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Supportive Services Team\u2019s \u201cDementia Support Corner\u201d<\/p>\n
Living in a rural part of San Diego County comes with unique challenges for families impacted by dementia. In this piece, Alzheimer\u2019s San Diego\u2019s Dementia Care Coach Gabriela Mendoza talks through the difficulties people living with dementia and their caregivers can encounter in these areas and suggestions for navigating these challenges of rural caregiving.<\/p>\n
Common Challenges<\/p>\n
Caring for a person living with dementia is hard, but for people impacted by dementia in rural areas, it can be even more challenging. According to Gabriela, common challenges faced by people impacted by dementia that are living in rural communities include:<\/p>\n
Not as many resources for caregivers: People living in rural areas don\u2019t have access to the same resources for caregivers respite that people living in the city do. For example, adult day programs<\/a>, senior centers, and in-home care options available in cities are less available in rural communities. Without these opportunities to have a break, caregivers can experience burnout. Tips to Help Alleviate the Challenges of Rural Caregiving<\/p>\n Although people impacted by dementia in rural areas face more challenges than people living in cities, Gabriela says there are ways to lessen the burden of rural caregiving.<\/p>\n Expanding your support system: Whether that is informal (friends and family) or formal options (senior centers, community centers, and religious places of worship), \u201cIt\u2019s important to establish a support system,\u201d says Gabriela. Check out this blog on helping friends and family connect<\/a> with your person living with dementia. We Serve Rural Communities in San Diego County<\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s San Diego serves all San Diego County residents and is here to provide support and locate resources in your community. For personalized dementia support, call us at 858.492.4400<\/a> to speak with one of our Dementia Care Coaches<\/a> (Spanish speakers available). You can also check out our free\u00a0education classes<\/a>,\u00a0social activities<\/a>,\u00a0caregiver support groups<\/a>, &\u00a0more<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our \u201cDementia Support Corner\u201d\u00a0series is an opportunity for our Supportive Services team to provide insight that can help people impacted by dementia.<\/p>\n By Heidi Emmenegger<\/p>\n
\nTransportation to medical care: People living in rural communities have to spend more time traveling longer distances to doctor appointments<\/a>. As a result of the extra time and distance it takes to seek medical care, people impacted by dementia in rural areas can have limited opportunities to see a physician.
\nRural areas typically have more extreme climates: People living with dementia can\u2019t regulate their temperature and hydration as well as people who are not living with the disease. As a result, caregivers need to be more cautious about temperatures, especially in rural areas that experience extreme heat and cold.
\nNot as many options to engage in dementia-friendly social activities: Many rural communities lack options for people living with dementia to socialize in a dementia-friendly environment.<\/p>\n
\nMedicare GUIDE program: Medicare\u2019s new Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model is a new federal program that provides some respite caregiving hours to families. For more information, check out this blog on long-term care coverage<\/a> for people living with dementia.
\nUtilize virtual resources: Alzheimer\u2019s San Diego offers online support groups<\/a> for caregivers, as well as online education classes<\/a> (plus a webinar library with recordings) and exercise videos<\/a> (scroll down to the exercise library).
\nOnline medical care: You can request a virtual visit with your primary care physician, also known as telehealth. Additionally, you can reach out to your doctors and specialists via email on your provider portal.
\nSpecialized resources for people living alone with dementia: Alzheimer\u2019s San Diego\u2019s ALZ Ally program<\/a> is specifically designed to address the unique needs of people living alone with dementia. Services include friendly phone calls, home safety visits, case management, safety items, and more.
\nPlan meaningful activities at home: Hydration tips<\/a> for summer heat and dementia-friendly ways to have fun.<\/a>
\nConnect with community resources: Alzheimer\u2019s San Diego\u2019s Dementia Care Coaches can help you identify community resources in your area. Call us at 858.492.4400<\/a> or fill out this form here<\/a> to receive personalized guidance on resources in your area today.
\nPractice self care: Caregiver self care tips<\/a> for caregivers.<\/p>\n