The process of downsizing and selling the family home is often overwhelming, even for those with a background in the moving industry. A real estate broker for 25 years, Carol Fine, and her husband, Richard, wanted to make a quick move from their five-bedroom house three years ago, and with the help of Downsize, Etc., they were able to do just that.

Married for 53 years, the Fines have two children. While Richard enjoys playing golf and swimming, Carol can often be seen sewing or settling down with her latest read.

It was when she was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s that they decided it was time to make the transition and ended up selling their home within a few weeks. “We couldn’t do it ourselves. It was just so overwhelming to stand there and figure out what to take or sell,” she said.

Fortunately, she was introduced to Nancy Malphrus and Bart Goldstein of Downsize, Etc., a company that specializes in real estate, liquidation and design. “Nancy came over and knew what we needed to do,” said Carol. “I was extremely impressed with her presentation and guidelines for downsizing.”

The couple then visited their future two-bedroom apartment with Bart, who drew up a diagram, factoring in the particular furniture they wanted to take.

“They recommended a moving company that was terrific,” said Carol. “It was also a very controlled environment as they limited the number of people who could go through the house.”

Not only were their valuables properly cared for and secure, but the Fines’ home was left spotless. According to Carol, Bart and Nancy made all of the arrangements for selling or donating the remainder of the couple’s belongings while Bart helped decorate their apartment.

Since their move, the Fines have continually stayed in touch with the organization and do not hesitate to recommend it to anyone they know considering a move.

“Being in real estate for so many years I know how much is involved and you just can’t make a move like that on your own,” said Carol. “The process for us was absolutely seamless — it was a dream.”

Alan’s story is all too common; in 2009 he was downsized from his job in the information technology field. After spending considerable time and energy looking for similar work, he started to think about changing his career path and other entrepreneurial ideas and business opportunities.

One of the paths Alan followed was an idea of creating a concierge service designed to specifically assist seniors and family caregivers. Steve Gurney, publisher of Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook reviewed Alan’s business plan and asked him one simple question, “What do you REALLY like to do?” Alan responded with passion that he has played the drums for over 30 years, which sparked the idea to organize drum circles in senior living communities.

In less than a month Alan secured his first “gig” at a senior living community and launched his company, The Beat Goes On.

One of the first communities to take a chance on Alan’s innovative concept was Sunrise at Bluemont Park. Activity Director Danielle Nelson says, “It was a huge hit with all of our residents, from independent living to those with memory impairment.”

The staff is equally enthusiastic about the unique activity. When the drum circle is in full swing it is common to see several staff members joining in, dancing in the hallways or sharing a drum with the residents. “Seeing the success of the drum circles inspires you to think outside the box when planning activities,” says Danielle Nelson.

Alan is signing up new communities every week and has been enthusiastically asked to return by nearly every community at which he has conducted a drum circle. Although his new venture has not replaced his previous income, he says, “It’s a dream come true to be sharing my passion for drumming and music with others in such a positive manner.”

In 1969, Mr. Montiel and his wife and eight children moved to the D.C. area. Several members of the large family have remained in the area, including Mr. Montiel himself, who still lives in McLean. After retiring, he remained active and independent for many years. Just a year ago, his children began noticing that their father was suffering from increasing memory loss.

One of his daughters, Maria Koropecky, recalls, “When my father developed severe memory problems, it became dangerous for him to live alone.” The family knew they needed help. They began looking for a safe environment for Mr. Montiel to live while they made important care decisions.

When Mr. Montiel’s family learned that the nearby Sunrise of McLean offered short-term, respite stays, they decided that their father would move there temporarily. Their plan changed quickly. “Initially, we intended for my father to live at the Sunrise for a few months while we made other arrangements, but it became obvious that he was getting the care he needed there,” says Maria.

One of the primary reasons for their decision was the highly-qualified staff members who worked in the Reminiscence Program, the Sunrise program dedicated entirely to the care of patients with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders. Then-coordinator of Reminiscence Services, Kate Caldwell, was instrumental in helping Mr. Montiel settle into his new community.

When Kate made a career change and founded ElderTree, LLC, a geriatric care management firm specializing in Alzheimer’s and memory impairment, Maria knew that she wanted her to remain a part of her father’s caregiving team. ElderTree offers consultations, placement, assessments, written care plans, and long-term care management for seniors and their families. For the Montiel family, Kate’s expert advice continues to be integral to caregiving decisions.

Maria explains, “I visit my father often and I know him well, but I will never know someone with dementia as well as Kate does.” She continues, “Kate helps me put everything into perspective. She helps me see what to focus on in terms of my father’s needs.” Tapping in to her years of experience in elder care, Kate is able to offer recommendations, advice, and support to Maria and her family.

Caregiving for a relative with memory loss can be stressful, confusing, and difficult. Maria states simply, “You can’t begin to even imagine what this is like until you experience it.” However, assembling a team of qualified professionals to help can make all the difference. “Kate has been working in the eldercare field for so long, so I know she understands, and I know that I want to tap into all that expertise,” Maria concludes.

The Association’s Contact Center delivers around-the-clock service nationwide. The unique partnership between the Association’s national office and the chapter network provides families, caregivers, health care professionals, and the public with the most up-to-date information on Alzheimer’s. The Contact Center network of 70 chapters handles more than 23,000 calls each month.

Support groups provide practical help in coping with the disease and can serve as an outlet for feelings and frustrations as well as an important source of information. The National Capital Area Chapter offers more than 70 support groups for families and caregivers, people with early-onset Alzheimer’s (under the age of 65), early-stage diagnosed individuals, and Spanish-speakers.

If you can’t find time to attend a support group, help is just a mouse click away at the Alzheimer’s Association’s message boards and chat room at www.alz.org. Among the forums are groups for caregivers, health professionals, and people with memory loss. Other categories include sections featuring success stories, questions for care consultants, and news on Alzheimer medications.

Education programs are an integral part of the Association’s mission. The National Capital Area Chapter offers a variety of education programs, with topics ranging from caregiver skill-building to legal and financial concerns. Annual caregiver conferences provide a more in-depth look at specific caregiving concerns. A new program, “Life After Diagnosis,” helps those faced with a recent diagnosis to prepare for the challenging journey ahead. Our “Partnering with Your Doctor” program assists people with memory loss and their loved ones in receiving the best possible health care through improved cooperation with their physicians and offers specific tools and strategies to improve communication and understanding. The Association’s Maintain Your BrainT public awareness campaign is educating people about a brain healthy lifestyle. We also provide dementia-specific training to professionals in the caregiving, health, safety, and law enforcement communities.

Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return is a nationwide identification, support and enrollment program that provides assistance when a person with dementia wanders and becomes lost locally or far from home. If an enrollee is missing, one call immediately activates a community support network – including law enforcement and local media – to help reunite the lost person with his or her caregiver. The nearest Association Chapter office provides information and support during the search and rescue efforts.

Advocacy is a major component of the Alzheimer’s Association mission. Alzheimer’s advocates are people with memory loss, caregivers, friends, and families whose voices together are a powerful tool for change and provide hope for a future without Alzheimer’s. Advocates are calling for advancements in research and enhanced care and support at the federal, state, and local levels. The payoff has been phenomenal to date: substantial increases in federal research funding, growth in state-supported services, and improvements in the quality of care for those in nursing homes.

Every year, National Capital Area Chapter volunteers, like thousands of others in 600 communities across the country, participate in a Memory WalkT to raise funds to support services and programs for those battling the disease. These events have raised more than $175 million nationwide since 1989. The Chapter holds other special events throughout the year to support programs and services, including the Tour de Canal Bike Challenge, the Washington Monuments Luncheon, the BB&T Alzheimer’s Golf Tour, and the America’s Great Generations Gala.

Funding for critical research and improved care and diagnosis will help ensure that the rapid pace of scientific breakthroughs continues. In just the past 15 years, we have learned 95 percent of all we know about the disease. Federal funding for Alzheimer’s research will increase to $700 million in 2005, and the Association continues to advocate for a yearly commitment of $1 billion. Private donations have enabled us to award $165 million to over 1,300 important research projects worldwide.

For more information on Alzheimer’s disease and/or the Alzheimer’s Association, please visit www.alz.org or call toll-free 1-800-272-3900.