Caring For Someone With Alzheimers Disease
By Jan Mayrhofer onSadly, Alzheimer's will probably afflict someone you know or love eventually. In 2009, more than 5 million Americans were living with the disease, and it is the number seven cause of death.
A person with the disease will need a special kind of person to care for them. It is a somewhat thankless job, especially considering the abuse that patients tend to dole out. It is common for someone with dementia to become abusive both verbally and physically. This is usually in the later stages of the disease however.
Many families are turning to those in the extended family who are best equipped emotionally, physically, and mentally to step up and help with their loved one and will pay that person for their help. It still saves money for the family if the patient is able to stay home rather than live in a care facility.
When a child of the patient is the care giver, it is a complete role reversal. It is now the child that will handle every facet of care for their parent, including bathing, and diapering in most cases. It takes a great deal of patience and dedication to care for an adult who is unable to do any of these things for themselves.
If you find yourself in this life altering situation, remember to be patient. It is the disease that is causing the behavior of your loved one. Try not to take it personally if they yell at you or try to swipe at you when you are trying to help them.
There does come a point, though, when it is important to consider the health of the caregiver as well. Many spouses of the afflicted ones are caring for their dear husband or wife of many years. This causes a myriad of emotions to be experienced by the caregiver every day. They will feel sympathy, of course, but also anger, hurt, confusion, and guilt. It is a heavy burden to carry, and will definitely wear on them over time. Sometimes it will be up to other family members to not only help out with the every day chores, but to step in an make a decision to move the patient eventually to a care facility. This can be a painful decision, of course, but should not be put off so long that the caregiver's health suffers.
If you suspect that someone you love has the beginnings of Alzheimer's Disease, you should learn all you can about it, have family meetings to discuss strategies, and have a plan in place for eventual placement. Being informed and prepared will help make it all a little less painful.
This is so true. My ex-husband's great grandmother came down with this. She reverted back to her childhood years, even though she was in her late 80s. So one day I bought her a little doll to carry around. She named it after me and when she passed away, the family buried her with it. That simple little doll gained almost all of her attention and truly helped keep her from grabbing things that she could harm herself with. - I loved that little lady.
My mother has recently developed moderate dementia, and may have Alzheimer's. She is on the meds and the patch. I took care of her for 3 1/2 years, and my brother cared for her for a year. Finally, it has become too much for everyone. Sadly, she is now likely to become a long term resident in a NH. Right now she is there for rehab. It is by far the saddest experience of my life. It's so very sad to watch someone who was so brilliant decline so immensely. But caregiving took such a toll on my physical and emotional health. There does come a time when you may have to admit that you are overwhelmed, and there is no shame in seeking help. Good article!
Very good article. I have not known anyone with this disease but my heart goes out to those who have and to the caregivers. You have given a good perspective.