Resources to Help the Alzheimer’s Caregiver
Introduction -- To become an effective Alzheimer's caregiver, it is
important to gather as much information as possible about the disease. Start by
reading every possible article on Alzheimer's, talk to physicians, learn about
medication, and contact the Alzheimer's foundation for informational brochures.
Alzheimer's support groups are also a good source of ideas and information. An
adult day-care center may also help, allowing a few hours a week of structured
activity for the patient. Taking on the role of helping a brain disease sufferer
is a difficult task, but there are organizations to turn to for support.
In many families, one member is often the primary Alzheimer’s caregiver, but
what happens if that family member is unprepared? If you are that person, then
the best thing you can do is to arm yourself with information about Alzheimer’s
disease. Here are some helpful tips you can use to become an effective
Alzheimer’s caregiver.
Research, Research, Research!
Talk to the patient’s physician and ask all the questions you have about the
symptoms, possible medical treatments, and other alternatives. Request that the
doctor provide you a list of related literature and other informational
materials on Alzheimer’s disease.
Conduct in-depth research into your community’s medical facilities, from the
expertise of the physicians to the medical equipment used. Keep this
information, addresses, and telephone numbers within reach at all times.
Get in touch with the following organizations: the Alzheimer's Disease Education
and Referral Center (ADEAR) and Alzheimer's Association for starters. Ask them
if they provide training on care giving and other management skills to help you
become an effective Alzheimer’s caregiver.
Join a support group. You will find the addresses and contact details of these
support groups at churches, synagogues, seniors’ centers, and assisted living
facilities. They will help provide the emotional support you need, as well as
concrete ideas on how to be a better Alzheimer’s caregiver.
Schedule Is the Key
Create a flexible routine for you and your patient, and you can maximize the
times that are best for the person with Alzheimer’s disease. Be kind to
yourself, and remember that no matter how hard you try as an Alzheimer’s
caregiver, there will be days when nothing goes right for the patient.
Add variety to your patient’s schedule by creating a variety of activities.
Perhaps you can use the services of an adult day-care center once a week. This
will provide the patient opportunities to socialize and allow you to be a better
Alzheimer’s caregiver by providing the breathing space you need. Also, plan your
doctors’ visit when it is least crowded and the patient is receptive.
Think Ahead
Inspect the house and make it accident-proof. You can install locks so that the
person with Alzheimer’s disease will not wander out, and be sure to hide any
sharp objects that could hurt the patient. Remember to label all the medicines,
and keep them locked away.
Being an Alzheimer’s caregiver is never going to be easy. The person you are
caring for is suffering from an irreversible brain disorder; however, some of
the basics outlined here can help you as you maintain a quality of life for both
yourself and the person with Alzheimer’s.