With the nation facing a huge swell in the number of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) yesterday unveiled an innovative, interactive "community of care" Web site that will help family caregivers meet other caregivers, learn about the brain disorder and connect "live" with experts.
Called Care Crossroads, the robust site addresses a major issue raised by caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease: a feeling of isolation and stigma. It also fills a growing need for alternate types of support services, especially for caregivers whose round-the-clock responsibilities prevent them from interacting in person at organized programs.
"Caregiving, especially for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, can be a very lonely as well as heartbreaking journey," said Eric J. Hall, AFA's president and CEO. "Care Crossroads is the ultimate Internet coffee shop for caregivers. Family members can gather here to obtain guidance from experts and gain insight, support and inspiration from each other."
Among the site's highly-versatile and unique features, AFA's social workers are standing by to respond to questions and concerns on caregivers' own communication terms: online via live Skype and chat, as well as e-mail and phone calls to the organization's toll-free hot line at 866-232-8484.
Caregivers are introduced to other caregivers via "I Care" video stories, creative contributions, and an active discussion board in partnership with Inspire, an online multi-disease health and wellness support community.
Then, featured in the site's "learn" section, the "House of Care" is the go-to place where visitors can click on specific rooms to learn more about strategies for behavioral challenges, recreational activities and safety issues appropriate for the specific stages of the disease.
Care Crossroads was made possible by funding from Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc. To learn more, visit www.carecrossroads.org.
Called Care Crossroads, the robust site addresses a major issue raised by caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease: a feeling of isolation and stigma. It also fills a growing need for alternate types of support services, especially for caregivers whose round-the-clock responsibilities prevent them from interacting in person at organized programs.
"Caregiving, especially for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, can be a very lonely as well as heartbreaking journey," said Eric J. Hall, AFA's president and CEO. "Care Crossroads is the ultimate Internet coffee shop for caregivers. Family members can gather here to obtain guidance from experts and gain insight, support and inspiration from each other."
Among the site's highly-versatile and unique features, AFA's social workers are standing by to respond to questions and concerns on caregivers' own communication terms: online via live Skype and chat, as well as e-mail and phone calls to the organization's toll-free hot line at 866-232-8484.
Caregivers are introduced to other caregivers via "I Care" video stories, creative contributions, and an active discussion board in partnership with Inspire, an online multi-disease health and wellness support community.
Then, featured in the site's "learn" section, the "House of Care" is the go-to place where visitors can click on specific rooms to learn more about strategies for behavioral challenges, recreational activities and safety issues appropriate for the specific stages of the disease.
Care Crossroads was made possible by funding from Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc. To learn more, visit www.carecrossroads.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment