Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease : Caregiver Support

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 5 of 5)

After the Diagnosis

Finding out that a loved one has Alzheimer's disease can be stressful, frightening, and overwhelming. As you begin to take stock of the situation, here are some tips that may help.

Ask the doctor any questions you may have about Alzheimer's. Find out what treatments might work best to alleviate symptoms or address behavior problems.

Photo of woman with Alzheimer's and a male family member. Contact organizations such as the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center, or ADEAR, for more information about the disease, treatment options, and caregiving resources. You can call ADEAR at 1-800-438-4380 or visit the website at www.alzheimers.org. Some community groups may offer classes to teach caregiving problem solving and management skills.

Help From Outside Sources

Find a support group where you can share your feelings and concerns. Members of support groups often have helpful ideas or know of useful resources based on their own experiences. Online support groups make it possible for caregivers to receive support without having to leave home.

Caring for a Spouse

Study your day to see if you can develop a routine that makes things go more smoothly. If there are times of day that the person is less confused or more cooperative, plan your routine to make the most of those moments. Keep in mind that the way the person functions may change from day to day, so try to be flexible and adapt your routine as needed.

Consider using adult day care or respite services to ease the day-to-day demands of caregiving. These services allow you to have a break while knowing that the person with Alzheimer's is being well cared for.

Share the Care

Begin to plan for the future. This may include getting financial and legal documents in order, investigating long-term care options, and determining what services are covered by health insurance and Medicare.

Quiz

1. The primary caregivers for people with Alzheimer's disease are

A. close friends.
B. family members.
C. nursing home attendants.

B is the correct answer. Despite the widespread belief that most people with Alzheimer's disease reside in nursing homes, families are, in fact, the primary caregivers for their relatives with Alzheimer's disease.

2. When caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease, caregivers should

A. gradually drop all other activities and devote their time to taking care of the person.
B. find ways to relieve themselves of the stress associated with caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease.
C. stay away from family and friends because they may be uncomfortable in the presence of the person with Alzheimer's disease.

B is the correct answer. It is important for caregivers to maintain their own health. Caregivers need time away from the stress and should try to get some time for themselves every day. Favorite activities should be carried on as much as possible. Adult day care and respite care are services that can provide relief for the caregiver and structured activities and opportunities for socialization for the person with Alzheimer's disease.

3. As caregivers plan for the future, they should

A. get financial and legal documents in order.
B. find out about long-term care options.
C. determine what services are covered by insurance and Medicare.
D. all of the above

D is the correct answer. It is important to understand that Alzheimer's disease cannot be cured. Knowing and accepting this at an early stage can make it possible for both the person and family to be involved in decisions about managing the disease, making future living arrangements, and dealing with legal, financial, and insurance issues.

4. Caregivers should

A. insist on being the sole caregiver for their loved one. B. learn to share the care of their loved ones with supportive friends and relatives.

B is the correct answer. Support of family and friends is important, but it is sometimes hard to ask for help directly. If the caregiver is specific about what is needed, people may be more likely to respond positively. For example, the caregiver can say, "Could you take John for a walk on Tuesdays and Thursdays at eleven o'clock? He'd love it."

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.