With Alzheimer’s Disease at All Time High, Eldercare Expert Judie Rappaport Answers Top Questions from Alzheimer’s Caregivers
West Palm Beach, FL (PRWEB) July 31, 2013 -- When faced with the reality of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or related Dementias, most individuals have no idea where to turn for help. Eldercare & Dementia Specialist Judie Rappaport has seen this all too often.
Using her extensive knowledge and background, Judie has gathered resources, links, testimonials and critical information on her website, http://www.dementiaexpert.com. http://www.dementiaexpert.com
“Caring for a loved one with dementia is considered one of the most difficult jobs in the caregiving spectrum. The financial losses, loss of quality of life, and loss of self, make it vital for you to get help at every stage.” Says Judie. And she should know, since she has been providing education and support for Alzheimer’s and related dementias patients and families for more than twenty years.
Since AD (Alzheimer’s disease) and related dementias are now considered long term diseases, care can be needed for two years or two decades. In fact, with the rise in need for senior care, statistics show that about one third of the adult U.S. population reports being a caregiver. Alzheimer’s-specific research estimates as many as one in ten persons over sixty-five and nearly half of those over the age of eighty will have Alzheimer’s disease.
One of the most commonly asked questions Judie Rappaport receives is: What is the most important step to take to survive as an AD caregiver?
“Education, education, education!” says Judie. It is impossible to overestimate the benefits of professional guidance for AD caregivers. “Alzheimer’s is a family disease—if Mom has Alzheimer’s, her care needs and behavior will change the lives of your kids, your spouse/significant other – everyone will feel the stress. The fastest road to maintaining your health and your family’s quality of life is to educate yourself and your family by seeking help from professionals who are experts in AD behavior and family needs.”
Another frequently asked question pertains to getting the help a caregiver needs. Judie’s response: “Alzheimer’s is a physical and emotional roller coaster. Do not take this difficult journey alone. If you are an AD caregiver, or about to become an AD caregiver, pick up your phone now and call your local Alzheimer’s organization for guidance. Alzheimer’s professionals can help improve your loved one’s quality of life and yours by helping you master new skills for communicating with your Alzheimer’s loved one as the disease progresses.”
In the face of such devastating statistics, Judie is on a mission to empower AD caregivers. As the founder and president of Preferred Lifestyle Services, she and her staff guide families to a personalized, comprehensive care plan. Since Judie and her team know that AD effects so many areas of life and family, they work to gather and coordinate services that uniquely suit each individual.
Preferred Lifestyle Services’ goal is to return a sense of independence and focus on longer, better quality of life for both the patients and their families. Judie adds her inspiration every chance she gets. “Always remember to trust yourself. You have the knowledge and power to make the right decisions for you and your family.”
Judie Rappaport is the President of Preferred Lifestyle Services, which provides personalized services specializing in care for families with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. She writes a blog as well as a question and answer forum for AD and related dementias caregivers at http://www.dementiaexpert.com and http://www.preferredlifestyleservices.com. The websites provide links to vital information, programs, and organizations. She is the co-author of the well-received books, Eldercare 911: The Caregivers Complete Handbook for Making Decisions and The Eldercare 911 Question and Answer Book. Judie also writes, Eldercare 911, a weekly column answering readers’ caregiving questions. The successful column is in it’s 7th year in Florida’s Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.
For more information on eldercare specializing in the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, contact Judie Rappaport at JR(at)prefsvcs(dot)com or phone 561-277-9544 Judie’s blogs and articles may also be sourced at http://www.dementiaexpert.com and http://www.preferredlifestyleservices.com.
Gary Truitt, Fat Brain Interactive, http://fatbraininteractive.com, (561) 301-2424, [email protected]
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