Therapy, counseling for Alz caregiver

berteau1 · May 29

What's the best source for me to use to find a therapist/counselor who's familiar with caregivers for people with dimentia? I don't need it yet, but want to start before I do.

SDianeL · May 30

you might try the toll free Alzheimer’s number listed on the website. Im not aware of any way to find one experienced in dementia caregiving. I know this subject has come up on the forum before. You might try a Geriatric Psychiatrist. They are the best doctors to manage dementia patients’ medications. The one my DH was referred to at the VA was excellent and helped more than any of his other doctors. She offered to see me if I needed it but I didn’t because I had to place my husband in memory care due to my cancer diagnosis. Some Medical Alzheimer’s research centers affiliated with colleges have counselors and support groups. Many memory care facilities also have support groups open to the public.

Bridge4 · May 30

Also try your local Hospice organization. They connect to a large network of social workers with many years of dementia and geriatric psychiatry experience. A good on-line search is through Psychology Today magazine. They certify counselors in each geography and list a short biography with areas of focus. I found one that way with a focus on dementia and decades of experience with hospice situations. It saved months of foundational work versus trying to get a novice up to speed on understanding the caregiver dilemma. They also may have Elder Law and home care or facility placement consulting connections in their network of contacts, which can quickly help you build out your support team. Another great source would be a social worker in a large teaching hospital with a geriatric psychiatry department. I recently got a referral through my PCP, and as much as I like my current counselor, this new contact is a wizard who learned so much in a teaching and research environment that she should write books about caregiving.

harshedbuzz · May 30

IME, the best resource for this sort of thing is often a local support group. They'll likely know who in your area has interest and experience in dementia caregiving.

If you will be using insurance, you may want to sort out who in your area accepts it now. Many of the best people working in psychiatry, psychology and therapy accepted limited or no plans. Another thought is to start looking now as it might take time to know if you and the therapist are a good fit. Even with careful vetting, sometimes a recommended person doesn't work out. Mom found one counselor through her own psychiatrist who was an absolute dud and another through the social work department at the memory center who wasn't much better. It was frustrating.

HB

GothicGremlin · May 30

I also used Psychology Today as a jumping off point. I looked at a couple of other sources, but I ended up going with a therapist I'd found on Psychology Today. She ended up being a perfect match.

annewilder · May 31

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/244424#Comment_244424

This is encouraging. I found one on PT but he and I have played phone tag for a week so I think I'll look for another one there.Thanks!

saundersss47 · June 4

I found an Alzheimer’s support group in my area and have started attending their meetings. The person in charge is a wealth of information and I learned a lot in the first meeting. My husband is in the early stages and I want to learn all that I can so I know what to expect and the right thing to do in certain situations. My husband is happy that I’m going as long as he doesn’t have to go. I think with him ignorance is bliss. Good luck.

berteau1 · June 9

Thanks, everyone! This is all very helpful!

Therapy, counseling for Alz caregiver

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