Athens, Georgia, is a thriving college town with deep rural roots. As this town grows, so too do the options for people living with dementia. The right dementia care resources support seniors’ efforts to live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives while ensuring that caregivers avoid stress, burnout, and depression. The following resources can guide you no matter where you are in your dementia journey.
Educational Resources
Dementia remains shrouded in secrecy and mystery. For most people, Alzheimer’s and dementia are synonymous. The truth is that there are many different types of dementia, and there is much more to Alzheimer’s than just memory loss. The right educational resources can prepare you for an uncertain future:
- Georgia Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias State Plan is a policy document outlining legislative strategies and various resources the state offers for people who are struggling with dementia. It also provides a wealth of useful data and statistics.
- Second Wind Dreams’ Virtual Dementia Tour helps caregivers understand the myriad ways that dementia changes perceptions. It can also help a person in the early stages of the disease understand how their mind might change with time.
Caregiver Assistance
Caring for someone with dementia is a demanding undertaking. Just when you think you've figured it out, your loved one’s needs change. The right training can help you manage dementia at every stage:
- The Alzheimer’s Association’s Care Training Resources offer insight into life with dementia, as well as tips for how to better manage symptoms.
- Teepa Snow’s dementia care videos explain how the brain changes with dementia and how to support someone as their needs change.
- The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving provides a wealth of training resources, including multiday seminars and detailed brochures.
- The Athens Community Council on Aging’s caregiver support groups provide a sounding board for struggling caregivers.
- UGA’s eldercare resources connect Athens area caregivers to a range of support services.
Support for People with Dementia
Support services often target caregivers, but people living with dementia need compassionate care, too. Particularly in the early stages of the disease, it’s important to plan for the future — and understand what it might hold:
- The Athens Community Council on Aging is a comprehensive resource for seniors of all ages and ability levels. It offers numerous activities, as well as advocacy and education.
- The Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging connects seniors to state resources such as Medicaid and Medicare support, Meals on Wheels, financial assistance, and more.
- GeorgiaLegalAid.org offers free and low-cost legal services, including planning for dementia care.
- The Elder Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia can connect you to an attorney for help with estate planning, managing long-term healthcare needs, and more.
- Athens-Clarke County offers an active adults program that supports seniors, including those with dementia, in their efforts to become and remain more active and independent.
As your needs change, your living situation may have to as well. The right dementia care community can tend to your changing cognitive needs while helping you remain as independent as possible. Dementia care offers a range of activities in a safe environment, ensuring that you never feel isolated or alone. Arbor Terrace of Athens is the region’s premier luxury community for seniors with dementia. We can help you find meaning and help, even as you face the uncertainty of dementia. Contact us to learn more.
