Community Corner

Senior Gems Program to Help Families Struggling with Alzheimer's and Other Dimentias

More than five million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and there is no cure. This program helps families learn how to cope.

Senior Helpers will be presenting its new, revolutionary Senior Gems program taking Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving and assistance to the next level. This November, Bob Tucker, a quailifed dementia care provider (QDCP) and co-owner of the Northbrook-based Senior Helpers office serving north and northwest Chicagoland, will be presenting three informative Senior Gems educational programs. 

  • November 7th, at 3:30 p.m., at Sunrise of Gurnee, 500 Hunt Club Road in Gurnee.
  • November 21st, at 6 p.m., at Radford Green (Sedgebrook), 800 Audubon Way in Lincolnshire.
  • November 26th, at 3 p.m., at the Patty Turner Senior Center, 375 Elm Street in Deerfield.

The United States is facing the following important challenges with Alzheimer’s. More than five million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and there is no cure. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and growing significantly. This disease is the second most feared disease in the world, behind cancer. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years, starting at age 65.

Although Alzheimer’s disease is not considered a normal part of aging, the risk of developing this disease rises as a person ages. For each person with Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias, living at home or with a loved one, there can be as many as four individuals providing their daily care. The Senior Gems program helps caregivers and family members provide better care for those stricken, and improve the lives of everyone involved.

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“The Senior Gems Program is the first of its kind in the in-home care industry,” says Tucker, a Northbrook resident. “This is a step-by-step guide that teaches local caregivers and families how to care for those affected through each stage of dementia. Our program improves the lives of everyone facing these devastating diseases.”

Caring for a parent, aunt or uncle or husband or wife creates health challenges for the primary family caregiver as well. Reports indicate that 17 percent report their health has gotten worse as a result of family caregiving, while 40 percent of family caregivers who work full time report missing work on a regular basis due to the health needs of an elderly loved one.

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The Senior Gems program teaches family members what is happening to their loved one, why they are acting the way they are, how to communicate better with them, the activities that can help maximize their capabilities, reduce fear, aggression and confusion and ways to improve the interactions with everyone involved. 

Program attendees will receive an award-winning DVD produced by Senior Helpers featuring Teepa Snow, OT, a nationally known dementia care expert who addresses common questions regarding their loved ones care. In addition, to help the family members and the caregivers learn to better understand how to communicate with their loved one, the program breaks down the states of dementia into six progressive stages. It is important for caregivers to understand these six stages so that they know how best to help and respond to their loved one’s needs.

If you would like to learn more about the Senior Gems educational program, to arrange a personal review of your family’s situation or to arrange a speaking engagement at your organization, business or place of worship, contact Bob Tucker at Senior Helpers, 847-564-7500 or email at rtucker@seniorhelpers.com.

- Information provided by Senior Helpers.


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