Last week I wrote about being in denial when the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s start to show.  I know it is difficult to accept the changes in your loved one as signs of the disease start to show.  But, you can take action.

You can start by contacting your local Senior Center and asking about organizations that assist Alzheimer’s patients. The Senior Center can be a wealth of information and a place to visit regularly.  There are lots of activities and many other seniors to interact with.  I found through our local Senior Center a wonderful organization called Evergreen.  

Evergreen Center Adult Day Care is located in Wilmington, Delaware.  It was close to my parents’ house and offered a terrific program for Alzheimer’s patients.  The staff was qualified, supportive, and kind to my mother.  The daycare gave my father some respite time he needed to grocery shop, keep his doctor’s appointments, and have lunch with his friends without having to worry about my mother.  

My mother’s reaction to the daycare was funny at first.  She told me, “There’s something different with those people.”  I explained to her, “The best part of a new place is meeting different people!”  My mother accepted my response and then asked if we could go for ice cream. She was always focused on the important things.