Alzheimer’s Association can help caregivers take a break

From staff reports
Published: February 21, 2008

The Virginia Department of Aging has awarded the Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Virginia $8,125 in additional funding for Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grant to States (ADDGS) services.

The money makes available individual grants of $500 to those caring for family members diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease through the Association’s Respite Care Fund. The $8,125 augments original funding of $32,500 received this past July and is available to applicants through June 30, 2008.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior,” said Sue Friedman, the association’s president and CEO.

“Family caregivers are under relentless stress caring for loved ones whose minds and memories are being slowly destroyed,” she said. So the association created the Respite Care Fund to give caregivers a break from the 24/7 emotional and physical stresses of caring for someone with the disease.

The fund offers financial assistance of up to $1,000 per family per year. Recipients can use the money to pay for overnight care in a facility, in-home help, or adult day care. To qualify the caregiver must meet certain income requirements and be living with a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder.

For more information, call (434) 845-8540.