Local caregivers pampered at Alzheimer’s Association Community Caregiving event

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Seeking to provide much-needed rest and relaxation to those caring for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, the Central and North Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, in partnership with the St. Johns County Council on Aging, hosted “Community Caregiving: An Evening for Caregivers,” on Jan. 31 at River House in St. Augustine.

“Serving as a caregiver for someone with dementia is one of that hardest jobs a person could be called to perform,” said Cari Eyre, senior program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Central and North Florida Chapter. “While the vision of the Alzheimer’s Association is a world without Alzheimer’s disease, we are also focused on providing care and support to those who provide care for their loved ones. I’m so grateful to the Council on Aging and all of our community partners who helped us bring so many valuable resources to those in need.”

The event offered local caregivers the opportunity to indulge in being pampered with on-site massages. Attendees also learned more about Alzheimer’s disease and the unique experiences that these caregivers go through thanks to guest speakers Joseph L. Boles Jr., a local elder law attorney, and Dr. Octavio Santos, a clinical neuropsychology fellow at Mayo Clinic.

“The role of caregiver does not come with an easy-to-read instruction manual,” said David Huckabee, vice president of programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter. “We are always happy to have the chance to work with our great community partners to put on events such as this one. Our hope is that by providing much needed care and support to caregivers in the St. Augustine area, they will know that they are not alone in their struggles and that they have resources to turn to when needed.”

An evening that focused on her own self-care was much needed for Palm Coast resident Lorraine Baeza, who cares for her mother living with Alzheimer’s disease, and her husband, who has undergone several surgeries over the past year, 

“I was so happy to have the opportunity to attend,” Baeza shared. “Dr. Santos was very helpful and informative; I was able to learn a lot while taking some time away for myself.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 1.1 million Floridians provide daily unpaid care for persons living with dementia, and there are currently thousands on the wait list for critically-needed services.

The Alzheimer's Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. In addition to offering programs like the Community Caregiving event, the Central and North Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has resources available for the many individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, visit www.alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.