing for me along my mother’s dementia journey. (And most everyone in the group will agree). At the time of this post there are over 51,000 people in the group. They are as welcoming, supportive and understanding as a group of online people that size can be! This is a great place to ask any and all questions from people at different stages of the journey. You can vent and cry and whine if you need. They’ll let you. You can ask for love and prayers, advice, product recommendations, or anything else you may need. I highly recommend joining.

Help with the tasks of care giving.

The Dementia & Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network provides wonderful, loving training for professional and at home care givers. The DAWN Method® is the person-centered approach to dementia care that trains people to recognize the skills dementia does not take away. I highly recommend the training, books, and other resources on this site to help navigate the care giving process with as much love and ease as possible.

Activities, stimulation, engagement.

I wish I would have found Maria’s Place earlier on in my mother’s dementia journey, when she was still craving activity, but didn’t have the ability to do things entirely on her own. This wonderful resource has a vast collection of activity ideas and tips for the social, mental and physical wellbeing of older adults. You’ll find lots of creative ways to engage with your loved one both in and out of doors. You’ll never have the thought, “I’m not sure how to engage with them” again.

Caregiving programs and resources.

HFC was formerly called Hilarity for Charity and was started by Lauren Miller Rogen and her husband actor/comedian Seth Rogen. They do a lot to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, but the reason I am putting them on this resource list is that they also have grant programs that provide an in home caregiver so that you can have respite. Their site also has other resources such as caregiving coaching and support.

Podcasts

I love podcasts for a lot of reasons. With podcasts, we can do all the things we need to and also listen in and gain insights, understanding, advice, tips, support and guidance. Below are podcasts you might find valuable.

Grief Out Loud - Grief is part of this journey. It’s important to own it, share it, talk about it.

Dementia by Day - Short “bite-size” episodes from a facility care giver.

Dementia Care Partner Talk Show - Teepa Snow is a “go-to” resource for all things caregiving. This is her podcast.

Alzheimer’s Association

The national organization has a lot of resources, information and support on their site. I highly recommend finding your local chapter and going into the office if you can. They have a lot of free resources and materials that can be useful.

A welcoming place to connect

Another example of something I wish I had known about earlier in my mother’s Alz journey. A Memory Cafe is a wonderfully welcoming place for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or any other form of dementia, or other brain disorders. Additionally, it is helpful for people with all forms of mild cognitive impairment. The Memory Cafe Directory is a great resource that lists where you can find a Memory Cafe near you, or a virtual one you can attend.

An honest, candid and practical book

How To Wipe Your Dads Ass looks at the day to day struggles that you will face caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Full of humor, candor, and very helpful and practical information. This is another one of those resources that I wish I had come across in the beginning of the Alz journey with mom.