Approximately 10 million people are diagnosed with dementia each year, according to research by the World Health Organization. But that number probably doesn’t mean much to you unless you or someone you love is one of those people.
The memory loss and personality changes that follow a dementia diagnosis are life-changing, not only for seniors with dementia, but also for their friends and relatives.
Finding the right resources after a dementia diagnosis isn’t always easy, especially when you live in a small town. For seniors who live in Dacula, Georgia, here are five nearby dementia care resources.
The Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a great all-purpose resource for people who want to know more about dementia and the changes it brings.
- Start with an overview to learn what dementia is.
- The Training and Education Center offers dozens of free online courses about living with dementia.
- Use the website’s search feature to find a local support group led by a trained facilitator.
- Connect with dementia patients and caregivers through the ALZConnected online forum.
Peachtree Christian Health
Peachtree Christian Health is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of resources for seniors with dementia and their loved ones.
- Adult Day Care
This full-day program is designed to keep dementia patients engaged in enriching activities including arts and crafts, games, music, exercises, and cooking lessons. - Caregiver Support Groups
Support groups meet the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m., and the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. - Virtual Dementia Tour
This virtual experience helps caregivers and family members of seniors with dementia see firsthand what they are experiencing. Offered for free on the third Thursday of each month from 9:30-11 a.m.
Caring and Loving Adult Day Care
This center in nearby Lawrenceville understands the challenges of caring for seniors with dementia. They provide a full day of mentally stimulating games and activities in a homelike environment.
Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill
Located in Dacula is an assisted living community known for its superior care of its residents, including those with dementia.
Its Bridges neighborhood is designed for seniors who’ve recently been diagnosed with dementia or are still in the early stages of the disease. All staff members are trained to notice if something is amiss and find ways to help. For instance, residents who miss dinner because they lose track of time or stop taking part in their favorite activities because they can’t remember how to get there may just need reminders or escorts.
Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill also has a secure neighborhood designed for those whose dementia has progressed to the point that they need constant care. Residents of the Evergreen memory care neighborhood stay safe while engaged in daily activities that are specifically geared toward dementia patients.
If you’d like to find out more about the Bridges program, the Evergreen neighborhood, or anything else that Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill has to offer, call 770-800-7826 to arrange a tour.
Though a dementia diagnosis is certainly life-changing, seniors with dementia can still lead full lives given the right resources.
