Resources and Links

A simple Google search on “dementia” or “caregiving” will result in hundreds of websites. To help you begin your search, the following sections list external websites and links to online resources caregivers and professionals in the field have reported as helpful.

Disclaimer: Dementia Caregivers & Friends and the High Country Area Agency on Aging do not endorse any commercial products or services mentioned on these sites.

Keeping links updated: While we try to keep the links up to date, they are external links managed by other organizations. If you find a link does not work, please let us know by sending an email to DementiaCaregiversYC@gmail.com.

About Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimers.gov

The U.S. National Institutes of Health has a special section dedicated to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (www.alzheimers.gov). The following section provides a good overview of the “dementia umbrella” and the different diagnoses under the umbrella.

dementia an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment. alzheimer's 50-75% vascular 20-30% lewy body 10-25% frontotemperal 10-15% there are many different tpes of dementia. alzheimer's disease is the most common type vascular dementia the second most common type alzheimer's disease is different than other types but they are all dementia

Support Services for Caregivers – Respite Vouchers & More

North Carolina Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty)

This North Carolina state-funded program provides dementia caregivers with care management services, information and referral, and respite vouchers to help give caregivers a break. For the WNC region, call Karen Phoenix, 383-485-4267 for more information. Counties served: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Mitchell, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey counties. Website: https://www.wpcog.org/copy-of-regional-aging-advisory-com

Family Caregiver Support Program

This program helps cover some costs of caregiving, referrals to other programs; works alongside Project C.A.R.E. Info. For western North Carolina counties: Myles Stacey, 828-265-5434, Ext. 123. Email mstacey@hccog.org. Website: https://www.highcountryaging.org/services/family-caregiver-support-program

Diagnosis & Specialized Medical Care

SECU Center for Memory Care (MemoryCare). Located in Asheville, MemoryCare is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide specialized medical care to older adults with cognitive impairment; to support caregivers with education, counseling, and improved access to services; and to provide community education. In WNC, MemoryCare is an incredible resource for caregivers and their loved ones. If your loved one has not yet received a diagnosis other than “memory problems,” request a referral to MemoryCare. Website:  www.memorycare.org .

Veterans Administration: Aid & Attendance Benefit & more

Qualified veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities or are house-bound may be eligible for financial assistance from the VA. All too often, veterans are unaware of this benefit. In Yancey County, call Ed Seel, Veteran Services Office, 828-682-1514. Email: Edison.Seel@yanceycountync.gov. Other counties: call your County Government Office and ask for the local Veterans Services Office. Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

Compassionate Care WNC / Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the disease. People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia may benefit from this service. CCWNC accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance; all eligible patients are provided care regardless of ability to pay. Call 828-682-9675. Website: https://compassionatecarewnc.org/ .

Online Caregiver Education & Resource Hubs

Dementia Alliance of NC

Provides in-person and online education for families and professional caregivers, and personalized information, referrals, and other caregiver assistance. Especially helpful is the Caregiver Resources section of the Dementia Alliance of NC’s website.

Dementia Care Central

This is an extensive online resource center for dementia caregivers, well organized for finding resources on an extensive list of topics. Dementia Care Central website link: https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/

Duke Dementia Family Support Program

Free consultations for NC residents by phone, email, Zoom, or in-person for people living with memory loss or families caring for someone with dementia. Trained staff provide personalized tips and valuable information and strategies for caregivers. Website: https://dukefamilysupport.org/

NC Caregiver Portal

www.nc-caregivers.com – an extensive free online resource for NC residents. Look up any problem, concern or issue and this easy-to-use tool will provide resources such as videos, articles, and handouts.

SECU Center for Memory Care (MemoryCare)

Located in Asheville, NC, MemoryCare is a nonprofit organization whose mission includes supporting caregivers with education. In WNC, MemoryCare is an incredible resource for caregivers and their loved ones, for medical care and caregiver support. Check out their Caregiver College, a free online education program for caregivers.

The AARP Family Caregiving Resource Center

Offers a world of resources for all kinds of caregiving issues and concerns, including but not limited to dementia. Link: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving

Telephone Helplines for Caregivers

Duke Dementia Family Support Program, One-on-One Dementia Consultations

Call 919-660-7510. Website: https://dukefamilysupport.org/

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Helpline

Open from 9 am-9 pm ET, seven days a week. Call 866-232-8484 or Text: 646-586-5283. This free helpline is staffed by licensed social workers.

Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Helpline

Open 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is a free service offering support for people living with dementia, caregivers, families, and the public.

Caregiver Health – Taking Care of Yourself

Family Caregiver Alliance

Provides strategies and support for your well-being as a caregiver. Topics covered: stress, grief, and loss, selfcare and health, relaxation and meditation, and spirituality. Website: https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-resources/caring-for-yourself/

Taking Care of YOU: Self Care for Family Caregivers

This fact sheet from the National Center on Caregiving / Family Caregiver Alliance can be read online, printed, or downloaded. Link: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/taking-care-you-self-care-family-care...

Reducing Caregiver Stress & Compassion Fatigue

This is a one-hour video training. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMbWGlXiWew

Take Care of You!

From the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, this at-a-glance guide, 10-Minute Stress Tamers, provides coping strategies for reducing stress.

Safety Concerns

Home Safety Checklist for Alzheimer’s Disease

Available from the U.S. National Institute on Aging, this thorough discussion about home safety provides a checklist for every area of your home, inside and out. Link: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/home-safety-checklist-alzheimers-d...

Still Safe at Home Alone?

This resource from the Duke Dementia Family Support Program helps caregivers think through the “home alone” issue. Link: https://dukefamilysupport.org/files/2020/06/Safety-Alone-from-Beth-White...

Home Safety Measures

This section on the Dementia Care Central website is devoted to home safety and dementia. Link: https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/caregiverinfo/handsoncare/safety/

Video & Podcast Resources

Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care / YouTube Channel

Teepa Snow is a national expert on dementia caregiving with an extensive library of free training videos on You Tube. Link to the Positive Approach to Care You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSXrEX7LkWOmfTaV6u1C7wQ

Dementia Untangled Podcast

This podcast by Banner Alzheimer’s Institute explores unique dementia topics through conversations with physicians and experts. Available on Spotify, Google, Apple, and other platforms. URL:  https://www.bannerhealth.com/services/alzheimers/for-caregivers/resource...

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

The Care Connections Series of webinars are free to everyone and cover a wide range of topics, plus recordings are available on their website. Link to Care Connections:  https://alzfdn.org/caregiving-resources/webinars-for-dementia-caregivers...

James L. West Center for Dementia Care

The You Tube channel of this Texas-based nonprofit organization provides valuable training videos on dementia topics, including understanding rummaging, wandering, and hoarding. Link:  https://www.youtube.com/@jameslwest1

Wandering – Identification & Recovery Programs and Technology Tools

Project Lifesaver

This program uses radio frequencies to help local law enforcement locate individuals who have wandered from home and become lost. To have your loved one enrolled in Project Lifesaver, contact your local Sheriff’s Office. In Yancey County, call the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office, 828-682-1848. Helpful links: Project Lifesaver International (includes a search tool to find a program in your community).

Tracking Technology & Trends

National Organizations Focused on Dementia and Caregiving

What do all these Terms Mean? It’s Alphabet Soup!

Every area of study or interest comes with words and acronyms that can be hard to figure out. Here are several glossaries that may be helpful to dementia caregivers and friends.