Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain that causes a steady decline in our memory. It is also the leading cause of dementia. When a loved one is diagnosed with this disease, families are faced with the responsibility of care for their loved one as well as continue their own life and job and care for their own children. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or Dementia is both physically and emotionally exhausting. Family members may feel sadness or anger about changes in a loved one's daily behavior. Families become frustrated as their loved one loses the ability to do things on their own. They often feel helpless. Some family members stay in denial and think these changes are only because of the aging process.
The most important thing a family can do is to educate themselves about the disease. Obtain a support system as soon as possible. Support is just as important for family members as it is for the individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia. All family members should be involved in this process. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association, Social Service Organization and talk to your doctor. They can put you in touch with support groups and resources.
As the disease progresses, your loved one starts to depend on you for all of their needs. This can be an enormous undertaking for any individual. It quickly becomes overwhelming for families. Day to day management of your own life can become hard. Families can prevent caregiver stress by offering respite care and watching for signs of anxiety, anger, depression and insomnia. During the holidays this can become extra stressfull and depressing for the caregiver. No one is truly prepared for the role of caregiver. That is why it is so important to take care of yourself. Stick to a routine. Eat healthy meals. Try not to become angry. Call a friend or family member just to talk. Address all of your issues. Get assistance whenever possible. Don't ever feel guilty about taking time for you. Take care of your own needs. Make sure that you are important to yourself. Always take the opportunity to get extra rest. Diminish your anxiety by taking a walk. Read a book to get your mind off of the situation. You may think that no one understands, but they do. That is why a support group is one of the most important groups you should join. Support groups are located in every town. You need to reach out for help. You need to know you are not alone.
As if holidays aren't stressful enough for any individual, the holiday season may place added stress for a caregiver. So, participate socially especially during the holidays. While all the attention and care is always concentrated on the person diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, no one is focused on the person providing the care. Caregivers need to enjoy and maintain a better quality of life. This holiday season and throughout the year, if you know of someone that cares for a individual that has Alzheimer's Disease, reach out to them. If it is only to let them know you are there just to talk or listen. Don't let them think that they are isolated and alone. Pay them a visit. Bring them cookies. Lend a helping hand. You don't have to do much. You may be surprised what a small gesture can do to help a person that feels so alone. You never know when you may be in a position to be a caregiver in your lifetime. So reach out to your neighbor, friend or family member. They may be just too proud to ask for help. Make a difference in someone's life.
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