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The Richard & Rita Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource Center celebrates 10 years
By Bea Cowlin LSW, Caregiver Coordinator
Elder Services' Richard and Rita Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource Center recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. There was a re-dedication ceremony in December attended by the Gallagher’s daughter Karen Gold.
The resource center was originally created in honor of Karen’s father who was the primary caregiver to her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease. Karen described her father as a “special individual with the ability to connect with many people.” When Richard began caring for Rita, the prospect of becoming his wife’s caregiver was not one that the average male of that generation questioned or resisted. As he took care of Rita, Karen noted a transition in her father. "He was a superb caregiver,” and she added that his caregiving changed his way of being. It was very difficult for her father to experience Rita’s transition from the woman and companion into someone very different, diminished, and changed in many ways.
In addition to having support from family and friends, he found solace from being with other caregivers at a local caregiver support group, who were experiencing similar hardships. Sharing with others kept him going as the disease progressed. In addition, there were times he ignored his own health problems, something many caregivers do. Attending the groups helped him to understand that it was as important for him to care of himself as it was to care for his wife.
When Karen’s mother passed away, an outdoor pavilion was built at Sweetbrook Care Center in Williamstown utilizing money donated in her memory. After her father passed away, the Gallagher Resource Center was created with money donated in honor of her father.
The Resource Center has recently moved to a space that is more accessible to visitors and has undergone renovations. New materials including brochures, books, and DVDs have been purchased. Brochures are free, and books, videos, and DVDs are loaned out for two-week periods with a refundable deposit. A computer is available with Internet access for research and information. Karen noted that she cannot stress enough the importance of caregivers seeking out resources and information.
There are many other resources available to those who are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Last year Elder Services and the Alzheimer’s Association collaborated on a six-session Caregiver Education program. This program will be available again in 2008, at a date to be announced. The Lee Visiting Nurse Association will also offer a four-part caregiver series that will address personal care and nutrition.
Elder Services Family Caregiver Support Program is open to all caregivers caring for a loved one with any illness. Caregiver Coordinators are available to visit with caregivers individually or in group sessions. Programs that provide respite services are also available. In addition, Elder Services offers a variety of services to help caregivers keep their loved one at home. For information on Alzheimer’s disease, visit The Richard and Rita Gallagher Resource Center, or contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 499-0691 or 413-787-1113. For information on the Family Caregiver Support Program and information on services available to assist elders, call Elder Services at 499-0524 or 800-544-5242.
Bea Cowlin, LSW, is Elder Services Caregiver Coordinator.
For more details on the Richard & Rita Gallagher Alzheimer's Resource Center, please see the February issue of Berkshire Senior.