Researchers are speeding up efforts to find effective treatments and possibly a cure for Alzheimer's because, left unchecked, it could reach epidemic proportions as the baby boom generation reaches and passes retirement age. Home health care, specialized residential facilities, hospice and respite care are all available to help patients preserve their abilities for as long as possible and give caregivers needed relief from the strain of caring for a dependent 24 hours a day. Support groups put caregivers and patients in touch with each other. Adult day care services allow patients to live with working caregivers. Home health nursing and hospice services provide regular professional check-ups at home.
Respite care gives caregivers a temporary break.
And the Tristate has a growing number of long-term care facilities for Alzheimer's patients. Finding a home Carlene Smith visits Walter Cinnamon at Alden Courts. His wife had died the previous summer. Mr. Cinnamon had already granted Mr. Smith, his step-son, power of attorney. He didn't protest when the Smiths suggested he needed to move into a home.