Alzheimers Caregivers - Unsung Heroes

Over half of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease continue to live at home. Most of these patients receive care, not from professional Alzheimers caregivers, but from family or friends.

During the early to middle Alzheimer stages, homecare is very possible. But whatever the stage, and especially if the patient doesn't benefit from professional Alzheimers caregivers, it is best if family and friends caring for the patient undergo some training regarding the disease.

Why Do Alzheimers Caregivers Need Training?

A patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) need not suffer from poor quality care just because he or she stays at home. Alzheimers caregivers need to be prepared for the changes in behavior and personality that accompany the disease.

Learning about the different stages of the disease can help a caregiver adapt as changes happen. Customizing the patient's home environment can make this time less stressful for both patient and caregiver.

AD impacts the family psychologically, emotionally, socially, and even physically, especially when family members and friends undertake the potentially taxing work of Alzheimers caregivers. Training will prepare the caregiver for all these changes.

What Can Alzheimers Caregivers Expect?

Caring for an AD patient can take up lots of time, patience, and emotional energy. As the patient's condition advances, the caregiver may become isolated from friends since he or she may be less likely to participate in social gatherings like before.

A caregiver's emotions can, therefore, run the whole gamut: from resentment, guilt, anger, frustration, and emotional fatigue. Family members who become caregivers may also experience financial difficulties.

Majority of family members who become Alzheimers caregivers miss around a month of work each year, and 20% end up quitting their jobs.

All these stresses within the family can undoubtedly be eased by professional intervention in the form of training or counseling, as well as more understanding, time, and thoughtful offers to help out from friends.

Alzheimers Caregivers Need Support

Support groups with other people who are in the same situation can help the caregiver not only cope with the situation, but also find care giving a fulfilling experience. Studies have proven this and have shown that support groups indeed help families keep patients at home for a longer time.

However, there comes a time when families must accept that family care giving is no longer enough. When this happens families either hire professional caregivers, moved their loved ones to an assisted-living facility, or to a nursing home.

If you have a friend who is caring for an AD sufferer in the family, he or she will probably be too embarrassed to take you up on a general offer of “help”. So, be specific. Offer to pick up the laundry, mow the lawn, or do the groceries.

You will also have to take extra effort to include your friend in your activities. An offer to take them out for a day, where your friend can focus on things other than care giving, would be great!