Carers coping with Alzheimers Disease
Coping with Alzheimers disease is of course difficult for the sufferer but often, the future and care provided by the caregiver is forgotten. As a carer there will be times when you experience a mixture of emotions such as frustration, anger, depression or isolation. This is especially true if the person is a close, loved one.
It is often noted caring for an Alzheimers suffer is more difficult than actually having the Disease as you witness all the changes while the sufferer is often unaware of the extent. Yet the experience can also be one of a special kind of enjoyment where you feel rewarded, especially when you know the care you have given has made a positive difference towards that individual. If you suspect you or a close one is suffering from Alzheimers disease it is recommended you consult a doctor at the earliest opportunity to ensure a diagnosis is made to ensure other diseases and illnesses are ruled out. This will also ensure the appropriate treatment is given and care is planned as soon as possible.
In the event that Alzheimers is diagnosed, find out about the local services and help groups from your doctor's surgery or local hospital. Although in the early stages you may find coping with caring for your loved one is relatively easy, it will gradually become more difficult and it is better to be realistic and prepared by obtaining as much help and information for the future as possible. It is very easy to shy away from help but remember you need quality time to yourself and for your family. You also have to take care of yourself and take some time to enjoy your own life.
Alzheimers carers should look for support groups
Alzheimers is a long-term illness and there is a wide network of support groups, professional carers and accommodation in both the public and private sectors available. It is always recommended you join as many groups as possible so you can listen to others and talk about your own experiences.
Sharing your stories and worries will prevent you feeling isolated. It will also mean you don't have to make decisions on your own. If you have a strong network of family and friends and they are willing to help, take it. You will appreciate the breaks and it will also provide an opportunity for them to feel rewarded by their own efforts.
Don't feel guilty about any frustrated feelings you may experience. These are perfectly normal, but you should seek help or advice if you begin to feel like everything is too much to handle. It is normal to feel irritated by some of the characteristics the sufferer may display such as the repeated questions or the mood swings.
When explaining the disease to children, you should emphasis family love, pleasant memories and respect. This is because as the disease progresses, the pleasant memories children may have of the sufferer may begin to fade. Keep scrapbooks and photo albums and take time to sit with the child to talk about happy events the family have shared.
Alzheimers disease requires patience from all caregivers. There are several options open to the caregiver with regards to their care and one of the most difficult one to consider is whether or not permanent residential care is required.
Although you may immediately feel this option is extreme or even cruel, consider whether you are able to cope whilst providing the best possible care for the sufferer. Ask yourself, would a care home provide a better standard of care and also consider the other members of your family and the impact caring for the sufferer will have on them.
Remember, if you do decide a care home is the best option for both of you, you can usually visit as often as you like and still provide a certain level of care such as feeding, dressing or washing.
