Caregiver stresses importance of Alzheimer's Association programs

The Alzheimer’s Association provides a variety of programs and services for those with dementia and their loved ones. Unfortunately, many affected families are unaware of the resources that could help them.

Hyde Park resident Debbie Lamb knows just how helpful they can be. As a former co-caregiver for her sister, Jude, with her brother-in-law, Lamb understands the importance of caregiver support for families living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

“Not enough people know about the resources available to them through the Alzheimer’s Association,” she said, adding that she believes caregivers benefit from attending support groups, knowing that others are experiencing similar struggles.

During her sister’s battle with the disease, she was determined to attend an Alzheimer’s Association support group. Initially, however, there were no support groups near her home, so she had to drive nearly an hour away – a situation that forced her to leave work early and lose pay. She knew others in her town would benefit from having a group nearby, so she eventually asked her church, Hyde Park United Methodist — where eight other parish members were also affected with or dementia, if one could be hosted there. The church agreed, and they were held at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month.

Now, however, due to COVID-19, all Alzheimer’s Association’s support groups are being held either by phone or virtually. Details about the groups offered by the Hudson Valley Chapter are available at alz.org/hudsonvalley or by calling the 24/7 Association’s Helpline at 800.272.3900.

In the end, Lamb said her sister could no longer communicate in words or care for herself and had to be moved into a nursing home after breaking her hip. A parish member reached out to Lamb and said he wanted to sing to her sister, knowing that she loved music.

“We sang a few Bible songs, and got no response from Jude — until we sang Amazing Grace,” Lamb recalled, noting it had always been her sister’s favorite song. When they began singing it, her sister became more alert and tried to speak. “Music has a major impact on those going through this disease,” Lamb said.

While she did not attend any of the music programs offered through the Alzheimer’s Association, Lamb said she has become an advocate for them. Free virtual programs incorporating the arts for people with dementia and their family caregivers include Something for Alz, the AlzWell Social Club and Tuesday Socials. Visit alz.org/hudsonvalley or call the Hudson Valley Chapter at 800.272.3900 for details on times, dates and how to participate.

After her sister’s passing, Lamb became very involved in the Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s as captain of the Debbie’s Flock team. She also served on the marketing and outreach chair for the walk committee. Recently, she stepped down from her chair position. Lamb said anyone interested in filling this role can reach out to Walk Manager Tina Eckert at tmeckert@alz.org.

This year’s Dutchess/Ulster Walk to End Alzheimer’s, set to start at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, will be different than previous years. While the event normally draws large crowds to the Walkway Over the Hudson, steps are being taken to protect the health and safety of participants and volunteers. There will be no large gatherings involved. Instead, participants will be walking at various locations in their communities with their teams or family members. To register, visit WalkwayWalk.org.

About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter
The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org