Many family caregivers presently care for a parent or spouse who is suffering from some form of dementia. According to the Alzheimer's Association, 4.5 million Americans are presently living with Alzheimer's Disease. Caring for someone with dementia often requires a great deal of time and patience, and it can cause great stress to the caregiver, particularly as memory loss progresses.
While we will all have memory lapses as we age, the term dementia describes a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function, leading to serious changes in memory, personality and behaviour. Those with dementia tend to repeat questions, become disoriented in familiar places, neglect personal hygiene or nutrition, or get confused about people or time. It can be caused by many things, some of which are reversible - from vitamin deficiencies and poor nutrition, to reactions to medications or problems with the thyroid. However, some forms of dementia are irreversible, such as that caused by mini strokes or Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's disease occurs when the nerve cells deteriorate in the brain due to a build up of plaques and tangles, which actually results in the death of a large number of brain cells. Doctors are not sure why this occurs, but research is underway to determine causes and cures.
Alzheimer 's disease is progressive, so it often ends up with the afflicted needing total care, 24 hours per day. This can be physically demanding for a family caregiver, a grown child taking care of her/his parent, or a spouse caring for his/her lifelong partner, etc. It is also highly emotional as your loving relative may eventually look at you like a total stranger - despite all of the time and effort you are devoting to their care and well-being. Often, a senior with this disease can become abusive, verbally and physically, which further compounds the incredible stress for the caregiver.
In order to better understand and care for a relative suffering from severe dementia or Alzheimer's disease, the Home Instead Senior Care Advisory Board recommends the following tips:
§ Understand the disease. Read about the disease, its affects, etc., so you are prepared as it progresses. With this understanding also comes additional patience, as you realize that the person is not doing this on purpose or to make you angry. It is a medical condition.
§ Enter their world. Instead of trying to correct a person with Alzheimer's disease, ask them simple questions about their statements, even if they seem strange or are about a person who is no longer living, etc. This will make you and your relative less frustrated.
§ Strike a balance. Encourage as much independence as possible. Help the person by prompting or cueing them to do things for themselves, when possible, but realize you'll need to step in if your relative's safety or well-being will be compromised in any way.
§ Get support. Enlist the help of family and friends to spend some time with your relative, if possible, to give you respite. Join a local support group for people who care for those with dementia/Alzheimer's disease to hear their stories and know you aren't alone.
§ Tap into resources. Find professionals in your area to assist with practical, yet emotional tasks, such as making senior care decisions, elder law issues/Power of Attorney, asset management or creating a will.
§ Decide on assistance. Family caregivers often find they are spending quantity time vs. quality time - doing the shopping, taking the relative to appointments, cleaning, vs. spending time with their relative. Enlist the help of a professional caregiver for the everyday tasks, so you can spend time with your loved one and appreciate them.
§ Environmental distractions, such as street noise, a loud television or radio, can lead to agitation or anxiety. It is important to make a positive and comfortable environment.
§ Use effective communication when speaking to someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Be aware of your rate of speech, your pitch and tone.
§ Use positive body language. Greet the individual with relaxed facial expressions and shoulders. If you are tense the person with dementia or Alzheimer's disease may pick up on it.
(Source: www.caregiverstress.com
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