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Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services

Multnomah County is now offering a supportive program to Alzheimer’s Caregivers. The program is designed to help caregivers who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The program uses a clinically tested and proven evidence-based model to lower depression in caregivers and decrease problem behaviors in the person with dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association national report, 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, nearly 15 million Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers provide 17 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $202 billion. Caregivers are vulnerable to their own health issues because of the emotional and physical demands from prolonged caregiving. About one-third of caregivers report symptoms of depression.

The program uses a clinically-tested and evidence-based model to lower depression in caregivers and decrease problem behaviors in the person with dementia. STAR-C consultants provide eight weekly in-home visits with the caregiver to decrease challenging behaviors that are endangering their ability to keep their loved one at home.

Challenging behaviors addressed in this program include:

• sadness/depression • anxiousness/worry • sleep issues • resistance to care • wandering • verbal/physical aggression • social isolation 

An estimated 5.2 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and someone develops the disease every 69 seconds. The number of people aged 65 and older with the disease is expected to increase by 93 percent from 2000 to 2025. It is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. In Oregon, an estimated 76,000 people have Alzheimer’s disease.

A video documentary on STAR-C is now available on  the OregonLive.com (click here to watch). For more information about the program or eligibility requirements Please call Bethany Chamberlin at (503) 988-3620 ext. 22020.

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