Do you realize how much you do?
- You help maintain the quality of life for your spouse, parent,
family, or friend with Alzheimer’s disease.
- You become educated about symptoms, treatments, and the
progression of the disease.
- You help keep track of appointments with the doctor, medication
schedules, and exercise.
- You offer the love and support necessary to meet the challenges
of Alzheimer’s disease.
You are a caregiver. While many patients
retain their independence for a period of time after being diagnosed
with Alzheimer’s disease, some need more help with daily activities.
Regardless of how long you’ve been dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or
to what degree, in some way your life and responsibilities have also
been affected—physically, emotionally, or economically.
The role you have taken on is not an easy one. However, the following tips offer some guidance on how to maintain and
improve your caregiving relationship:
- Take time for yourself. Make sure you have time to relax. If
necessary, enlist the help of other family members or even hire
someone to help out.
- Learn as much as you can about your loved one’s disease so
you will understand what changes to expect in your loved one’s
behavior or symptoms.
- Help your loved one participate in as many activities in the
home and outside the home as much as possible. Maintain the
intricate balance between helping your loved one accomplish a task
and actually doing the task for him or her. Allow the patient the
time needed to complete daily activities on his or her own.
- Consult your loved one about his or her family affairs.
Although it’s not easy to discuss, you should learn of your loved
one’s wishes regarding a living will, durable power of attorney, and
do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order.
- Set realistic goals for yourself and your loved one. Do not
attempt to do everything. By setting attainable goals, you are
setting everyone up for success, rather than disappointment.
- Do not put your life on hold. Continue to meet with friends,
participate in hobbies or groups, and maintain a schedule as
normally as possible.
- Have someone you can talk to. You are there for your loved
one, to listen and to offer support, but you also need a support
person. Talk openly and honestly with a friend or family member. If
this is not possible, join a support group. Understanding that you
are not alone and that someone else is in a similar situation helps
you to feel nurtured.
The most effective caregiver is well-informed, prepared, and ASKS for help and support from all resources that are available.
Challenges of caregiving for patients with Alzheimer’s disease
There are some unique challenges that a patient with Alzheimer’s
disease confronts. First, the disease is quite variable. There may be
times when the patient can function almost normally and then other times
in which the patient may be very dependent. This is a natural part of
the disease. Also, the patient's response to medications may fluctuate.
There is a natural tendency for a caregiver to suspect that the patient
might be unnecessarily demanding or manipulative. The caregiver may see
the patient functioning normally but then assume that the patient should
always be able to function normally.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder. While medications can provide some relief of symptoms, they do not stop
the progression of the disease.
Depression is very much a part of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s symptoms and disability can be made worse by
depression, so it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and help your loved one seek treatment promptly.
References
National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center: Helping Caregivers Cope.
www.nia.nih.gov.
Accessed 12/27/2010
Alzheimer’s Association. Living with Alzheimer’s: Caring for Alzheimer’s.
www.alz.org Accessed 12/27/2010
Family Caregiver Alliance. Caring for Adults with Cognitive and Memory Impairments.
www.caregiver.org
Accessed 12/27/2010
© Copyright 1995-2010 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 12/7/2010…#9583
