17 Nov Alzheimer’s Care
Insights and Essentials for Caregivers
Alzheimer’s disease, affecting up to 80% of all dementia patients, presents a significant challenge for caregivers and we want to help. With the lifetime probability of being disabled or cognitively impaired at 68% for those over 65, understanding Alzheimer’s care is crucial.
Early Detection and Adaptation
Acknowledging Alzheimer’s during the early phases is important. While initial symptoms might be subtle, they will eventually escalate affecting memory and independence. Addressing problems as they arise is ideal. For example, if your loved one forgets medication, use alarms and clearly labeled containers. For household chores, consider family help or a part-time aide.
Professional and Medical Assistance
Superior Alzheimer’s care, like that provided by Family Tree Cares, is second to none. With regular home care, addressing specific health issues and maintaining overall well-being is less stressful. Allowing you time and to accompany your loved one to appointments ensuring proper communication of their needs and prognosis.
Understanding and Flexibility
Alzheimer’s patients are often aware of their declining memory, so empathy and patience are key. Implement solutions collaboratively, maintaining their sense of independence. Flexibility is also crucial. For instance, if they prefer wearing the same outfit, consider purchasing identical sets to reduce stress.
Maintaining Social Connections
Avoid isolating your loved one. Keeping them socially active and engaged with friends and family is important. Regular social interactions can help maintain cognitive function and provide emotional support.
Caregiver Health: A Critical Aspect
Caregivers often overlook their own health while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. What many don’t realize is caregiving may be creating chronic stress. Which, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance, can lead to a steady and significant decline in physical and mental health. What’s more, the Alliance says that caregivers’ health status worsens as the patient’s condition declines.
Chronic stress can lead to physical and mental health decline. It’s essential for caregivers to prioritize their health, seeking regular medical check-ups, maintaining a balanced diet, and finding time for exercise and space for relaxation.
The Family Caregiver Alliance estimates that 44 million Americans are caregivers.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a multifaceted challenge.
It requires a blend of professional care, personal adaptation, and an understanding of the disease’s impact on both the patient and the caregivers. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved one.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) caregiving has significant consequences on mental health:
“When compared to their non-caregiving counterparts, family caregivers report higher levels of stress/distress, depression, emotional problems, and cognitive problems. Estimates suggest that between 40 – 70 percent of caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression, with approximately one-fourth to one-half of these caregivers meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression.”
Finally, the APA says that “strained caregivers have a 63 percent greater chance of death within four years as compared to non-caregivers.” This includes deaths from suicide, which, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance, is one of the consequences of the depression common in caregivers.
At Family Tree we want to provide support and guidance during this time. Let our professional caregivers ease the strain and allow you to get back to enjoying your time with your loved one.