Find local organizations that work with Alzheimer's patients and their families. Ask what you can do to help.
Create a volunteer "relief crew" to provide breaks to caregivers so the caregivers can run errands or just have some down time. Work with local Alzheimer's organizations or medical practices specializing in gerontology to provide crew members with basic training in the needs of people with Alzheimer's.
To keep people with Alzheimer's engaged, work with a local Alzheimer's Association chapter and/or senior center to learn about leisure and enrichment activities, including things that caregivers, families and people in the early stages of Alzheimer's can do together. Consider pairing the activities with available Alzheimer's support services in your community.
Hold a fundraiser to support research on a cure for Alzheimer's.
Host a teach-in for your congregation or civic group on how best to interact with people who have Alzheimer's so that congregants can continue to welcome and serve members who have been diagnosed with the disease. Alternatively, use the film as a teaching opportunity in a community service or service learning opportunity for youth who could help the families of people with Alzheimer's.
Use the film as a training tool for medical personnel, social service workers and professional caregivers. Focus on the language used by Pam's family and caregivers and the way they direct conversations without turning exchanges into arguments.
For additional resources for taking action in relation to Alzheimer's, visit:
Alzheimer's Association: This group's website includes information and resources for action and research, as well as a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer's, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies.
Cure Alzheimer's Fund: Information on current research on finding a cure for Alzheimer's.
USAgainstAlzheimer: A network of individuals and organizations working towards finding a cure for Alzheimer's.