Alzheimer`s Disease/Where can I find....

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Expert: - 12/27/2004


Question
My two sisters and I are currently taking care of my mom who is 78 and was diagnosed with Vascular demensia 3 years ago.  After her last doctors visit her physician stated that he believed she is in an advanced stage of Alzheimers.  I will be taking my mom into my home down south in Largo Florida in Feb for 2 months. I will be taking a month leave of absense from work but will need to get aides for the second month.  Where can I find agencys who have had specific experience with demensia and alzheimers?
Any suggesstions woud be helpful.  Thanks so much.

Answer
Regional Alzheimer’s Associations

Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
http://www.alz-tbc.org/
9365 U.S. Hwy. 19N, Suite B
Pinellas Park, Fl 33782

Phone: 800-772-8672 (Help Line)
Phone: 727-578-2558
Fax: 727-578-2289

Independent Alzheimer’s Groups

Alzheimer Family Organization
http://www.alzheimersfamily.org/
P.O. Box 1939
New Port Richey, Fl 34656

727-848-8888
Fax: 727-849-6124

email: info@alzheimersfamily.org
Executive Director: Dominick De Petrillo

Dementia Caregiver Resources
10282 Holiday Lane
Largo, Fl 33773

727-391-9999
Fax: 727-394-2306

email: DCRINC@prodigy.net
Executive Director: Karen Karle

Hope this helps.

Mary Gordon
Toronto

Alzheimer`s Disease

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Mary Gordon

Expertise

Several years direct experience as caregiver for family member who died of end stage AD. Did lots of research and dealt with a lot of health care professionals and caregivers over the 7 years from diagnosis to the end. Used various care options from community based resources to increasing levels of institutional. Mother of three, two born during our loved one's decline, so I know what it is to be the ham in the sandwich, taking care of the older generation and the younger at the same time and trying to balance everyone`s needs. Ask me, I`ve probably been there, done that. We made lost of mistakes and learned everything the hard way - but you don`t have to! If I can`t answer your question, I`ll steer you to a place or person who can.

Experience

Currently a program manager for a large utility company. My Alzheimers experience comes from having the illness in our family. Out of necessity, we did a lot of research in order to understand the disease, plan for what might come next, and make the right decisions to help and support our loved one. Please note, I am a Canadian living in Toronto, and therefore am not the best person to ask about US regulations and insurance rules!

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