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Alzheimer Info Did you know that the State of Florida currently has 228,000 Alzheimer victims, the densest concentration in the United States? By year 2000, the number is expected to double. It is Florida's #1 health problem. More and more often we hear on the news that an Alzheimer patient is missing or has wandered away from home. The Alzheimer's Association has developed a Safe Return program. In this program, Alzheimer individuals are registered and given either a bracelet or necklace to wear. On one side of the necklace or bracelet is the name of the program and on the other side is the individual's first or nick name, a code number with a 24 hour toll free telephone number and the words "Memory Impaired." Through the personal code number, a description and other identifiers will be given. This will enable law enforcement, hospital workers, etc. to identify, locate and return individuals who are memory impaired. To order an application form, contact your local Alzheimer's chapter or call 1/800-272-3900. There are other identification programs available as well. For your convenience we have listed phone numbers below: Tampa Bay Chapter's phone number is 813/875-7766, West Central Florida Chapter (New Port Richey) is 813/ 848-8888, Alzheimer Resource Center is 800/330-1910.
Ten Commandments for Families of Alzheimer Patients 1. Thou shalt not be ashamed of thy patient. 2. Thou shalt not refuse any assistance from relative or friend or neighbor or government agency. 3. Thou shalt discuss problems with a wise listener, preferably in a support group. 4. Thou shalt laugh and cry occasionally. 5. Thou shalt honor thy loved one who is ill, and remember that love lasts. 6. Thou shalt seek legal aid for financial planning soon after diagnosis. 7. Thou shalt admit feelings of anger, guilt, or resentment, but thou shalt not enshrine them. 8. Thou shalt not cut thyself off from others, but socialize, pursue a hobby, seek out entertainment with friends or relatives. 9. Thou shalt leave they patient one day in seven order that thou be strengthened for the long, hard journey. 10. Thou shalt wear each day as a loose garment, enjoy a smile, the warm sun, the flash of birds, the laughter of a child. From Elder Update Nov '93 written by Molly Pollack, a facilitator for an Alzheimer's support group at North Broward Medical Center in
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Copyright © 2002 Law Firm of Raymond L. Parri, P.A., All rights reserved.
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