The month of February is a special time for us in the We Care system. We do a little extra to promote our services, share some goodwill with the community, and have some fun.

Why February? There is a connection - the heart! We thought that the heart in the We Care logo was a great tie in with February and Valentine’s Day. It also lets the community know what a heart you all have for our consumers. 29 Ways to Care is a way of giving back. The agencies and partners in the We Care system receive wonderful support from our communities. This support helps us meet the needs of people in Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties who have mental health or substance abuse concerns. We want to show a little appreciation in return.

Each day in February, the agencies and partners in the We Care system offer an activity, thought, or idea that expresses our support back to the community. Check out the events and plan to join us. Thanks to all of you who have pitched in to make this month come together. There are some great things happening!

The decision to put a relative with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia in a nursing home can be difficult. Caring for someone with one of these conditions at home requires significant social, financial, and personal sacrifices. Every family has different needs, preferences, and constraints to think about.

Consider the following when making your decision:

• People with Alzheimer's or other dementia need a safe, structured environment. You may be able to provide this at home. In other cases, nursing home placement is a better choice.
• People with dementia usually need an increasing level of care and assistance as time goes by. Eventually, your relative will most likely have to be moved to a long-term care facility.
• By using adult day care programs and part-time help, whether hired or offered by other family members and friends, you may be able to keep your relative at home longer.
• Remember that your physical and emotional health is as important as that of the person you're caring for.
• Deciding to put your relative in a nursing home is not a sign of failure in your role as caregiver.

Your choices are:

• Care for your relative at home. Some caregivers may also consider part-time care at home with a home health aide or nurse or in an adult day care facility.
• Put your relative in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.

The decision about nursing home placement should take into account your personal feelings and the medical facts.

For more information:   Alzheimer's Disease

Or contact Amanda Schroeder, PSA3 Area Agency on Aging 419-222-7723.