|
Unless it’s your profession, being a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a job no one asks for – partly because it involves a dramatic change in the relationship between you and your loved one, and partly because it becomes more and more challenging over time. Being as prepared and supported as possible in this new role is in everyone’s best interest. As our population ages, and the numbers of people with Alzheimer’s disease increases, so too do the number of people providing care for loved ones – a difficult, and often heartbreaking job. What can begin as a supportive role in someone’s daily life, such as balancing a cheque book, grocery shopping, or helping with doctor’s appointments, will eventually turn into a full-time job as a caregiver, when that person needs round-the-clock help with eating, bathing, dressing, etc. Though many family members and friends do not consider such assistance and care ‘caregiving’, the fact that they are just ‘doing what comes naturally to them’ by taking care of someone they love doesn’t make the task and its inherent sacrifices any easier. Considering that care may be required for months or years, and that it will take an emotional, physical and financial toll on them and their families, caregivers must do their best to give care while taking care of themselves. Every day is a new challengeAlzheimer’s disease presents increasing challenges for the caregiver. As your loved one progresses through the disease, cognitive and memory impairments will change how he or she thinks, acts, and even feels. Though the specific changes brought about by Alzheimer’s are unique to each person, the cold hard reality is that every person with Alzheimer’s disease will continue to lose more abilities over time, making every day a new challenge for the caregiver. Be patient — it’s the disease acting out, not your loved onePeople with cognitive impairment may experience a range of changes that can be frustrating for caregivers. These might include communication difficulties, perseveration (fixation on or repetition of an idea or activity), aggressive or impulsive behaviour, paranoia, lack of motivation, memory problems, incontinence, poor judgment and even wandering behaviour. For some people, these changes begin early in the disease, while other people may go their entire illness with only minor issues. Most people with Alzheimer’s generally end up somewhere in the middle; that is, they tend to have good days and bad days, or even good and bad moments. This being the case, it is important for you to expect that there will be ups and downs, and to maintain your patience, compassion and sense of humor to help you cope more effectively with difficult behaviour. Though sometimes it may seem personal. Though sometimes it may tax you to your limits. It’s important to remember that it’s the disease, not the person, causing the behaviour.
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email This
Trackback(0)
Comments (1)
 ...My wife has Alzeimer's she will be 79 yrs. old this year, I am 80 years and thank The good Lord that have been able to look after her and that she has not lost her memory to the point where she doesn't know me. The one thing that seems to be the worst problem is incontince I have to check each time she goes to the washroom to make sure that she wipes herself properly and that she has fresh pants (depends) on, I have a towel to catch any mistakes she might make which in the past were quite a few. She wears depends that I have to frequently check to make sure they are clean and most importently that she has them on. Any thoughts or ideas onthis would be most appreciatled. |
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
Alzheimer's Resource Centre
How to improve communication with a person with Alzheimer's
with Marva Whyte, Alzheimer Groupe, Inc.
