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Alzheimer’s Tennessee working to make caregivers’ jobs easier with support groups, kits





Silver Alert KitsSUBMITTED PHOTO

Silver Alert KitsSUBMITTED PHOTO

Alzheimer’s Tennessee’s work in Maury County is just beginning, and Middle Tennessee Director Cheryl Blanchard is excited to continue their work throughout the county.

Last October, Alzheimer’s Tennessee held its first fundraising walk in the county, and since that time has invested resources for caregivers, including individual resources and support groups both locally and digitally.

“Caregiver Support is one of the main things I recommend to anyone when they call,” Blanchard said. “These groups are a safe place to be real and admit the struggles without fear of judgment and to learn from caregivers who have been at it for a while.”

Local support groups are important to new and experienced caregivers, Blanchard said, as they provide local ideas and resources.

“One of the best things about a local support group is learning about the resources available. Maury County may have something that Wilson County may not have,” she added. “You can share about doctors who have been helpful or what home health or assisted living is helpful.

“Having that local in-person group allows you to develop friendships and relationships with one another so they can connect even outside of group meetings to share concerns and even celebrations.”

One of the aspects of Alzheimer’s Tennessee groups is that the meetings are typically led by someone with memory care experience. Blanchard said having that person as a sounding board or to offer advice from a professional’s point of view.

“Our meeting leaders have been through some training, whether it’s a social worker, nurse or someone working in a memory care facility,” Blanchard said.

Maury County caregiver support groups are held the last Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Unity Psychiatric Care, located at 1400 Rosewood Drive in Columbia. For more information, contact Vinessa Ward at 931-388-6573.

Silver Alert Law helping families locate loved ones

One of the biggest wins for Alzheimer’s Tennessee in the last year is the implementation of the Silver Alert Law in Tennessee. The law went into effect July 1, 2021, and as of May 2, 78 Silver Alerts have been issued and 66 people were returned safely home. Seven of those people brought home were located out of state.

The organization has put together a kit for caregivers to help authorities locate those with memory care needs, and are distributing them throughout the state at different events. The kits include a number of different elements that can help track those who wander.

“The kit has everything families need to have together in one place should their loved one go missing. It includes directions for preparing the kit, taking photos, emergency contact information and more,” Blanchard said. “There is information on warning signs, preparation and response and a step by step guide to follow when a person goes missing. It comes in a purple zippered pouch that is waterproof. The idea is that families prepare in advance because as we know, it is difficult to find things or remember things when you are stressed.”

According to statistics, six of ten people with Alzheimer’s Disease will wander, and these kits are a way to help law enforcement better assist in locating patients.

“Being prepared in advance is the best thing that families can do. The TBI says that one thing families don’t always have is a recent photograph of the missing person,” Blanchard said. “Its also important to have information available like a description of the car and tag number if the person is still driving.

“This is why Alzheimer’s Tennessee created the Silver Alert Kit.”

Blanchard added there are some things caregivers can do to help prevent wandering, such as disguising doors with curtains or adding locks to the tops of doors. It’s especially helpful if there are doorbell cameras as well, because statistics show that wandering Alzheimer’s patients typically stay in the direction they leave.

“The Silver Alert Kit gives you a link to our safety catalog with a lot more ideas on how to make the home safer and also lessen the chance of wandering,” Blanchard said.

A Silver Alert Kit giveaway is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, from 3-7 p.m. at Morning Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care of Franklin, located at 1005 Generations Way, Franklin. There will be a booth to take photos of patients, law enforcement will also be on hand to answer questions. Live music and refreshments will also be available. For more information, visit www.alztennessee.org.

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