Community Caregiving
Tactics for Encountering the Person with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia

Presentation by Peg Gagnon of the Maine Alzheimer's Association given to cadets at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro, Maine. 

Length: 1 hour 5 minutes 

Information for Caregivers
Source: Alzheimer's Association

 Caregiver Stress
Symptoms of caregiver stress and ways you can
become a healthy caregiver.
(6 pages)

 Behaviors
The most common behaviors and how to
manage them.
(12 pages)

 Respite Care Guide
Find help when you need a break from caregiving.
(19 pages)

Alphabetical list:

 Activities (12 pages)

 Adult Day Centers (3 pages)

 Bathing (3 pages)

 Behaviors (12 pages)

 CareFinder Guide (30 pages)

 Caregiver Stress (6 pages)

 Communication (12 pages)

 Dressing (2 pages)

 Eating (3 pages)

 End-of-Life Decisions (15 pages)

 Grief, Mourning and Guilt (3 pages)

 Hallucinations (2 pages)

 Hospitalization (3 pages)

 Holidays (2 pages)

 Incontinence (2 pages)

 Late-Stage Care (12 pages)

 Personal Care (12 pages)

 Respite Care Guide (19 pages)

 Sexuality (2 pages)

Telling Others About an Alzheimer Diagnosis

(2 pages)

Maine Caregiving Resources 
Connect with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease Support and Resources in Your Community

The Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter provides information and support for people with dementia and their caregivers. For more information, call 1-800-660-2871 or go to www.alz.org/maine

Area Agencies on Aging provide resources, services and training information to assure older adults, adults with disabilities and their family caregivers receive support to maintain their independence and dignity in the living environment of their choice. Call 1-877-353-3771 for the agency in your community or go to http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oes/resource/aaa.htm.

The Maine Savvy Caregiver Project is a six session training for family caregivers of people with dementia. The evidence-based program helps caregivers understand symptoms of dementia and effective ways to interact with a person who has the disease.  or contact Jan Halloran at 287-9233.  The Maine Savvy Caregiver Project

The Partners in Caring program provides an opportunity for caregivers of persons with dementia to take care of personal affairs, get some rest or take a vacation by offering respite services for them to do so. Services can be provided in the person's home or a facility and can be for a few hours or for a couple weeks. To obtain information, contact your area agency on aging or go to http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oes/alzheim.htm.

The Family Caregiver Program provides information and assistance, individual counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care and other services to families or friends caring for older individuals and grandparents caring for grandchildren. For more information, contact your area agency on aging or go to http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oes/caregivers.htm.

The following informational and resource books can be accessed by calling the Office of Elder Services at 287-9200 or by going to the following websites:

-  Connections: A guide for Family Caregivers in Maine
- Resource Directory for Older People in Maine
- Home Care: Where to Find It