Supporting Families Facing Dementia with Care Guide Partners PACE

Caring for a family member with dementia often involves navigating complex and demanding situations – managing daily care, addressing challenging behaviors, and coping with emotional stress. As caregiving responsibilities grow more intense, seeking professional support is crucial for both the caregiver and their loved one.

Care Guide Partners PACE, part of the national Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), delivers compassionate and comprehensive assistance tailored to the unique needs of families navigating dementia care.

One caregiver, Georgia Cross, shared her transformative experience with the program while caring for her mother, Martha Montgomery, at home for the past five years.

“I love my mother, but I was starting to feel overwhelmed meeting her needs as dementia progressed,” Georgia explained. “Care Guide Partners PACE is the only place that provides her with the care she truly needs.”

In September 2024, Martha (pictured) became a participant at the PACE Center in Elizabethtown, where she now visits three days a week. There, she receives personalized medical care, therapy, and social support. The activities, from crafts to nail care, have not only enriched Martha’s life but also offered Georgia much-needed peace of mind.

“She loves going to the PACE Center. The team takes care of all her healthcare needs, and she’s making friends,” Georgia shared. “It’s comforting for me to know she’s in a place with people who really care about her.”

How PACE Supports Families Facing Dementia

PACE offers a holistic approach to dementia care, addressing medical, emotional, and social needs while providing invaluable support to caregivers. Here’s how Care Guide Partners PACE makes a difference:

Comprehensive Medical and Personal Care

For many caregivers, managing appointments, medications, transportation, insurance, and health issues can quickly become overwhelming. PACE simplifies this process by assigning each participant a dedicated care team, including physicians, therapists, nutritionists, social workers, and other senior specialists, that coordinates all aspects of their health and personal care. Services include onsite medical visits, therapy, and prescription management, with scheduling and transportation provided for any specialist appointments.

“It’s a relief knowing PACE manages my mom’s medications and appointments while also providing her nutritional drinks and hygiene products to use at home,” Georgia said. “I finally have peace of mind knowing her care is completely taken care of.”

Other Resources
For caregivers seeking additional support, the National Institute on Aging offers comprehensive guides on medical and personal care for dementia patients, and the Alzheimer’s Association offers in-person and virtual educational programs and an online community with resources for families and individuals navigating the disease.

Emotional and Social Support

Social interaction is integral to the PACE experience, helping participants feel engaged and supported. At the PACE Center, daily activities and structured socialization foster connections, contributing to emotional well-being.

“My mom enjoys making friends and even has a favorite staff member who looks after her,” Georgia said, highlighting the sense of community created by the program.

Other Resources
Additionally, programs like the Alzheimer’s Association’s Early-Stage Social Engagement Program offers opportunities for meaningful interactions for people living with dementia and caregiver support groups to help families living with the disease.

Education and Resources for Caregivers

Caregivers often feel unprepared to handle the challenges of dementia. PACE social workers provide resources and training, equipping caregivers with strategies to manage behaviors and improve communication.

“One thing I learned was how to use redirection to prevent arguments,” Georgia said. “It has made our home environment so much calmer.”

Other Resources
For additional expert-backed techniques and guidance, visit the Family Caregiver Alliance Caregiver Resources library or the Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver Resource Center.

Respite for Caregivers

The constant demands of caregiving can lead to burnout. PACE provides regular respite care, allowing caregivers to rest and recharge while their loved ones are in good hands.

“Care Guide Partners PACE gave me back my life,” Georgia reflected. “Now I can run errands or simply relax, knowing my mom is well cared for.”

A Social Worker’s Perspective on PACE’s Impact

Laura Kellow, the social worker supporting Georgia and Martha shared insight into the impact of PACE:

“Our goal is to support caregivers with their loved one’s physical, emotional, and mental health needs,” Laura said. “We teach strategies to address challenging behaviors, provide disease process education and resources and make space for caregivers to have the time and energy they need to recharge. Our team approach means they don’t have to shoulder everything alone.”

Laura added, “Many caregivers come to PACE feeling exhausted. Our holistic approach to care allows them to go back to being a daughter, son, or spouse, while our team provides the day-to-day support their loved one needs to age comfortably at home.”

How to Learn More About PACE

If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia and need support, Care Guide Partners PACE is here to help. Contact us or call 270.600.2580 (TTY: 270.600.2589) to speak with an enrollment specialist and learn more about how PACE could help support your family as you navigate the complexities of dementia care.

Click to view a video of Georgia and Martha’s story

Click to read more about Georgia and Martha.

 

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