Being the caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s or any other debilitating disease can impact almost every aspect of one’s daily life. As an Alzheimer’s patient begins to lose certain abilities, a caregiver must take on more responsibilities while simultaneously trying to maintain their own emotional and physical fitness. Seeking support from others who are experiencing the same caregiving journey can be helpful.
Helene Berger, author of Choosing Joy- Alzheimer’s: A Book of Hope shared her powerful story of being the caregiver of a husband with Alzheimer’s disease at Plaza Health Network’s University Plaza. Berger spoke to a packed room about the vital importance of promoting an active mind and a positive, supportive attitude. Attendees were also able to pick up an autographed copy of Helene’s book at the event.
“I hope to inspire and empower caregivers with the knowledge that they are not helpless,” said Berger. “They can make a difference, and they can live with joy.”
Most accounts of Alzheimer’s describe a process of irreversible degeneration and decline but Berger’s comprehensive guide chronicles the different elements that created the scaffolding that gave her husband the very best chance for positive outcomes physically, emotionally, and socially.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are approximately 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. There are more than 16 million Americans who provide up to 18.5 billion hours of unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias valued at nearly $234 billion.
“This means that meaningful conversations surrounding caregivers will continue to be of utmost importance,” said Elaine Bloom, CEO of Plaza Health Network. “We are extremely grateful to have had Helene share her journey with other caregivers in our community so that they can, ultimately, find the same success she did.”
Plaza Health Network continuously works to improve the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer’s. One such example is the creation of the Music & Memory program that uses music to access those memories stored deep in the brain by tapping into the emotion that one’s special music can provoke.
Research has shown that music can improve awareness, mobility, socialization and temperament in individuals with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. It can also reduce the need for certain medications.
“Music appreciation is an ability that remains in patients with cognitive depreciation, even after other abilities have faded away,” said Bloom. “Our Music & Memory program affects patients’ quality of life and sets Plaza Health Network apart as an innovative leader in care and services for our elderly.”
