When Dad Keeps Pacing: Nation's Largest Alzheimer's-Care Provider Gives Care Tips

SEATTLE, Wash., Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Families across America are invited to speak directly with top experts in the nation's largest memory-care organization to gain practical tips for caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia.  Emeritus Senior Living Executive Vice President Budgie Amparo, R.N., M.S.N., head of clinical services, and Vice President Kelly Scott, who oversees Alzheimer's programming, will take questions during a live Internet chat at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET, on Tuesday, Sept. 18.  For more information on participating, visit http://www.emeritus.com/live-chat. Emeritus provides care for those with Alzheimer's and other memory-impairing diseases at 285 of its 477 senior living communities throughout the United States.

Nearly 15 million Americans are caring for a person with dementia in the home, according to the Alzheimer's Association. About 50 percent of them are taking care of parents; between 6 and 17 percent are caring for spouses. About a third of those are parenting children under 18.

"These statistics demonstrate that Alzheimer's disease is truly a family issue," Amparo said. "We welcome the opportunity to be a resource for these families."

Scott said: "The live chat is designed to offer families practical suggestions based on our organization's nearly 20 years of experience in caring for people in all stages of Alzheimer's disease."

Among the topics likely to be discussed are:

• Understanding what causes pacing and other forms of agitation, and ways to calm it.
• Overcoming resistance to bathing.
• How to prepare and serve meals the memory-impaired find appealing and easy to eat.
• Ways to communicate as verbal skills weaken.

About Emeritus Senior Living

Emeritus Senior Living is the nation's largest memory care and assisted living provider, with the ability to serve nearly 50,000 residents. More than 28,000 employees support more than 470 communities throughout 44 states coast to coast. Emeritus offers the spectrum of senior residential choices, care options and life enrichment programs that fulfill individual needs and promote purposeful living throughout the aging process. Its experts provide insights on senior living, care, wellness, brain health, caregiving and family topics at www.Emeritus.com, which also offers details on the organization's services. Emeritus is based in Seattle, Wash.; its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ESC.

CONTACT: Scott McCaskey / Audrey Knoth (757) 625-2518
[email protected]

SOURCE Emeritus Senior Living