How to Take Care of Yourself and Your Loved One with Alzheimers

When the caregiver of a person who has Alzheimer's Disease is also a close family member to that person, the caregiver experiences a much higher level of stress than a non-related caregiver experiences. Unless the related caregiver is aware and prepared for that stress, the result can be damaging both to the caregiver and to the person with Alzheimer's Disease.

One of first causes of stress may be the role reversal that is common as the patient becomes less and less able to make his or her own decisions and perform tasks that they have taken care of in the past. It will be frustrating to the person with the disease when they experience difficulty in making the decisions and performing the tasks that they once handled with ease. They may feel resentment towards the family member who is their caregiver: whose help they now cannot do without. Being aware that the person with Alzheimer's Disease will not only have these feelings, but also be unable to express or cope with the feelings will help the caregiver to cope with their own stress in the situation. However, that knowledge alone may not be enough. It is common for a caregiver who is also a family member to experience these symptoms of stress:

·Anger

·Anxiety

·Depression

·Exhaustion

·Sleeplessness

·Irritability

·Loneliness

·Lack of Concentration

·Health Problems

If you experience any of these symptoms (or others) regularly enough that it is causing your physical or mental health to decline, consult your doctor. A caregiver who is not healthy cannot give proper care to their loved one.

It is also essential for the caregivers to have time to themselves away from the stress. Ask for and accept help from other family members and/or friends.

Another way for the caregiver to lessen their stress is to keep updated with the skills and resources that will make caring for their loved one easier. Information and support can be found at www.alz.org or the Alzheimer's Association in your locale.

Two very helpful suggestions, taken from the National Alzheimer's Association are:

1) Many of the behaviors and situations that occur are beyond your control or the control of the person with Alzheimer's Disease. Focus on the positive times and try not to dwell on what cannot be changed.

2) Let go of any guilt for being less than perfect. Your loved one needs you and you are there.