LifePath is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant from MCOA in the amount of $22,900 to support elder dementia programs. This funding will allow us to continue to offer dementia-related services free of charge. LifePath will also use the grant to build our capacity to respond to the rising need for dementia supports by training additional staff including at least one Spanish-speaking staff member, allowing us to provide dementia coaching in Spanish.
According to the Center for Disease Control, there are approximately 5.8 million people in the United States with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This number is predicted to increase to an estimated 14 million people, with minority populations being more affected. According to a nationally representative survey conducted by Columbia University, people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment are more likely to be older, have lower levels of education, and be Black or Hispanic.
People are more likely to be diagnosed with a dementia-related disease the longer they live. The aging population in Franklin and Berkshire County is 1.4 times higher than the state average according to the census report. With increasing longevity and the aging baby boomers, the impact of the rise of dementia-related diseases has and will continue to have a significant social and economic impact on individuals and families. As the disease progresses, individuals require more care and supervision. In the current environment with the lack of paid caregivers, family members are forced to make difficult choices about the safety and well-being of their loved one and the type of care available. Family members provide many hours of unpaid caregiving and often leave employment to enable their loved one to remain at home.
LifePath provides the tools caregivers need to be more successful through Dementia Coaching sessions. For some caregivers, this can be a helpful first opportunity to receive formal training around care, or focused, evidence-based information on how the disease progresses. This information can help individuals feel more confident in their role and understand what impacts the disease can have, allowing them begin thinking ahead.
Staff meet with a caregiver one-on-one in their home, or another place that is convenient for the caregiver, to first listen and understand what is happening in the home and what supports would be more useful. No two situations are the same. After hearing a bit about the situation, the Dementia Coach tailors their response to the most immediate need.
LifePath also offers two virtual support groups for caregivers of someone with dementia. One of the groups meets weekly during the day and the other meets twice a month in the evening. Finally, respite services are available to qualifying caregivers.
The three-pronged approach of providing dementia coaching, support groups, and respite is an essential element of a comprehensive approach for supporting those with dementia to live safely in their home and community. This grant will help us to continue to offer these services. For more information on how to access dementia supports, visit the dementia coaching and supports page.
People interested in learning more about dementia programs are invited to an information session:
The Many Faces of Dementia: I am More than my Memory
February 15, 2024 1-2 PM
Zoom or in-person at LifePath (101 Munson St. Greenfield, Suite 201)
