Do you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? You may hear all the time that you’re not alone. But, it can be hard to really believe that there is help out there for your specific situation.

If you are in the Louisville, Kentucky, area, many resources exist to help you understand what your options are as someone who has a person with cognitive loss in your life. 

And don’t worry if you’re not sure whether you qualify as a “real” caregiver. The term applies, whether you're living with the person you’re caring for, or trying to find the right retirement community for an older relative in a different state.

The Challenge

More than 6 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s, and that figure is expected to more than double in the next few decades.

In Kentucky alone, more than 75,000 seniors have Alzheimer’s. In addition, 12% of the general population over the age of 45 have some form of cognitive decline. As with the national figures, the number of Kentuckians needing some level of memory care support is projected to increase in the coming years.

Exploring Resources

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia undeniably present heartbreaking challenges to those afflicted with it, as well as their families. That’s why, along with the residential and other memory care services that exist for those who have cognitive loss, additional programs have been established to support their caregivers.

National Family Caregiver Support Program

This program is geared to helping people who serve as caregivers for their loved ones who have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia and/or who care for people who are over 60. It provides both services and benefits.

Among the potential resources, NFCSP provides respite care for those inevitable times in which caregivers need a break. There are also training and support group services available, along with counseling. The program can also guide you in finding and accessing other services and can supplement existing services.

The Greater Kentucky & Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association

This Alzheimer’s Association chapter provides resources to 125 counties in the “Kentuckiana” area.

Among its services is a 24/7 helpline, at (800) 272-3900. In addition, the chapter provides support groups for caregivers, professionals, and people with dementia. It also offers various educational programs.

Trager Institute

Located at the University of Louisville, Trager Institute works to provide “Friends and Family Resources” help for caregivers of older adults.

Trager Institute’s primary focus is on providing support groups. Its “Caregiver 101” support group provides weekly meetings in various locations, including Zoom options. Caregiver 101 also offers mindfulness sessions for easing stress and workshops on specialized topics.

In addition to Caregiver 101, other support groups offered by Trager Institute include “My Health Matters,” to provide wellness tips and support for overworked caregivers, and support groups for those employed by, or retired from, the university and its health institutions. Call the Caregiver Hotline at (502) 588-3322 to learn more.

Adult Day Care Programs

For people caring for loved ones at home, some days can be long and demanding. Adult care offers relief for friends and family members of people with dementia, as well as stimulating activities for the loved ones themselves.

The Community Resource Finder is a good place to start, as it provides links to the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and other community-based organizations which may provide adult daycare. You may also find other nonprofit databases helpful when searching for local adult daycare resources.

Jewish Family & Career Service

This organization offers a monthly Caregiver Support Group. Currently meeting virtually, the group is available the second Monday of each month. Anyone taking care of a person over the age of 60, or a person over 55 who has been diagnosed with dementia, is invited to attend. JFCS stresses that group members do not have to live with the person they are caring for in order to join the group.

The Caregiver Support Group is guided by experts in the dementia field and provides educational and problem-solving opportunities. Most importantly, members are able to help support one another, rather than feeling alone.

Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders Council

This Kentucky-based program brings together key people from the state agencies -connected to caring for people with dementia or researching disorders that lead to dementia. These include the medical research community, healthcare professionals, committees on aging, and regional Alzheimer’s Associations.

Among the programs they support is the Department of Aging and Independent Living, which can be reached at (502) 564-6930.

Whether you’re looking for a retirement community, memory support options, or additional information about resources in the Louisville area, Episcopal Church Home is here to offer support. We proudly serve families and seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia in the Louisville area, offering memory care options for people in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Reach out to us today to learn more.

Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in June 2017 but has been updated and republished with more current information.