April 1999
The Director - Features
The Funeral That Never Ends
Helping families cope with losing a loved one to Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Currently more than four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and, unless a cure or prevention is found, this number is expected to climb to more than 14 million people by the year 2050. Given these statistics, it is certain that funeral directors will play an increasingly important role in helping families cope with Alzheimer's disease.
The Funeral That Never Ends—Helping families cope with losing a loved one to Alzheimer's disease, written by Elizabeth Heck, L.C.S.W., provides useful advice for funeral directors serving families coping with the disease. The article discusses eight ways funeral service professionals can assist these families. In addition, it includes a sidebar on brochures that are available regarding brain autopsies, which is the only way to prove that an individual suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
Heck manages the Physician Education and Outreach program of the Alzheimer Association's Los Angeles chapter. For many years, Heck has provided support and counseling to dementia patients and their families in community-based care and hospice.
For more information on Alzheimer's disease, bereavement support groups and other community resources, contact the Alzheimer's Association chapter nearest you. For a listing of chapters, call 800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.
