Are you a UA retiree who is providing care for a parent, a spouse or another loved one diagnosed with dementia, Parkinson’s or ALS?
We know that you rely on physicians, multiple online resources, foundations and support groups to provide you with information about your loved one’s situation. Sometimes, however, you just want to talk to someone who has gone through – or is currently going through – the journey that you and your loved one face. Someone who can tell you what they wish they had known when they faced similar situations.
The What I Know Now website is designed to provide you with additional resources by connecting you with other UA retirees who have offered to share their own caregiving experiences. These one-on-one and confidential conversations can give you access to an additional source of support as you try to anticipate and respond to the uncertainty of new and difficult, yet everyday challenges.
Through this website, you will be able to connect with fellow UA retirees who are providing, or have provided, care to a person diagnosed with dementia, Parkinson’s Disease or ALS. For example, your private and confidential conversation could focus on a recent diagnosis: “My loved one was just diagnosed with dementia. What can I expect?” Or, maybe you have a question about a specific situation: “My loved one has ALS and uses a wheelchair. How do we handle going through security checkpoints at the airport or a concert? Should we even try to travel?”
Please remember that:
- Each situation, even those with the same diagnosis, is unique to you and your loved one. Your conversations should reflect the individual experiences of the person you are talking to, as well as your personal circumstances.
- These interactions are NOT intended to replace medical advice, be a substitute for expert advice, or to be directly relevant in every circumstance. Please talk to your doctor or medical provider before making specific decisions.
If you’d like to serve as a resource volunteer for What I Know Now:
If you are interested in serving as a resource volunteer, please click here to complete the volunteering form.