Question: I'm an Alzheimer's Caregiver. How Do I Cope With My Loved One's Disease?
Answer: Learn as much as you can about Alzheimer's disease. Although you may be reluctant to do so because you don't want to think about it, you'll thank yourself down the road because you'll be ready to handle the many challenges associated with Alzheimer's.
Take an active role in your loved one's health care. Form an alliance with a physician and other professionals experienced in issues related to Alzheimer's disease.
Keep the lines of communication open with family and friends. Tell them how you and you're loved one are coping. Those close to you often want to know what they can do to help, but they may feel uncomfortable asking, or they don't know what to say.
Make sure that legal and financial issues are in order. Include your relative in the decision-making process as much as possible. Hopefully, discussions about legal and financial arrangements can be made during the early stage of the disease while decision-making abilities are still intact.
Finally, adjust your expectations by imagining what your loved one is going through. Caregiving is a meditation on patience and understanding.
Sources:
Caregiver guide: Tips for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. National Institutes of Health. March 2007. http://www.nia.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/C2F11D41-E5FE-435D-9C9D-A3489319D4AD/6531/Caregiver_Guide307.pdf
Mace, N. L., & Rabins, P. V. 2006 The 36-hour day: A family guide to caring for persons with Alzheimer's disease, related dementing illnesses, and memory loss in later life. New York: Warner Books.
