When you or your loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, it is easy to feel like you are alone in this new world. Though the World Health Organization reports that approximately 10 million people receive a new dementia diagnosis each year, having dementia arrive at your family’s doorstep still feels quite lonely. Fortunately, there are resources for dementia caregivers throughout the Chicagoland area, making connection and education readily available to help you through this time.
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter
Illinois boasts an active chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and there are multiple ways to connect with resources right here in the Naperville area. You can join a team for the Naperville Walk to End Alzheimer’s, scheduled to take place in September, which is a great time to not only advocate for dementia research, but to also connect with others who have traveled the road you are currently traveling
The Alzheimer’s Association also offers facilitated support groups, virtual education classes, and even telephone educational resources that are open to anyone.
Dementia-Friendly City
Naperville is actively seeking the designation of being a dementia-friendly city through Dementia Friendly America. This process includes specialized training of community staff to ensure that seniors living with dementia, along with their care partners, can engage in various activities throughout the community together. Naperville began its initial steps to become a dementia-friendly city at the end of 2019 and is committed to providing resources and support for caregivers and their loved ones.
DuPage County Caregiver Support Services
Just a few minutes away from Naperville is Wheaton, the county seat for DuPage County. The DuPage County Senior Services department has specialized assistance for family caregivers including a Family Caregiver Resource Center. Caregivers can find resources and education, and may even qualify for respite care services when they need a break.
DuPage County Senior Services
Services offered through the county can include everything from home-delivered meals to at-home maintenance visits. The county works diligently to provide comprehensive support for older adult residents living at home, and caregivers can call to set up services or to ask questions.
Dementia Care Communities
Perhaps one of the best places to find a wealth of support is local dementia care communities throughout the Naperville area. Dementia care communities are specialized neighborhoods within assisted living campuses that are designed to meet the needs of people living with dementia. Here you can find staff members who have decades of experience working with dementia and are thus experts in daily dementia interventions.
Dementia care communities often offer support groups as well as educational lectures that are open to the greater community at no cost. You can find reliable information and connect with professionals in the Naperville area by attending them.
Beyond educational and support groups, dementia care communities offer a senior living solution for your loved one. Dementia is a progressive disease, which means it is never too early to begin planning for your loved one’s future in order to keep them healthy and happy.
What to Look for in a Dementia Care Community
There are multiple dementia care communities in the Naperville area, but they are not all created equal. When you are searching for a dementia care community, ensure that you look for specially trained staff members who have experience working with the challenges dementia can bring, as well as an active event calendar that keeps residents engaged. Find a community that features an ability-based dining program that puts seniors’ needs and dignity at the center of the experience as well.
Learn more about how to find the perfect senior living solution for your loved one before an emergency or crisis occurs. Download our free guide, “Finding a Safe & Comfortable Senior Living Community,” to get tips from our experts that will help you make the best decision.
At Arbor Terrace Naperville, we are honored to serve our residents in our Evergreen memory care neighborhood. Our team delights in getting to know the current preferences and past history of everyone we serve, giving us the information we need to develop effective personalized care interventions. We would love to tell you more about what makes our community so special; call us today for the guidance and support you need.
