You Are Not Alone! A Message for Black Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Evidence suggests there are racial disparities in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis between Black and White communities. Black Americans are about twice as likely to develop dementia than White Americans however; Black participants in Alzheimer’s disease research were 35% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementias than White participants.

Kiera Powell, former ICU nurse, and consultant for Carewell shares that because caring for Alzheimer’s Patients puts a “big strain on the family,” it is important to know what to expect when caring for them. Here are the stages and tips for these Caregivers:

General Stages 

1. Early...….Short memory loss
2. Middle…..Forgetting names
3. Late……..Needing more hands-on care, possible Home Health Care Services  

RELATED: Top Tips For Taking Care Of a Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease

Tips for caregivers

Nurse Powell has important tips for Caregivers

• Understand that Alzheimer’s is a diagnosis.  
• Make safety a priority.
• Keep your loved ones’ routine, making modifications as needed.
• Give clear and simple instructions.
• Don’t correct them. 
• Don’t take anything they say or do personally.
• Keep up with the basics.
• Listen and don’t pressure the patient to explain. 

Nurse Powell wants caregivers to know that they are not alone.

They should “reach out to support groups” and look “outside of the family for support.” 

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Nurse Powell mentions that there are blogs, posts, and around-the-clock support.

She also says it is vital to take time and get familiar with the condition. 

She encourages caregivers to ask the doctor for reputable sources of support.

Additionally, Nurse Powell wants physicians to take responsibility for educating families about the disease. 

For those worried about getting Alzheimer’s, Nurse Powell suggests there are contributors to be aware of and named two of them; pre-diabetes and heart disease.

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RELATED: Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Makes a Difference

Nurse Powell highly recommends Carewell for caregivers everywhere.

They are a proud supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association and they provide 24/7 support.

Carewell can help caregivers improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

To learn more about this resource, visit their website.