Caregivers provide care to people who need some degree of ongoing assistance with everyday tasks on a regular or daily basis. It is a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of community life.
While some facets of caregiving can be rewarding, it can also take a toll on caregivers’ health, well-being, and productivity. This is particularly true for dementia caregiving, which often entails prolonged and intensive assistance.
People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are usually cared for by family members or friends. The majority (80%) of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia receive care in their homes, which can add its own challenges. There are currently more than 73,000 unpaid caregivers in Iowa whose care is valued at over $995 million.
Family caregivers of persons with these diseases are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions. Short breaks can be critical to maintaining your own health. Help is available. View our resources or contact us for more information.
Caregiving Resources
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Iowa Caregiving Statistics (PDF)
- Prestación de Cuidados (PDF)
- Create a Caregiving Care Plan
- Respite Care
- Dementia Friendly Iowa
- Dementia Resource Guide
- Family Caregiver Program
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- Caregiver Training with Iowa Geriatric Education Center
Related Dementias Resources
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Iowa Public Radio Podcast: River to River - Fight Dementia in Iowa (11/2022)
- 2021 Alzheimer's Facts and Figures Infographic (PDF)
- 10 Warning Signs Worksheet from the Alzheimer's Association (PDF)
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline
- Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures in Iowa (PDF)
- Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Program Information Sheet (PDF)
- Alzheimer's, Dementia and Public Health Webinar Recording
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and its prevalence is growing. More than five million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s, but that number is expected to triple by 2050.
This program highlights the growing focus of Alzheimer’s and dementia in public health; what causes memory loss; what the latest research shows in our fight against these conditions; what can be done to decrease one’s risk; what resources exist and what the Iowa Department of Public Health is doing to help.
- Cognitive Decline Indicators and Chronic Disease Brief (PDF)
- Landscape Report: Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementia Care in Iowa (PDF)
This landscape report defines the current demand for dementia care by accounting for the prevalence of Iowans with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their use of health and supportive services. This assessment also looks at programs and services in Iowa dedicated to persons with ADRD, and estimates access and use. Printed copies of this report are available by request. If you would like a hard copy, contact us.
Subjective Cognitive Decline in Iowa (PDF)
Healthy Brain Resources
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10 Ways to Love Your Brain (PDF)
- Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain: Steps for Protecting the Heart, Brain, and Body (PDF)
- Healthy Aging, Healthy Brain (PDF)
Brains love bookworms! Bookmarks for Iowa libraries are available upon request. View the flyer for more information
Chronic Disease/Cognitive Decline Rack Cards
To request cards be sent to your organization, contact us.
- Healthy Blood Sugar, Healthy Brain (PDF)
- Healthy Blood Pressure, Healthy Brain (PDF)
- Healthy Diet, Healthy Brain (PDF)
- Healthy Body, Healthy Brain (PDF)
- Healthy Blood Sugar, Healthy Brain (Spanish) (PDF)
- Healthy Blood Pressure, Healthy Brain (Spanish) (PDF)
- Healthy Diet, Healthy Brain (Spanish) (PDF)
- Healthy Body, Healthy Brain (Spanish) (PDF)