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Where caregivers can find helpful information
By Bea Cowlin, Elder Services Caregiver Liaison
The Alzheimer’s Resource Center at Elder Services, 66 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfi eld was established in 1993. In November, 1997, the library was renamed in honor of the late Richard and Rita Gallagher of Lanesboro. Richard “Dick” Gallagher was a devoted caregiver for his wife Rita, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Dick was also instrumental in supporting and helping other caregivers whose loved ones also had this disease. The Gallagher family provided major funding for resources in the library. The library is a great source of information for caregivers and for professionals. For family caregivers, there is information on Alzheimer’s disease and its process, as well as on how caregivers can care for themselves. Some of the books include:
“He used to be Somebody: a Journey into Alzheimer’s disease Through the Eyes of a Caregiver” by Beverly Bigtree Murphy,
“The 36-hour Day (Revised Edition)” by Nancy L. Mace, M.A., and Peter V. Rabins, M.D, M.P.H.
“How to Care for Aging Parents” by Virginia Morris.
Information on developing home activities and modifying home environments abound in “The Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s Proofing Your Home” by Mark L. Warner.
To address the needs of children in caregiving families are:
“Grandpa Doesn’t Know It’s Me” by Donna Guthrie
“My Grammy” by Marsha Kibbey.
Also available is the “Family Care Guide (Sixth Edition)” and numerous free pamphlets from the Alzheimer’s Association. Each pamphlet deals with a specific issue such as Alzheimer’s disease warning signs, communication, planning activities, making changes in the home environment and planning for the future.
From the Alzheimer’s Association are videos such as: “Caregiver
Series: Caring for the Caregiver,” “Communicating, Safety First, and Meeting” and “The Daily Challenge.”
From LifeView Resources for all caregivers is the video series
“The Educated Caregiver: Essential Knowledge, Hands on Skills and Coping Skills.”
For professionals there are training resources and videos including “Managing and Understanding Behavior in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders,” a video series from the Alzheimer’s disease Research Center, University of Washington. Other videos deal with communication techniques and challenging behaviors.
Overseeing the Gallagher Resource Center is Bea Cowlin, Elder Services Caregiver Liaison for Berkshire County. In addition to updating the resource center, Cowlin provides caregiver support and information on resources available throughout Berkshire County.
Elder Services also maintains a small library on aging issues with materials for use by the community. Information on demographics, social concerns, and literature on aging and caregiving is also available.
The Gallagher Resource Center and the aging issues library at 66 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield are open to all from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A refundable deposit of $5 per book or video is requested; informational pamphlets are available at no cost.
For more information about Elder Services and caregiver support,
visit www.esbci.org.