1. No Rest From Alzheimer's Care
Alzheimer's is a progressively debilitating disease of the brain, usually in the elderly. Patients move through three stages of the disease, with each step requiring more care and help with activities of daily living. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease is difficult, as the caregiver deals with her own grief in slowly losing a loved one, in addition to managing an adult who is slowly requiring care similar to a child. There is no rest from this task as patients tend to get up and wander during the night.
2. Grieving in Advance
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's is stressful, and it's important to recognize symptoms in caregivers that would indicate more help is needed. The grieving process starts long before the death of an Alzheimer's patient, as the person slowly loses their personality and identity. Expect the caregiver to go through emotions such as denial, anger, exhaustion, insomnia and social withdrawal. They may even begin to distance themselves emotionally from the patient, almost practicing what life will be like when they're gone.
3. A Lifeline of Support
One of the most important things to have as a caregiver is a strong support system. Having close friends or relatives who are willing to come and sit with the patient so the caregiver can have some free time is crucial to managing the patient at home. Support groups for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients are available in most communities and can be a vital lifeline for the caregiver.
4. Home Sweet Home
Caregivers may find they are able to postpone putting the patient into a long-term care facility with the help of several types of respite care. Adult day care, which can be full or partial days, can give the caregiver a much-needed break. In-home care from a home health aid to help the patient with bathing, dressing as well as housekeeping can also be a welcome respite from the rigors of Alzheimer's care. Some assisted living facilities also have respite care beds, where a patient can be placed for a short-term stay to allow the caregivers time to rest and rejuvenate themselves. The local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is a good place to ask for recommendations.
5. When Home Is no Longer Safe
The amount of care required to care for the patient combined with risks such as falling and wandering outside the home sometimes make it necessary to place the patient in a facility specially equipped to manage their care. Making this decision is never easy, but the health of the caregiver needs to be considered alongside the safety of the patient. Having long term care insurance sometimes makes this decision a little easier. It's best to consult an elder law attorney soon after diagnosis to help the family through the financial aspects of the disease, and for help filing for assistance through Medicaid when appropriate.
