Support available for caregivers

Thank you for the article "Caregiver thankful for support of friends, Alzheimer's Assoc." Ms. Rinehart did a beautiful job depicting one family's Alzheimer's journey and also the importance of respite for the caregiver. Caregiving can be an arduous task, and without some time off, a caregiver's mental and physical health becomes affected. Please let your readers know they are not alone and that the Alzheimer's Association is available to help ease the burden of Alzheimer's.

More than 60 percent of Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers rate their emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high; more than one-third report symptoms of depression. The Alzheimer's Association can help your readers identify the need for time off, and help pay for the care of a loved one while the caregiver receives some much needed rest.

Many families cannot afford the cost of outside care, yet do not qualify for poverty programs. Missouri Alzheimer's Service grants allow the Alzheimer's Association to provide help to Missouri residents who provide care in their home to a loved one with Alzheimer's (or any other dementia).

The Alzheimer's Association Respite Assistance Program can provide reimbursement to help with the cost of respite care services or the cost of products (incontinent products, nutritional supplements, etc.).

The Alzheimer's Association is accepting applications for the Respite Assistance Program. For information on how to apply for the Respite Assistance Program or additional resources available in your community, visit www.alz.org/stl or call 800-272-3900.

STEPHANIE ROHLFS-YOUNG, outreach director, Alzheimer's Association, St. Louis, Mo.