Traci Taylor Finds Truly Helpful Caregiver Support with the Alzheimer’s Association

My dad is a cancer survivor, but the effects of his intense chemo, radiation and stem cell transplants left him with a slew of other ailments.

Not long after my dad’s last stem cell transplant, we noticed a huge shift in his personality. He became very confused and combative, both of which have increased substantially in the last year. Then, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dad has good days and bad days, but the bad days are very bad. I'm not a full-time caregiver of my dad, but I know it's exhausting and very emotional. It's hard to see the person you knew slip into someone who's like a stranger. Emotions run high on both sides and balancing them is tricky.

I've gotten a lot of amazing resources from the Alzheimer's Association and from this video, which really enlightened me on ways I can better communicate with my dad:

November is both National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Caregiver Month, so whether your family is new to dementia or has been navigating a loved one's treatment for a long time, now would be a great time to review the resources available. Do the caregivers have the support they need so they can be their best, both on the job and in their everday life? Does the Alzheimer's patient have the appropriate level of care and have loved ones started making plans for future care?

The Alzheimer's Association can help you and your family answer these questions, no matter what stage you are navigating. Get started at alz.org/help-support/caregiving.