If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, be aware that you don’t have to face it alone. There is a wealth of resources in and around Exton that you can take advantage of, as well as national and virtual programs that can help you understand the diagnosis, connect with medical experts and dementia care options, and unlock emotional support through online forums and hotlines.
Here are resources that anyone living in or around Exton should consider:
Support Groups
Support groups are great for individuals who have been diagnosed with dementia, as well as caregivers and loved ones of those with dementia. Living with dementia or loving someone with dementia can be scary and emotionally challenging. Support groups offer a confidential and safe forum for sharing experiences, as well as methods and advice for living well with dementia. There were several in-person groups in and around Exton that met monthly, but most groups are now meeting virtually because of COVID-19.
The Community Resource Finder is itself an excellent resource for finding Alzheimer’s support groups in your area, as well as social engagement programs, events, education programs, and more. An example of an upcoming virtual option is the Caregiver Support Group at Pottstown Hospital, which will be held Wednesday, Aug. 5, 10-11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time via phone or webinar.
You can also check out this list of area support groups put together by Chester County that will be useful if and when groups are able to meet in person again in the future.
Hotlines
Sometimes you want to get someone who can help you make an urgent decision or talk over your options on the phone right away. There are a few different hotlines available to assist those with dementia, as well as their caregivers and loved ones. Perhaps the most well-known hotline is the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900, which is available round the clock, every day of the year. This free service connects you with specialists and master’s-level clinicians who can provide confidential support and information to people living with Alzheimer’s, as well as their caregivers, family, and the public.
You can contact the helpline to learn about dementia symptoms, locate programs and services near you, gather legal and financial information related to dementia treatment, and more. Its bilingual staff and translation service can accommodate up to 200 languages.
Another option that is great for spouses and families of those with dementia are the telephone-based support groups provided by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, which are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at 866-232-8484. You can call their toll-free number to speak with one of their licensed social workers.
Online Resources
Nearly 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, which means there is a wide array of information about dementia available online. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a variety of online resources, including:
- Alzheimer’s Navigator, which can help you create a personalized action plan
- ALZConnected, an online forum for sharing concerns and advice
- Community Resource Finder, which can help you find support groups and area programs
- E-learning workshops, which enable you to learn more about the disease
- Dementia-related news, which can help you keep up to date on the latest developments, inspirational stories, and resources related to dementia
- The Virtual Library allows you to search databases and publications related to dementia
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America website is another great resource for free educational classes, webinars, support groups, and more.
And if you’re looking for information on government benefit programs and Alzheimer’s research, the BrightFocus Foundation website is an excellent resource.
Dementia Care Communities
Dementia care communities are often the best choice for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, and Exton and its surrounding areas have plenty of great options. The right community can provide you or your loved one with round-the-clock support and custom interventions by well-trained dementia care teams.
Communities like Arbor Terrace Exton offer that high level of support, along with gourmet, restaurant-style dining, engaging educational and social activities, and more.
A high-quality dementia care community can allow you to live with maximum independence without sacrificing an ounce of safety.
Living Well with Dementia
If you’re interested in learning more about how to process your diagnosis, make your daily life easier, and plan for your future, check out our guide, “Living Well with Dementia.”
