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In 'Dementia Friendly' San Antonio, Who Cares For The Caregivers?

sarcifilippo from Pixabay CC0: http://bit.ly/2YukDGV

15 million Americans provide daily, unpaid care for a family member with dementia. Earlier this summer, San Antonio became one of three Texas cities with an official "dementia friendly" designation.

What's being done to improve quality of life for people living with dementia and the individuals who care for them?

More than 390,000 Texans aged 65 years and older are living with Alzheimer's or other dementias, and this number is expected to go up 28.9% by 2025. What are the signs and symptoms? What does treatment look like? What local resources are available?

Caregivers are individuals who provide support to a person with a physical, emotional or mental disability. The progressive decline in mental ability associated with dementia interferes with daily life and often requires complex care. 

How does someone learn to be a caregiver? How do caregivers balance the needs of a loved one with their personal physical, emotional and social health? 

How can local governments, law enforcement and first responders, businesses, faith communities and others help meet the needs of individuals with dementia and their caregivers?Click here for more information about local life skills, workshops and support groups.

Click here for more information about Alzheimer's clinical trials.

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline: 1-800-272-3900Guests:

 
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.  

*This interview was recorded on Wednesday, July 31 .

 

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Kim Johnson is the producer for Texas Public Radio’s live, call-in show The Source. She is a Trinity University alum with bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Spanish, and a Master of Arts Degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin.
Dallas Williams is a Producer for The Source at Texas Public Radio. With a degree in Mass Communication — Broadcast Media, Dallas brings a unique perspective and a passion to producing a live, call-talk show.