For families in the Bay Area dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, there are a wealth of resources and support options. Here’s a guide to Alzheimer’s Caregiver Resources in the Bay Area some of the key services available to help you navigate the journey of caregiving, treatment, and planning.
This Bay Area center offers specialized support groups for families and caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. These groups provide a welcoming space to connect with others facing similar challenges, share coping strategies, and gain emotional support. For example, the Dementia Family Caregiving Group meets twice a month via Zoom, co-sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. UCSF also hosts an Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Dyad Support Group for those diagnosed before age 65 and their caregivers. Additionally, the FTD Adult Children Telephone Support Group and the FTD Caregiver Support Group cater specifically to those affected by frontotemporal dementia, offering free, regular sessions tailored to unique caregiver needs.
The CADCs are a network of ten Centers of Excellence at medical schools across California. Their mission is to enhance Alzheimer’s health care through a robust approach that includes delivering care, providing professional training, and advancing research in diagnosis and treatment. These centers focus on early, accurate diagnosis and improving patient outcomes by connecting families with the right medical and support services.
The CCRCs are another California-based resource offering critical support to families caring for adults with chronic, disabling conditions, including Alzheimer’s. CCRCs provide a wide range of services, including information and education, help with care planning, respite services to give caregivers a much-needed break, and other forms of support to reduce the emotional and physical strain of caregiving.
This online resource allows families to research and evaluate long-term care options across California. The site provides detailed information and quality ratings for various care facilities, which can help families make informed decisions about the best setting for their loved ones as their care needs evolve.
Preparing for future needs is essential. Advance care planning resources in California help families understand how to manage finances, legal matters, and medical care as Alzheimer’s progresses. Advance directives, which outline healthcare preferences and appoint decision-makers, are a key focus of this planning. Local resources can guide families in establishing these important documents early.
As a division of the National Institutes of Health, the NIA offers comprehensive resources on Alzheimer’s caregiving, dementia, and aging. Their publications—available in both English and Spanish—cover everything from managing changes in communication and behavior to tips for daily caregiving routines. They also have a series of guides on healthy aging that can help caregivers focus on their own well-being while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
The ACL provides resources to help families learn about different types of long-term care, understand costs, and locate services through tools like the Eldercare Locator. Their “Dementia Fact Sheet” outlines steps for supporting a family member with dementia and accessing community-based programs. For a more in-depth overview, their “Living Well With Dementia in the Community” brochure offers easy-to-follow guidance on local support systems and planning considerations.
This website offers a thorough introduction to long-term care, from understanding the basics to navigating insurance options. It can help families make informed choices about when and where to seek additional care, as well as the best ways to cover costs associated with long-term care.
For families looking to develop a comprehensive care plan, the CDC offers resources on the unique challenges of caregiving. Their materials cover everything from the mental and physical impact of caregiving to specific advice on creating structured care plans. These resources are available in Spanish, especially helpful for multilingual families.
Through MedlinePlus, caregivers can access a wealth of information on the specific challenges of Alzheimer’s caregiving. This platform includes details on specific health topics, caregiving responsibilities, and tips for managing stress. Many of these resources are available in Spanish to make them accessible to diverse communities.
The NINDS offers free educational materials about dementia and other neurological conditions, which are available in both English and Spanish. These publications can be valuable for families looking to understand the science behind Alzheimer’s and stay up-to-date on the latest medical information.
The VA has unique resources tailored specifically for veterans and their families affected by Alzheimer’s. Their Geriatrics and Extended Care programs cover everything from dementia care to caregiver safety. VA’s caregiver support programs include a dedicated support line, local coordinators, and programs designed to provide relief for caregivers. They also offer self-care advice and additional resources to address the particular needs of veterans with Alzheimer’s.
Whether you’re beginning to explore care options or looking for advanced support resources, the Bay Area provides a network of services to guide you.
1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience.