A brain scan used by clinical experts and researchers at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute to better understand the disease, as well as other forms of dementia. (Photo submitted by Banner Research)

Nearly a quarter of U.S. adults are part of the “Sandwich Generation,” meaning they’re simultaneously raising children and supporting their aging parents – and most of them are exhausted, according to Banner Research PR/Marketing Director Corey Schubert in a recent press release.

“Those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia are especially fatigued,” the release continued. “Perhaps just as concerning is that experts say many of them may not realize help is available.”

Dementia Care Partners, a program through Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Banner Sun Health Research Institute, provides education, support and resources for people in Arizona living with memory loss and their family caregivers.

Dedicated to meeting the unique needs of each person and family, the program partners with primary care providers to offer support at no cost.

“One of the most important lessons you’ll learn as a family caregiver in the sandwich generation is that it can be overwhelming,” said Lori Nisson, Family and Community services director for Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. “You have to know it’s important to ask for help.”

Care through the program is guided by dementia capable health coaches, who offer support, resources and education to help caregivers manage from day to day, the release said. Care is overseen by an interdisciplinary team including physicians, advanced care providers and social workers. Dementia Care Partners also offers follow-up calls and virtual visits to reduce caregiver stress.

The program supports people with dementia and their caregivers by helping to teach skills to manage changes in communication and behavior, cope with new roles and responsibilities, manage stress and navigate community resources and benefits, the release said. Experts also help to plan for legal and financial issues, as well as long-term care needs.

“Primary care providers are doing their best to meet the demand of patients and families living with dementia,” said Carrie Langford, associate director of Dementia Care Partners and a licensed clinical social worker at Banner Sun Health Research Institute. “We partner with them to meet the critical education and support people and caregivers need to live well.”

To be eligible, an individual must be age 65 or older, diagnosed with memory loss, living at home with a family care partner in an Arizona community and under the care of a Banner primary care provider.

For more information, call Dementia Care Partners at 623-832-6500 and choose option 6.