Introduction

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. (AAAPP) has developed this section of the web site to provide information on Alzheimer's disease and sources of help for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients in the Pasco/Pinellas County area of Florida. Some of this information may be of use to caregivers in other Florida counties and other states. Users should note that where reference is made to Alzheimer's disease, it also encompasses the many other forms of dementia that are not of the Alzheimer's type.

Many health care and social services providers are recognizing the importance of having knowledgeable, well-trained staff caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. This inevitably leads to improvements in the quality of care provided, greater satisfaction with the care by family members, and increased staff morale and job satisfaction. When considering using one of the resources listed on this web site, ask if the particular company or facility has staff who have received special training in dementia care, and if so, request that those staff members provide the care.

Help for families coping with Alzheimer's disease is available through various community agencies and companies. There has been an "explosion" of resources, particularly in the category of residential facilities offering services to persons with memory impairments. See Community Services for a description of types of services available. For individual providers, see Search for Community Resources, our online database of non-profit agencies and private for-profit businesses serving seniors and caregivers in Pasco and Pinellas County, Florida. Caregivers are encouraged to contact at least three service providers or businesses for specific information prior to enlisting their help.

Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease, major developments in the management of the disease are becoming widespread. We hope that this portion of the web site will offer some hope, support and vital information to enable caregivers to cope during difficult times.

The format of the Alzheimer's section of the web site is designed to give the reader a sense of what steps to take as Alzheimer's disease progresses. For a complete listing of articles, see Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Table of Contents.

You may also find useful information in other parts of our caregiving web site. Two sections offering information on many caregiving topics are listed with links below:

• Four Stages of Caregiving

• Other Tips and Resources

For more choices including how to contact us with your comments about our web site, use the buttons on the left or click on For Caregivers.