Caring for loved ones as they age can be challenging. There are so many things to do, choices to make regarding medical appointments, medications, activities, sticking to schedules—and that is just for the primary caregiver navigating the disease. Family members need to ensure that adequate care is being provided – sometimes around the clock – so that any possible issues are addressed quickly and without delay.
Many caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia work hard to balance work with caring for a loved one. Some say it is like having two full-time jobs. There can be stressful calls – from the person living with dementia, from the place where they are living, from their doctors, from other family members.
Many companies may not understand what they can do to help their employees in the midst of caregiving. As 2025 opens, it makes sense to understand what to watch out for and how to react.
The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter is one resource available to offer support and services to those business owners who may find themselves struggling to figure this out. They have programs that guide people through the maze and give advice to further educate and inform them of potential solutions.
The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter says one of the first steps is teaching employees what to look for in their loved ones. Everyone has different behaviors that could mask something deeper. Therefore, it is important to understand what someone is dealing with before proceeding.
“When we do a program in the business community, company representatives are always taken aback by how many of their employees are affected by this disease,” said Executive Director Donna McGowan. “When the education program is done, there is always a line of employees waiting to ask questions of our staff. We want people to know that we are here to help and that our services are free.”
Anyone who believes that Alzheimer’s disease is not prevalent in the workplace is not paying enough attention. It not only impacts productivity, it can harm morale between employer and employee.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 11 million Americans provide unpaid care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia. Nearly one in five people either reduced their hours at work or quit their job outright. Almost 60 percent of the workforce has had to leave work early or stay home to care for a loved one. Six percent retired from their jobs as a result of needing to give care full-time.
Two-thirds of the caregivers in this country are women. Further, two-thirds of those living with dementia are women. Black African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos are at a greater risk of developing this disease.
McGowan said people should not think they are alone in their fight.
“We are here to be a viable option for anyone who needs help,” Donna said. “The Chapter remains active in the community to assist companies who aren’t sure where to turn. We want to be top-of-mind when something like this arises.”
Locally, there are 24,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in Rhode Island and roughly 36,000 caregivers. Many of them happen to be unpaid family members. Education is key when it comes to this disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter can present a class on “Know the 10 Signs” or “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” to your company. Anyone may find that starting a support group during the day at lunch, for example, may be helpful for employees who are caregiving.
The customized programs presented by the Rhode Island Chapter staff offer the latest information on Alzheimer’s care to business leaders.”
“In FY24, the RI Chapter hosted 14 caregiver support groups each month and held 108 educational/awareness programs in Rhode Island serving all five counties in the state,” according to McGowan.
Anyone interested in this or other programs should visit their website at https://www.alz.org/ri/helping_you/educational-programs.
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Serving all of Rhode Island, the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter is here to help. They provide education and support to all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias throughout our community, including those living with the disease, caregivers, health care professionals and families. The organization also commits themselves to advocating for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s disease and advancing critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.
You can call their toll-free 24/7 Helpline at any time of the day, 1-800-272-3900.
