The Challenges of Alzheimer’s Home Care

Alzheimer’s is devastating to the families of those afflicted with the disease. It’s very difficult to watch a loved one deteriorate day by day, and much added stress is placed upon the person responsible for caring for an Alzheimer’s patient at home. If you find yourself in this position, it’s crucial that you do not neglect your own health.

Problems stemming from Alzheimer’s home care

An Alzheimer’s caregiver can become so consumed with the practicalities of caring for their loved one that over time, they begin to develop health problems of their own. The emotional stress can be exhausting, as well as the strain on a caregiver physically. Caregivers can begin to feel trapped and a sense of isolation can develop. Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient at home is a round-the-clock commitment, and if the caregiver doesn’t have a large network of friends and family willing to help carry the load, it can be a very lonely existence.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, but that progression can occur over many years. Caring full-time for an Alzheimer’s patient is relentless and very draining. Eventually as the disease progresses, Alzheimer’s home care is no longer an option, and while this provides a reprieve for the caregiver, it is equally difficult to send your loved one into a facility.

As a caregiver, you’ll want to focus on your own health too. Watch for signs of depression or stress eating. Your own social life may shrink, leaving you resentful and lonely. Alzheimer’s can present financial challenges too, causing you sleepless nights and worry. Remember that you are aging too, and may have your own health issues to deal with. You simply can’t afford to put your own well-being on the back burner.


Solutions for you

So, Alzheimer’s home care can easily take a huge toll on you. How do you find a balance so that you are able to cope with what is certainly an overwhelming situation?

First, know that there is support available. You are not meant to do it all alone. Explore the various options you have; you’ll be encouraged to discover there is more than you might have thought. Contacting your local Alzheimer’s organization is a great place to start. Here you will find many ideas to help you cope with the challenges related to caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s in your own home.

Learn all you can about the best ways to interact with an Alzheimer’s patient. Don’t allow yourself to get overly frustrated by trying to communicate in the present. See instead if you can connect with them about past events. Don’t have expectations that the Alzheimer’s sufferer simply cannot meet. Be available on their level – it will help you both.

See what respite programs are available – and take advantage of them. You deserve regular breaks; this is part of taking good care of yourself so you can take good care of your loved one.

Remember when you needed to “child-proof” your home? Well, now you’ll gradually need to “Alzheimer’s proof” your surroundings to ensure your loved one’s safety. Try to anticipate potential problem areas and deal with them proactively; it will make your life much simpler.

And while you are making sure that you eat well and get enough physical activity, do the same for your loved one. Set up some good routines and stick to them as much as possible. Keeping them active for as long as possible is one way to try to slow the progression of the disease.

Alzheimer’s home care is very challenging, but with a little education and lots of patience, you’ll be able to provide your loved one with comfort for as long as it’s appropriate.