RX for Family Care-givers of People with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia

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

One of main causes of stress may be the role reversal that takes place when a child in essence becomes the "parent" to their loved one who has Alzheimer's or Dementia. It will be frustrating to the person with the disease when they experience difficulty in making the decisions and taking care of the tasks that they once handled with ease. They may feel resentment towards the child who is now their care-giver and whose help they cannot do without. Husbands and wives who enjoyed their relationship as equals will also experience stress from the role reversal that comes when one partner becomes the care-taker and the other partner is totally dependent. 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 care-giver to cope with their own stress in the situation. However, that knowledge alone may not be enough. It is common for a care-giver who is also a family member to experience these symptoms of stress:

Anger
Anxiety
Depression
Exhaustion
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Loneliness
Lack of Concentration
Health Issues

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 care-giver who is not healthy cannot give proper care to their loved one.

It is also essential for the care-givers to have time for themselves and a break from the stress. Ask for and accept help from other family members and/or friends.

Another way for the care-giver 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 alz.org or the Alzheimer's Association in your locale.

Family care-givers of loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia do not need to feel guilty when they do not meet their own expectations. The outcome of many situations that must be faced in the daily life of a loving family care-giver are not in the care-giver's control. The loved one with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia is also unable to control many of their actions and responses. Acceptance of this fact will lessen the stress for both the care-giver and their loved one.