Alzheimer’s cure, care passion of duo

Group tells about symptoms

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and a local organization, Seniors helping Seniors of Lorain County, is committed to offering support for families and spreading awareness on the disease.

For the past 11 years, Alice Iseminger and Janet Callaway, co-owners of Seniors helping Seniors, have devoted their lives to helping families cope with the stresses of supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as providing those diagnosed with care and companionship.

“We want to go into homes of the elderly who are less mobile and who want to stay in the safety of their homes, and offer them one-on-one personal care,” Iseminger said.

Part of the caregiving and assistance the organization gives is personal and distinct toward each receiver and their family, Callaway said.

“Everyone has different symptoms with this disease; people aren’t the same,” she said. “The way one person’s brain operates and processes information with Alzheimer’s, varies from person to person.”

As National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is

underway, Iseminger and Callaway said families with loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia need support.

“All of our caregivers are experienced and are not looking for a new career,” Callaway said. “They have been active in one way or another with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

Important signs to look out for are not just memory loss, she said.

Symptoms can include irritability, personality changes, short attention span, unwillingness to socialize and mood swings, Callaway said.

“Every family is different; it’s about educating these families that a pill won’t make this better,” she said. “You have to learn and adapt.”

Additionally, Callaway stressed the importance of making sure those with Alzheimer’s are cared for and gradually assisted.

“The worst thing you can do is uproot them and put them in a home,” she said. “They’re looking for familiarity. When you’re sick, you just want to go home.

“Now, imagine being put somewhere you don’t recognize. Your mind is being flooded with information.”

During Alzherimer’s Awareness Month, Iseminger and Callaway want to make sure families and receivers are offered support, both emotionally and professionally.

“You are not alone,” Callaway said. “You’re not the only one going through this; you can do this with help.

“It’s too much for just one person. You need to get support, even if it’s just a phone call.”

“You are not alone.” — Janet Callaway, co-owner of Seniors Helping Seniors

SUBMITTED Alice Iseminger and Janet Callaway are the co-owners of Seniors Helping Seniors, which has a branch in Lorain County.