Family, friends of Alzheimer's patients give input at forum

Families and friends of those affected by Alzheimer's shared their stories Monday at a community forum that could shape how Missouri deals with the disease.

Input at the fourth forum for the state Alzheimer's task force will be used when compiling findings and recommendations for the legislature and Gov. Jay Nixon in November. The task force is looking at cost and availability of services, state support for research and resources for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

Glenda Zink cared for her husband at their Cape Girardeau home until June, when he was transferred to the Lutheran Home. She said support from others has helped her cope with her difficult decision.

Zink said she hopes the state will look into publishing a list of approved, trained workers for in-home care.

"I had to interview each one individually," Zink said. "Most of us aren't qualified to evaluate a person on their training background. This to me is the one biggest thing that should be attacked right away."

Marsha Elfrink of Cape Girardeau said more research should be conducted on what long-term care facilities are approved for insurance coverage.

"I never realized how long this would go on," said Elfrink, who cared for her mother until she could no longer emotionally handle the situation. "I thought I'd be able to put her in an assisted-living facility, but my insurance wouldn't cover it. This is a financial burden on all of us as caregivers that has really made an impact on our lives."

Dale McKenzie attended the forum with his wife, Maxie, of Chaffee, Mo. McKenzie said he suffers from the early stages of dementia, a loss of cognitive ability. McKenzie said support groups and prayer are some of the best ways to cope with the disease.

"I have a God that heals and hears prayer," McKenzie said. "Religion is one of the best things for cases like this."

Carroll Rodriguez, director of public policy for the St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association that co-sponsored the forum, told the crowd of about 50 people that their input is critical.

"This is fundamental to this piece of legislation, which is gathering public input," Rodriguez said. "When the task force met we wanted to do community forums across the state right off the bat so we could hear from people like you. What you give us today serves as a guide for the task force and serves as a foundation for our plan."

In 2009, the legislature passed House Bill 272 that established the task force, which is charged with addressing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

Nineteen people serve on the task force, including family caregivers, elected officials, those working with people affected by Alzheimer's and people in the early stages of the disease.

A conference for caregivers is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 23 at First General Baptist Church, 1812 Cape LaCroix Road in Cape Girardeau. The Alzheimer's Association conference will cover such topics as understanding behaviors and communication, medications, driving and dementia and when to call the physician. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, and admission is free. To RSVP, call 800-272-3900 or visit alzstl.org.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

243-6635

Pertinent address:

1625 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO