Expert Q & A
Resources for Seniors Suffering from Dementia and Cancer
Jun 28, 2012 10:30AM
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Question: My mother has been diagnosed with cancer and is also likely to have dementia. Where can I find resources for seniors suffering from dementia as well as cancer?
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Cancer Caregiving Expert, Linda Burhans
Answer:
Dealing with cancer and dementia can be very difficult. According to researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, cancer patients who have dementia die much sooner from their disease than those who have cancer without dementia.
Unfortunately, there are not resources available for cancer and dementia combined but there are many resources for each individually. These are just a few that may help you.
The American Cancer Society : www.cancer.org
Supports research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education.
The Cancer Center : www.cancercenter.com
View cancer survivor stories & chat w/ cancer experts.
Moffitt Cancer Center : www.moffitt.org
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute has made a lasting commitment to the prevention and cure of cancer, working tirelessly in the areas of patient care, research and education to advance one step further in fighting this disease.
Alzheimers Foundation of America : www.alzfdn.org
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America was founded by a consortium of organizations to fill the gap that existed on a national level to assure quality of care and excellence in service to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and to their caregivers and families
Teepa Snow : www.teepasnow.com
Teepa is an occupational therapist currently working as a dementia care and dementia education specialist.
Dementia Caregiver Resources : www.dcrinc.org
I strongly suggest that you as the caregiver become involved in a caregiver support group. Everyone needs an outlet. Caregivers are special people but they are still people who have feelings and needs of their own. Most humans are prone to keeping their feelings bottled up inside. Unfortunately, doing so can lead to stress, which leads to poor health. As a caregiver, you can’t afford to be in poor health, including poor mental health. A healthy, positive outlook and mindset is crucial when caring for another. In order for you to continue with the important service of caregiver for your family member or other charges, you need tools to unlock those feelings and support groups can offer this.
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Caregiver Advocate, Linda Burhans is the author of Good Night and God Bless, that talks about the emotional, rewarding and frustrating journey of her mother, during the final 18 months of her life. Good Night and God Bless offers inspirational messages of unconditional love, loss, joy, sorrow and humor for those caring for aging parents. Linda is sought after for speaking engagements and workshops for family caregivers, senior home health care and assisted living facilities.
For more information, go to http://www.lindaburhans.com
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