DES MOINES — During National Family Caregivers and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November, the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter is joining communities across the country in honoring the nearly 12 million Americans who provide unpaid care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter offers over 60 support groups across the state of Iowa that provide resources and support to spouses, children, friends and family of loved ones living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter also hosts education programs in person and virtually across the state to help families affected by the disease understand more about Alzheimer’s, how to care for someone with the disease and care for themselves as a caregiver.

This year, the Alzheimer’s Association has launched several new and expanded resources to help families navigate the challenges of dementia at every stage.

• Transitions in Care, a new online education program that helps families navigate the decision to transition a person living with dementia into long-term care.
• The Empowered Caregiver, an evidenced-based education program designed for middle- and late-stage caregivers to build skills, manage stress and find community.
• My ALZ Journey, a free, personalized digital tool that helps people newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias — and their care partners — access tailored information and local support.

Currently, there are 80,000 caregivers in Iowa providing care to over 62,000 individuals over the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides local support and programs to families facing this devastating disease, including a 24-7 Helpline staffed by master’s level clinicians and specialists who are available 365 days a year and can help families navigate a variety of disease-related issues. Call 800-272-3900.

Visit alz.org/nadam and join in honoring millions of caregivers by sharing a special message of thanks during National Family Caregivers Month.