RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — This November, 8News is taking the lead on the Walk to End Alzhiemer’s.
Caring for someone with the disease can be difficult, but 8News reporter Sydney Cameron shows us what the Alzheimer’s Association offers to help ease the stress.
There are 425,000 Alzheimer’s caregivers in Virginia alone. Clyde Palmore is one of them.
“We have good days and bad days. I understand that’s the way the sickness goes.”
Clyde’s wife Nancy has been diagnosed with dementia.
“I’m going to stick with Nancy as long as I can,” Palmore said.
He does everything for her, but sometimes he needs a break. That’s where the Alzheimer’s Association steps in with Respite scholarships.
“We want them to be able to take a break to get away to be able to do something that they enjoy,” said Nancy Lentz, Family Care Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers up to $750 to full-time, live-in caregivers. The money can be used to hire a licensed home-care nurse or pay for a loved one to go to a licensed adult daycare center while the caregiver goes out. The patient must be diagnosed by a doctor.
“Caring for a person with any kind of dementia is just overwhelming,” Lentz said.
Clyde used the scholarship to run errands. Now, he can get back to caring for his wife.
“It was very helpful. I appreciate it,” Palmore said.
The Alzheimer’s Association also provides support vouchers up to $750. They are provided on an emergency basis and can be used to pay someone to come sit with your loved one while you go out and run errands. The person does not have to be from a licensed facility.
If you’re interested in applying for a respite scholarship, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter. They can be reached by phone at 804-967-2580.
Remember, join 8News on November 7 for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. We’ll be out there walking to find a cure.
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