SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
It's a disease that affects hundreds of Vermont families.
Alzheimer's patients have difficulties with memory, and by the year 2050 it's estimated that more than 16 million Americans will be affected by the disease -- and that means hundreds of families will also see their lives drastically change.
Joining us with some tips for caregivers is Patrice Thabault, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in South Burlington.
Given that 60-70 percent of people with Alzheimer's live at home, and that 80 percent of the care they receive there is by family caregivers, Home Instead Senior Care has developed a program to help family caregivers engage their loved one with Alzheimer's and manage difficult behaviors associated with the disease.
The program uses Life Journals that they create with the patients journaling their past. When they run into behavioral problems, they use the past memories to encourage good behavior.
For more information, visit http://www.homeinstead.com/Pages/home.aspx
