Alzheimer’s Friendly Business Program Addresses Isolation Among Family Caregivers

 The Home Instead Senior Care office serving East King County is helping to launch a new campaign designed to make the community more Alzheimer’s friendly. Through the Alzheimer’s Friendly Business program, the Home Instead Senior Care office will provide free online resources to local businesses to help equip their employees with information needed to welcome families who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

Research has revealed that these family caregivers might be reluctant to frequent public places because of the behaviors that could be associated with the disease.

In a recent survey of Alzheimer’s caregivers, 74 percent reported that they and their loved ones have become more isolated from the community as a result of the disease. Furthermore, 85 percent reported that they feel a reduced quality of life due to isolation. ¹

“For many caregivers, the unpredictable nature of the disease can make going out in public with their loved one intimidating,” said Bob Megargel, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Bellevue and East King County.

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, the number of people with dementia worldwide is expected to grow to a staggering 75.6 million by 2030 and 135.5 million in 2050.

“Given the statistics, most businesses that deal with the public will be serving people with Alzheimer’s and their families,” said Megargel. “It’s critical that local businesses start working now to build Alzheimer’s friendly communities to better serve their customers with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”

Local businesses can call the local Home Instead Senior Care office to discuss available resources or view the online training module directly atAlzheimersFriendlyBusiness.com. Once the training module is successfully completed, businesses can receive a window cling with the Alzheimer’s Friendly Business designation, which is valid for two years.