When your loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia, it can make you feel isolated and alone. However, you can find the right support systems and resources to make navigating the journey feel less confusing or scary. Fortunately, there are many dementia care resources in Marietta, Georgia, that are designed to assist your loved one, answer your questions, and point you in the right direction of the best next steps.
Here are a few dementia care resources in Marietta to explore.
Georgia Division of Aging Services
Georgia’s Division of Aging Services is a one-stop shop for dementia and senior care resources. The site includes access to:
- Home and community resources such as meal delivery services
- Elder abuse reporting
- The Atlanta Area Regional Commission Aging Division, which offers access to resources in the metro Atlanta area, including Marietta
- Reports and resources on dementia, including Georgia’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias State Plan
- Facts and resources for Georgia caregivers
Senior Centers
Senior centers connect your loved one to resources and activities. They also act as an extended community and a source of advice and support when you need it. Try one of the following:
- Aloha to Aging wellness programs, which include line dancing, yoga, and more
- Cobb County’s senior centers
Day Care and Home Health
Senior day programs and in-home healthcare can ensure your loved one gets help when you’re not around. These programs also offer socialization, activities, and a chance for your loved one to feel engaged in their community. Check out some of the following:
- Aloha to Aging’s Aloha Day Club
- Cobb Senior Services, which offers in-home care and access to Meals on Wheels and similar programs
- Georgia Medicaid’s list of in-home long-term care programs
- Georgia’s Empowerline, which provides help finding in-home assistance, adult day care, and other services — Empowerline’s guide to personal care connects seniors to a wide range of personalized resources
- Serenity Adult Day Care
Support Groups and Caregiving Assistance
The work of a caregiver can feel like it’s never done. Lighten the load with support from these resources:
- Meetup’s North Georgia Senior Care Group
- Aloha to Aging’s Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
- The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, which offers support groups, educational seminars, and more
- The Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
Self-Care
Self-care is more than just a buzzword; it’s vital to your well-being when you care for others. Many caregivers neglect their own health, eroding their ability to care for their loved one. Don’t dismiss self-care as a selfish luxury.
Caring for your own needs is a key component of tending to your loved one. Try some of these self-care resources:
- Get mental health support from a compassionate therapist — begin your search here or here
- Get a relaxing massage at Massage on the Square
- Spend some time at the Marietta Square Farmers Market, where you can purchase fresh produce, homemade goodies, and artisan delights
If you are concerned about taking time away from your caregiving role to pursue your own mental and physical health, consider respite care services. Designed to give your loved one quality care while you are away, respite care can offer you peace of mind so that you can run errands, keep your physician appointment, or even take a nap.
Senior Living
Dementia is a progressive illness. This frustrating reality means that you’ll face more demands over time. This can sap the resources of even the most dedicated caregiver. And even if you’re willing to neglect your own needs, you may find that you can’t always meet your loved one’s needs.
Senior living is an excellent solution. It blends compassionate care with a safe environment and offers your loved one plenty to do and plenty of chances to make new friends. This reduces loneliness, helps your loved one stay physically active, and gives you the break you need.
At Arbor Terrace of East Cobb, we offer more than just exceptional dementia care. Our specialized Evergreen memory care neighborhood is designed down to the last detail to encourage socialization and provide comfort to each resident. Here, you’ll find caregivers who are specially trained in dementia care best practices as well as activities designed to increase quality of life and purpose.
We’d love to become a part of your support team. Call us today to schedule a tour where you can ask specific questions and see what life is like at our Evergreen memory care neighborhood.
This post was updated in January 2021.
