The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) unveiled an interactive “community of care”
Web site that will help family caregivers meet other caregivers, learn about the brain disorder and connect “live” with experts.
Called Care Crossroads, the site addresses the feelings of isolation and stigma among Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers. It also fills a growing need for alternate types of support services. For example social workers are standing by to respond to questions and concerns via live Skype and chat, as well as e-mail and phone calls to the organization’s toll-free hot line at 866-232-8484.
Caregivers are introduced to other caregivers via “I Care” video stories and creative contributions, with more of each to be posted regularly.
The “House of Care” is the go-to place where visitors can click on specific rooms to learn more about strategies for behavioral challenges, recreational activities and safety issues appropriate for the specific stages of the disease.