Caring for a person living with memory loss or dementia is a journey that can last many years. It’s not usually a straight path, as each person with a mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, or another type of dementia may progress differently and in their own time.
Family members who are companions on this journey need information, support, and guidance along the way. Most families report they are not prepared for life with dementia and often do not know where to start.
The “Idaho Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family Caregivers” is a document designed to give family caregivers a look at the big picture and the road ahead. This road map offers direction and tips about what to expect, what decisions lie ahead, what steps to take, and what resources are available to help make navigating the disease process a little bit easier. It’s currently in draft form, and DHW is seeking feedback to help make it as useful and complete as possible.
This August, the Idaho Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Program will host one-on-one, one-hour listening session interviews to review and receive feedback about the draft road map.
Participants should be family and friends who have provided, or currently provide, care to a person with dementia. The interviews will be offered in English and Spanish and will allow caregivers the opportunity to provide feedback about and identify any gaps in the draft road map.
Once you register, one of the ADRD Program’s contracted partners will reach out to set up a time for the interview, which can be conducted virtually.
Follow this link to participate and help make the Idaho Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family Caregivers a more useful document for all Idahoans.
Why is this important?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is a specific disease. Dementia, not a disease, is a general term for a decline in a person's cognitive functioning, impacting their behavior and interfering with their daily life and activities. Neither Alzheimer's Disease, nor dementia, are a normal part of aging.
By 2025 an estimated 33,000 Idahoans will be living with Alzheimer’s, a 22% increase from 2020. There are approximately 65,000 unpaid caregivers in Idaho, many of whom report chronic health conditions, depression, or poor physical health.
The statewide ADRD Alliance (established in 2021) identified assisting family caregivers as a priority to improving quality of life for a person diagnosed with dementia and the health of the family caregiver (2023-2028 ADRD Strategic Plan for Idaho).
Once finalized the “Idaho Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family Caregivers” will help affected Idahoans navigate this uncertain and life-altering circumstance.
Additional resources:
- To join the “Idaho Dementia Road Map” listening sessions
- 2020 Evaluation Report, State Response to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
- Idaho’s 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Data
- 2023-2028 Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Strategic Plan for Idaho
Tiffany Robb is health program manager for the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Program in the Division of Public Health at DHW. A self-described compassionate extrovert, she’s had a diverse career that’s included personal training, business ownership and management, teaching, research, and project management. Tiffany finds working on brain health, Alzheimer’s, and dementia an honor and a tribute to family members who have been impacted by dementia.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening Idahoans' health, safety, and independence. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.
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