TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – When someone you love is diagnosed with a memory disorder like dementia, knowing where to turn for help can be overwhelming.
The Alzheimer’s Project offers free resources and respite care for families navigating the disease.
Sonya Graves said her mother Susie Mae Gilliam had a gift for making people feel loved.
“She was just the joy. When she walked in a room, she just lit the room up,” said Graves.
Graves said her mother spent her life serving others, but over time she began noticing changes.
“When was she diagnosed and what was that like for your family? (3:25) When she was first diagnosed, I noticed some years prior to her diagnosis, some behavioral changes. And it just it was devastating,” Graves said.
Graves’ mother was diagnosed with dementia, leaving her family searching for answers until she found the Alzheimer’s Project.
The nonprofit provides free support for people with memory disorders and their caregivers across the Big Bend area.
David Handy, Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Project, said they don’t want any family to feel alone.
“A big piece of our work is helping families just navigate the journey. A lot of times they come to us and they don’t know what to do,” Handy said.
The Alzheimer’s Project services include day-respite care, social clubs, educational programs, and community resources.
“While we are a tiny office, we are a mighty office and we want to help provide support to as many families in the community as we possibly can,” said Mindy Towler, Program Director for the Alzheimer’s Project.
Through music therapy and other activities, clients stay connected while caregivers get support.
Through support groups, caregivers connect with people who understand what they’re going through.
The project also connects eligible veterans and military families with in-home respite care through AmeriCorps volunteers.
That companionship gives families a break from the demands of caregiving.
For Graves, in-home respite care made a difference during her mother’s final years.
“I mean, I couldn’t have asked for a better organization to assist us. So I’m just so grateful and just I cherish those memories that we share, you know, even though mommy wasn’t herself, you know, but she was happy during those times,” Graves said.
And the need in the local area for help is growing.
The Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Memory Disorder Clinic has a waitlist of over 2,000 people waiting for assessments.
But the Alzheimer’s Project is here to help, even for those who feel alone.
Please reach out to Alzheimer’s Project, They are 100 plus percent. They’re there. They’re in your corner. I mean, they’re exceptional people. They’re angels on here on Earth. They really are. And I’m so grateful that God put them in our path,” Graves said.
The Alzheimer’s Project said its work is all locally funded, helping it connect families with resources right here in the community.
For caregivers, that support can make a difficult journey a little less lonely.
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