Access to Resources in Ohio for Individuals Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers
Caregivers of individuals with dementia face significant challenges due to limited access to critical resources and support. In the U.S., over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care to individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias, many of whom experience financial strain, emotional stress, and physical exhaustion from their caregiving duties. A large number of these caregivers report financial difficulties and a lack of respite care, leaving them with few opportunities to take breaks.
Additionally, many caregivers face negative impacts on their health and express a need for more training and resources to navigate their caregiving roles. As the demand for dementia care continues to increase, these challenges highlight the urgent need for expanded access to training, resources and community-based support services.
Addressing the Challenges of Dementia Caregiving
Since 2022, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging has partnered with Ohio State University, the Ohio Department of Aging, and several other aging organizations throughout the state to develop critical resources for individuals living with dementia and their family and friend caregivers. This partnership has led to the creation of Ohio’s first Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Statewide Resource Program, offering both virtual and in-person access to training, resources, and research on dementia and dementia care.
A key outcome of this collaboration is the establishment of The Golden Buckeye Center for Dementia Caregiving at The Ohio State University College of Nursing in Columbus. The mission of the Golden Buckeye Center is to build connections, competence, and confidence to support both family and professional care partners across Ohio. The initiative focuses on providing caregivers with essential resources to help navigate the complex challenges of dementia care while fostering a stronger sense of community.
The Golden Buckeye Center and its partners offer a variety of educational opportunities, emotional support, and practical tools to caregivers, empowering them to deliver compassionate care. The center also provides a space for caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges, creating a network of support and shared knowledge. Below are some of the key events and resources available:
Events:
- Dementia Care Trainings and Workshops
These in-person and virtual workshops offer caregivers and professionals the opportunity to learn best practices in dementia care, including managing challenging behaviors, improving communication, screening tools (e.g., the Kaer toolkit), and understanding the progression of dementia. - Caregiver Support Groups
Regularly scheduled Lewy Body Dementia Support Group meetings provide caregivers with a safe space to share experiences, seek advice, and receive emotional support from others in similar situations. - Webinars and Virtual Conferences
A series of online webinars and virtual conferences are hosted to give caregivers and aging services professionals access to expert speakers, research updates, and strategies for enhancing care. Topics may include caregiving techniques, stress management, The Financial Fatigue of Caregiving, and the latest advances in dementia care. - Family Caregiver Conferences
Special events, such as an annual Caregiving Conference, bring together caregivers, healthcare professionals, and dementia care experts to discuss critical issues, challenges, and emerging research in the field of dementia care.
Resources:
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Resource Hub
The Ohio Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Statewide Resource Program provides caregivers with an online hub filled with educational materials, videos, Alzheimer’s Association caregiving guides, and research findings related to dementia care. - Caregiver Training Modules
Online and in-person training modules covering various aspects of dementia care, including communication strategies, legal and financial planning, and managing caregiving stress. - Resource Referral Services
The Golden Buckeye Center helps caregivers connect to local services such as respite care, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), adult day programs, and local Alzheimer’s Association chapters. It also provides referrals to dementia care specialists, diagnostic assessment centers, and support agencies across Ohio. - Toolkits for Caregivers
Practical resources, such as checklists for care management, daily activity suggestions, self-care strategies, access to evidence-based caregiving programs in Best Practices Caregiving, and person-centered care for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, are provided in caregiver toolkits to help manage the caregiving journey. - Research and Clinical Trials Information
The center provides caregivers with up-to-date information on the latest research in dementia care and opportunities to participate in clinical trials or studies focused on improving dementia care. - Caregiver Education and Support for Employers – coming soon
Employers can provide their caregiving employees access to specialized caregiver education resources, including webinars, online courses, and toolkits. These resources help employees balance caregiving duties with work responsibilities while managing stress and maintaining quality care.
These events and resources are part of the ongoing effort to support caregivers and individuals living with dementia across Ohio, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and community they need to thrive.
The partnership between Benjamin Rose, Ohio State University, and other key partners has been instrumental in creating a unified and accessible framework for dementia care in Ohio. This collaborative effort ensures that caregivers and individuals living with dementia have the resources they need to improve their quality of life and maintain dignity throughout the caregiving journey.
Looking ahead, the Golden Buckeye Center plans to continue expanding its reach and services, offering more opportunities for education, training, and community engagement. As the center grows, it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of dementia care and ensuring that caregivers across Ohio have the tools and support they need to succeed.
To learn more about The Golden Buckeye Center, please visit Golden Buckeye Center for Dementia Caregiving, call 800-645-2945, or email [email protected]. You can also stop by Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 760 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212. The Center is located on the first floor of the BMI Federal Credit Union building.