Providing education, support, and resources
to guide you on your dementia care journey
Serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in Northern California
Dementia: General Information
Family Caregiver Alliance
An interactive online tool for people living with dementia and those who participate in providing care and making care-related decisions. This assessment tool evaluates needs, outlines action steps and links the user to Alzheimer’s Association chapter programs and local services.
Brain Health Toolkit - UCSF
"Many people worry about changes in their memory and thinking as they age. This Toolkit helps people understand what changes are normal and what changes mean they should talk to a doctor. It also helps people take actions that support their brain health as they age."
- Excellent interactive tool!
A consulting firm that provides education and support services to help individuals navigate the journey of Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia related illnesses. Caregiver Crosswalk works in collaboration with McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Division of Geriatric Medicine (Montreal, Canada).
Caregiver's Handbook
National Institute on Aging
"This guide is for anyone who provides care for family members or friends who need help with daily living. It focuses on the needs of older adults who require care because of a serious health condition or disability, but it could also apply to other situations in which caregiving is needed."
Caregiver Training Videos - UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program
This site has informational videos on a wide range of topics relevant to caregiving. Subtitles in several different languages are available on most of the videos.
Caregiving at Home: A Guide to Community Resources
Family Caregiver Alliance
Online resource designed by Dr. Natali Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist, to help families get trustworthy and helpful information about common dementia struggles. Includes videos, support groups, tips, blogs, resources and more.
Dementia Care Patient and Caregiver Resource Guide
National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation
(download a free copy of NPHI's EXCELLENT resource guide)
“The nation’s leading volunteer-driven all-dementias awareness organization. DSA provides an information hotline, online resources, and an easy-to-use, web-based locator, which can help families and individuals find valuable support near to them.”
The Dementias: Hope through Research
National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health
Insight Memory Care Center is a nonprofit providing memory and cognitive care for families living with dementia. The center is located in Fairfax, VA, but the website has many valuable resources for caregivers.
McKnight Brain Research Foundation
Private foundation devoted to understanding and alleviating cognitive decline and memory loss.
National Council of Dementia Minds
Provides insights from people living with dementia.
A comprehensive online resource for information about dementia from experts in all fields.
California Department of Public Health
Provides information about screening, formal diagnosis, and forging a path forward. Also contains information about caregiver support and resources.
Teepa Snow
One of America’s leading educators on dementia, Teepa Snow has developed the Positive Physical Approach to Care™ -- techniques and training models that are used by families and professionals throughout the world who are working or living with dementia or other brain changes.
World Alzheimer Report – Alzheimer’s Disease International 2021
Journey Through the Diagnosis of Dementia
Causes/Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s Association
Is This Dementia and What Does it Mean?
Family Caregiver Alliance
2024 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
Alzheimer's Association
Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
How Alzheimer’s Changes the Brain (YouTube)
National Institute on Aging
What’s the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s? (YouTube) Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
What you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s
Lisa Genova, PhD., TED Talk, May 2017
Frontotemporal Degeneration Association
Lewy Body Dementia Association
Lewy Body Dementia (YouTube video from NIH)
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Parkinson’s Disease Information Page
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
What is Lewy Body Dementia and How is it Treated?
UC San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center
National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health
Dementia-Related Behaviors/ Communication
Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease
National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging
106-page booklet contains valuable information for those providing care for someone with dementia.
Caregivers Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviors
Family Caregiver Alliance
Communication and Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s Association
How to Respond When Dementia Causes Unpredictable Behaviors
Alzheimer’s Association
Managing Personality and Behavior Changes
National Institutes of Health
Tips for Managing Agitation, Aggression, and Sundowning
National Institute on Aging
Self Care for the Family Caregiver
Caregiver's Guide to Coping with Stress and Burnout
Caring.com
Family Caregiver Alliance
Caregiver Helpbook: Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Cleland, Marilyn (2006). Legacy Caregiver Services.
(available on Amazon.com)
Dementia, Caregiving, and Controlling Frustration
Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Caregiver Alliance
Emotional Side of Caregiving
Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Caregiver Basics: A Practical Guide
Caring.com
Family Caregiver Alliance
How to Make Stress Your Friend
TED Talk – Dr. Kelly McGonigal, Health Psychologist, Stanford
Long-Term Care: The Growing Crisis That Everyone Must Face AARP Bulletin-Special Report, May 2022
The Mindful Caregiver: Finding Ease in the Caregiving Journey
Kriseman, Nancy (2015)
(available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, etc.)
Stop Competing for Caregiving Control:
How siblings can support an aging parent and keep conflicts at bay
AARP
Taking Care of YOU: Self-care for Family Caregivers
Family Caregiver Alliance
Teepa Snow: Caring for Someone Who Has Dementia
YouTube video
Teepa Snow: Loved One? Maybe--Maybe Not (blog article)
Ten Minute Meditation to Reframe Stress
Headspace
The 7 Best Meditation Apps of 2024
VeryWell Mind
The Unique Challenges of Dementia Caregiving
AARP
Caregiver Tools for Organizing Information
The following forms, guides, and checklists are designed to help you gather and organize important information so you can care for your loved one efficiently and smoothly. They are merely guidelines; adapt them to suit your needs. Many of the online documents are fillable forms -- simply fill in your information, save, and share with others involved with your loved one's care.
Sage's most important advice for organizing and sharing?
Choose a system that works for you and your support team, whether it be using paper and file folders, notebooks, your smart phone, or online tools and apps. The most sophisticated system in the world won't work well if you don't, or can't, use it.
Apps to Help Caregivers Get Organized and Find Support
AARP
CareforAgingParents.com
CaringBridge
"CaringBridge is a place to easily communicate health updates, share important milestones, and request support from friends and family."
"From storing documents and prescription info to sharing calendars, this powerful app supports caregivers by helping communicate, coordinate, and care!"
IANACare (IANA=I Am Not Alone)
"Support for every aspect of caring for a loved one,
personalized for your journey."
United Hospital Fund
EXCELLENT forms, guides, and checklists
Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease
Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease: A Resource List
National Institute on Aging
Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease typically presents between the ages of 30 and 65. These individuals face different issues than do those with later onset (after age 65), such as dealing with disability at work, raising children, and finding the right support groups.This comprehensive resource list contains a variety of materials that may help people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, their families, and caregivers. All of the resources on this list are free and accessible online.
Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
HelpGuide.org is an independent nonprofit that runs one of the world’s leading mental health websites.
Early Onset Dementia Explained
(YouTube video from Careblazers.com)
Medications, Treatments, and Clinical Trials
Alzheimer’s Disease Medications Fact Sheet
National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Coverage of New Alzheimer’s Drugs (06.22.23)
FDA-Approved Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Association
How is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated?
National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health
MIND Diet
Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurogenerative Delay
WebMd
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease Genes
National Institute on Aging
Alzheimers.gov Clinical Trial Finder
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health
Alzheimers.gov
National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health
Clinical Trials.gov (data base)
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Genova, Lisa, PhD. (2021). Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Alzheimer’s Association
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Alzheimers.gov
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
National Institute on Aging
Resources for Those with Dementia
AlzNavigator (Alzheimer’s Association)
Online tool for developing an action plan, getting connected with local resources, finding support.
Brain Health Toolkit - UCSF
"Many people worry about changes in their memory and thinking as they age. This Toolkit helps people understand what changes are normal and what changes mean they should talk to a doctor. It also helps people take actions that support their brain health as they age." - Excellent interactive tool!
Now What? Next Steps After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health
Taking Action Workbook: For People Living with Alzheimer’s (excellent!)
Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimers.gov/ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health
CA DMV – Potentially Unsafe Driver Report
Request for Driver Re-examination
Disabled Person Parking Placards and Plates
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Cognitive Assessment Center
Pleasanton, CA, Melanie Henry, owner
Driver Rehabilitation Providers (Data base)
American Occupational Therapy Association
Provides a data base of providers in the U.S. who can evaluate a person's cognitive and physical ability and fitness to determine if they are safe to continue driving.
Products/Services for Persons Living
with Dementia and Their Caregivers
Adaptive Clothing (Joe & Bella)
Aging Care - Senior Care Products
AZO At-home Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) test strips
Urinary tract infections are common in people with dementia and can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may include a sudden worsening of dementia symptoms such as confusion, delusions, and hallucinations. Because people with dementia may not be able to communicate how they feel, it's important to be familiar with the symptoms of a UTI and test as soon as possible. The AZO test strips make it easy to test at home and get an immediate result. If the result is positive, it's important to follow up with the person's physician ASAP.
Best Alzheimer's Products Store
The Blue Hug
A shower garment that allows caregivers to bathe the wearer while maintaining personal dignity and warmth.
People with hearing loss are eligible to receive a CapTel phone at no cost.
Corded phone for seniors (landline)
(Amazon)
Photo buttons, one-touch dialing, flashing alerts, etc.
"Family Love Letters offers you an opportunity to celebrate and honor your loved ones while creating lasting connections between the generations.Through easy conversation, we discover, share and preserve stories. We interview the participant about his or her experiences, memories and values. Family Love Letters synthesizes the conversations into a letter to be shared among family. The end-product is a beautiful and meaningful gift of connection."
GPS Tracking Watch
The Alzheimer’s Store
GPS Smart Sole Tracking Solution
The Alzheimer’s Store
Jelly Drops for Hydration
"Jelly Drops are an innovative sugar-free treat, made of 95% water with added electrolytes & vitamins, designed to increase fluid intake." Please note that Jelly Drops are not suitable for those with swallowing difficulties which tend to be common at late stage dementia.
Medical ID Fashions
ID bracelets that require two hands to remove.
MindMate
"The MindMate app offers you a daily activities plan that is helping you to keep your mind and body fit. Work out, discover delicious and healthy recipes, play games to keep your grey matter engaged and learn in videos and articles about what you can do to stay healthy while you're getting older."
Printable Cards to Let Others Know About a Diagnosis
Remote manage for caregivers
Resources for People Living with Dementia
Teepa Snow – Positive Approach to Care™
TSA helpline 1-855-787-2227
Agents specially trained to help those with disabilities and/or medical coinditions navigate airports and security checks with ease.
Wandering Support Program
Alzheimer’s Association and Medic Alert®
Water Wipes
Sensitive wet wipes for adults when cleansing/bathing with water is not an option
Support Groups
When joining an online support group, be sure to do your due diligence and verify the legitimacy of the organization that is hosting/facilitating the group. Physicians, clinics, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and health websites can suggest support groups and provide information about them.
It is important to ask questions before joining, such as:
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Is there a fee?
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What are the details about meeting time, location, frequency?
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What do I need to do to commit to the group? Can I attend only as needed?
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What are the ground rules?
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If it's an online group, what steps are taken to protect my privacy?
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Who is the group leader and what are his/her qualifications?
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What should I expect at meetings?
Visit Sage's Support Group page for more general information about support groups and specific information about the groups we offer. (page coming soon)
Suggested Support Groups
Alzheimer's Association
The Family Caregiver Alliance offers several different types of support groups, both online and in-person. Visit their website for more information.
National Council of Dementia Minds
Nonprofit organization founded and governed by persons living with dementia. Offers support groups for those with Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia.
On-going support groups offered online and in-person. Free of charge, but donations appreciated.
Senior Centers
Most local senior centers offer caregiver support groups for community members. Google "senior center + (city)" to find a senior center in your community.
Stanford Medicine: Northern California Dementia Caregiver-Only Support Groups
Support groups listed by county in Northern California. Many are sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association. Although most groups are virtual, they restrict attendees to the local area.
Teepa Snow's Care Partner Support Series
An educational forum where care partners can gain awareness and knowledge of care strategies to help provide better care for
a family member or friend living with dementia.
$50 for 5-week online series.
UCSF Living with Dementia Support Group
This online support group provides an environment for families and friends of those living with dementia to share their experiences and receive support. The support group is free and is co-sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association and UCSF Memory and Aging Center.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month; 6-7:30 PM
Contact sarah.dulaney@ucsf.edu or (415) 353-4049