Flooding Emergency Can Stress Elders; Alzheimer's Association Offers Help for Those with Alzheimer's or Other Dementia.WATERTOWN, Mass. -- The evacuations caused by rising waters in Massachusetts can be particularly stressful for people with Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (ăls`hī'mərz, ôls–), degenerative disease of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex that leads to atrophy of the brain and senile dementia. or some other form of dementia, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the Alzheimer's Association The Alzheimer's Association, incorportated on April 10, 1980 as the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc., is a non-profit American voluntary health organization which focuses on care, support and research for Alzheimer's disease. . "In an emergency, people with Alzheimer's need extra care and attention to ensure their health and safety when they are evacuated e·vac·u·ate v. e·vac·u·at·ed, e·vac·u·at·ing, e·vac·u·ates v.tr. 1. a. To empty or remove the contents of. b. To create a vacuum in. 2. from their home or a facility," said Paul Raia, PhD, Director of Patient Care and Family Support at the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter. "We've all seen the photos of elders being evacuated, and we know that it is stressful even for those of us who can fully understand the situation." Dr. Raia urged anyone with questions or concerns to contact the Alzheimer's Association consultation line for families and facility staff at their Helpline helpline Noun a telephone line set aside for callers to contact an organization for help with a problem helpline n → teléfono de asistencia al público at 1.800.272.3900. Staffed by trained professionals 24/7, Helpline offers emotional support and information on resources and programs. For those providing care, in a relocation area or flood impacted area, for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, the Alzheimer's Association recommends: --Remain flexible, patient and calm--a person with dementia will respond to the tone you set. --If someone has to leave their home, try to take one small familiar thing/item the person can look at or hold to help calm them in the temporary space. --Respond to an emotion being expressed by the person. For example, ask "Are you feeling frightened fright·en v. fright·ened, fright·en·ing, fright·ens v.tr. 1. To fill with fear; alarm. 2. ?" --Offer reassurance REASSURANCE. When an insurer is desirous of lessening his liability, he may procure some other insurer to insure him from loss, for the insurance he has made this is called reassurance. , such as "I will take care of you" or "Don't worry. You will have everything you need here. --Do not leave the person alone. Wandering and becoming lost, even under normal circumstances is always a danger for those with dementia. The Alzheimer's Association, Mass. Chapter offers additional information at their website, www.alzmass.org. The Alzheimer's Association is the largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to providing care and support for those affected by the disease, as well as advancing research into causes, treatments and cures. The Association's Massachusetts Chapter is based in Watertown with regional offices in Lowell, Springfield, Worcester, and Sandwich. |
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