A simple Google search on “dementia” or “caregiving” will result in hundreds of websites. To help you begin your search, the following sections list external websites and links to online resources caregivers and professionals in the field have reported as helpful.
Disclaimer: Dementia Caregivers & Friends and the High Country Area Agency on Aging do not endorse any commercial products or services mentioned on these sites.
Keeping links updated: While we try to keep the links up to date, they are external links managed by other organizations. If you find a link does not work, please let us know by sending an email to DementiaCaregiversYC@gmail.com.
About Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Alzheimers.gov
The U.S. National Institutes of Health has a special section dedicated to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (www.alzheimers.gov). The following section provides a good overview of the “dementia umbrella” and the different diagnoses under the umbrella.
Support Services for Caregivers – Respite Vouchers & More
North Carolina Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty)
This North Carolina state-funded program provides dementia caregivers with care management services, information and referral, and respite vouchers to help give caregivers a break. For the WNC region, call Karen Phoenix, 383-485-4267 for more information. Counties served: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Mitchell, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey counties. Website: https://www.wpcog.org/copy-of-regional-aging-advisory-com
Family Caregiver Support Program
This program helps cover some costs of caregiving, referrals to other programs; works alongside Project C.A.R.E. Info. For western North Carolina counties: Myles Stacey, 828-265-5434, Ext. 123. Email mstacey@hccog.org. Website: https://www.highcountryaging.org/services/family-caregiver-support-program
Diagnosis & Specialized Medical Care
SECU Center for Memory Care (MemoryCare). Located in Asheville, MemoryCare is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide specialized medical care to older adults with cognitive impairment; to support caregivers with education, counseling, and improved access to services; and to provide community education. In WNC, MemoryCare is an incredible resource for caregivers and their loved ones. If your loved one has not yet received a diagnosis other than “memory problems,” request a referral to MemoryCare. Website: www.memorycare.org .
Veterans Administration: Aid & Attendance Benefit & more
Qualified veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities or are house-bound may be eligible for financial assistance from the VA. All too often, veterans are unaware of this benefit. In Yancey County, call Ed Seel, Veteran Services Office, 828-682-1514. Email: Edison.Seel@yanceycountync.gov. Other counties: call your County Government Office and ask for the local Veterans Services Office. Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
Compassionate Care WNC / Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the disease. People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia may benefit from this service. CCWNC accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance; all eligible patients are provided care regardless of ability to pay. Call 828-682-9675. Website: https://compassionatecarewnc.org/ .
Online Caregiver Education & Resource Hubs
Dementia Alliance of NC
Provides in-person and online education for families and professional caregivers, and personalized information, referrals, and other caregiver assistance. Especially helpful is the Caregiver Resources section of the Dementia Alliance of NC’s website.
Dementia Care Central
This is an extensive online resource center for dementia caregivers, well organized for finding resources on an extensive list of topics. Dementia Care Central website link: https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/
Duke Dementia Family Support Program
Free consultations for NC residents by phone, email, Zoom, or in-person for people living with memory loss or families caring for someone with dementia. Trained staff provide personalized tips and valuable information and strategies for caregivers. Website: https://dukefamilysupport.org/
NC Caregiver Portal
www.nc-caregivers.com – an extensive free online resource for NC residents. Look up any problem, concern or issue and this easy-to-use tool will provide resources such as videos, articles, and handouts.
SECU Center for Memory Care (MemoryCare)
Located in Asheville, NC, MemoryCare is a nonprofit organization whose mission includes supporting caregivers with education. In WNC, MemoryCare is an incredible resource for caregivers and their loved ones, for medical care and caregiver support. Check out their Caregiver College, a free online education program for caregivers.
The AARP Family Caregiving Resource Center
Offers a world of resources for all kinds of caregiving issues and concerns, including but not limited to dementia. Link: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving
Telephone Helplines for Caregivers
Duke Dementia Family Support Program, One-on-One Dementia Consultations
Call 919-660-7510. Website: https://dukefamilysupport.org/
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Helpline
Open from 9 am-9 pm ET, seven days a week. Call 866-232-8484 or Text: 646-586-5283. This free helpline is staffed by licensed social workers.
Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Helpline
Open 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is a free service offering support for people living with dementia, caregivers, families, and the public.
Caregiver Health – Taking Care of Yourself
Family Caregiver Alliance
Provides strategies and support for your well-being as a caregiver. Topics covered: stress, grief, and loss, selfcare and health, relaxation and meditation, and spirituality. Website: https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-resources/caring-for-yourself/
Taking Care of YOU: Self Care for Family Caregivers
This fact sheet from the National Center on Caregiving / Family Caregiver Alliance can be read online, printed, or downloaded. Link: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/taking-care-you-self-care-family-care...
Reducing Caregiver Stress & Compassion Fatigue
This is a one-hour video training. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMbWGlXiWew
Take Care of You!
From the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, this at-a-glance guide, 10-Minute Stress Tamers, provides coping strategies for reducing stress.
Safety Concerns
Home Safety Checklist for Alzheimer’s Disease
Available from the U.S. National Institute on Aging, this thorough discussion about home safety provides a checklist for every area of your home, inside and out. Link: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/home-safety-checklist-alzheimers-d...
Still Safe at Home Alone?
This resource from the Duke Dementia Family Support Program helps caregivers think through the “home alone” issue. Link: https://dukefamilysupport.org/files/2020/06/Safety-Alone-from-Beth-White...
Home Safety Measures
This section on the Dementia Care Central website is devoted to home safety and dementia. Link: https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/caregiverinfo/handsoncare/safety/
Video & Podcast Resources
Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care / YouTube Channel
Teepa Snow is a national expert on dementia caregiving with an extensive library of free training videos on You Tube. Link to the Positive Approach to Care You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSXrEX7LkWOmfTaV6u1C7wQ
Dementia Untangled Podcast
This podcast by Banner Alzheimer’s Institute explores unique dementia topics through conversations with physicians and experts. Available on Spotify, Google, Apple, and other platforms. URL: https://www.bannerhealth.com/services/alzheimers/for-caregivers/resource...
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
The Care Connections Series of webinars are free to everyone and cover a wide range of topics, plus recordings are available on their website. Link to Care Connections: https://alzfdn.org/caregiving-resources/webinars-for-dementia-caregivers...
James L. West Center for Dementia Care
The You Tube channel of this Texas-based nonprofit organization provides valuable training videos on dementia topics, including understanding rummaging, wandering, and hoarding. Link: https://www.youtube.com/@jameslwest1
Wandering – Identification & Recovery Programs and Technology Tools
Project Lifesaver
This program uses radio frequencies to help local law enforcement locate individuals who have wandered from home and become lost. To have your loved one enrolled in Project Lifesaver, contact your local Sheriff’s Office. In Yancey County, call the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office, 828-682-1848. Helpful links: Project Lifesaver International (includes a search tool to find a program in your community).
Tracking Technology & Trends
- The Alzheimer’s Association provides a good overview of tracking technologies and information about emerging trends. Visit Technology 101 for more information.
- AARP provides a good overview, too: 5 Ways Technology Can Make Life Easier for Caregivers of Dementia Patients
National Organizations Focused on Dementia and Caregiving
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers a national, toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, educational materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers and free video training through its Care Connections Series.
- Alzheimer’s Association works on a global, national, and local level to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. They offer help through a professionally staffed 24/7 Helpline (1.800.272.3900), face-to-face support groups and educational sessions in communities nationwide, and comprehensive online resources and information through the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center.
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- Frontotemporal Dementia – National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke
- Frontotemporal Degeneration - Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
- Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices - National Task Group
- Lewy Body Dementia Association
- Lewy Body Dementia - National Institutes of Health
- Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center
- Vascular Dementia – National Institute on Aging
- Veterans Administration – Aid & Attendance Benefits & Housebound Allowance
What do all these Terms Mean? It’s Alphabet Soup!
Every area of study or interest comes with words and acronyms that can be hard to figure out. Here are several glossaries that may be helpful to dementia caregivers and friends.
