“The first thing I felt was that I really need a whole lot of support because I didn’t know anything about Alzheimer’s. And, I certainly was not prepared to be alone at age 45, meaning take care of a house and kids and mortgage and everything else that life entails.”

Caregiver Howard Simmons says it is helpful to meet with other caregivers and share experiences and advice. He’s grateful that such services are available for him and his wife.

“I can’t say she’s improved, but it gave her something to do and she enjoys it.”

An App for Caregivers

Have you heard there is an app for Alzheimer’s disease? Faith Lapidus tells us about this other service for family members and friends who care for someone with the disease.

Balance is an iPhone and iPad application that offers caregivers helpful information about Alzheimer’s. These include recognizing the signs of the disease and knowing how to make sure it is correctly identified by a doctor. The Balance app also provides advice on daily care for an Alzheimer’s patient, including feeding, bathing and hygiene.

The $4 app can be purchased online.

David Pomeranz is program director for the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, New York. The organization provides care to older adults.

David Pomerantz came up with the idea for the Balance software. He says it provides the latest medical research news on Alzheimer’s. And he says Balance lets caregivers organize and record medical information about patients. He says caregivers need support so they can help their loved one.