When someone in the family is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease there are many changes that occur in the day-to-day experiences of the patient. However, no less traumatic are the radical changes
that occurs within the family structure.
Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is no easy task. Loving someone does not reduce the stress or the struggle that is involved in their daily care. Many caregivers live with guilt
because they may come to resent the time and effort involved iIn caring for a parent.
The guilt is a natural feeling and should be discussed openly with other family members. The natural progressions of life have been turned around. You are caring for someone who
at one time had the responsibility for your care. As a caregiver or family member it is important to accept the change, understand that at some time you may resent the hand that life has dealt you.
The end result is that you continue to care for your loved one with love and concern. Taking care of someone who has Alzheimer’s is a full time job. Whether you are caring for the patient at home or in a facility. Day after day a set of tasks are required to insure that your loved one is cared for properly.
Often the family member who becomes the caregiver must learn new skills to cope with the needs of the patient. The daily routine of the family must be changed to accommodate the family crisis.
Alzheimer’s is not only a family crisis but also a national one that has infringed on the lifestyles of its victims and their families.
One of the major challenges caregivers face is dealing with the changed behaviors of the person they are caring for. It is stressful to try to communicate with a stranger who was once a loving and
concerned parent or loved one.
Alzheimer’s patients sometimes become very obstinate and show very difficult personality traits. Alzheimer’s causes this strange behavior thus making the disease harder to cope with. Many times the actions or communication of a Alzheimer’s patient will not make any sense.
The patient will behave in ways that upset you. This can be hard for a caregiver.
When this happens, don’t forget that your loved one is not acting this way on purpose.
These behavioral changes are part of the symptoms of the disease.
The actions of the patient can lead to a great deal of tension and frustrations for both you and your patient. The most important thing to remember is that the behavior is the result of the disease. These patients are unable to react appropriately. These patients require an immense amount of understanding patience. and love.
Alzheimer’s is a very cruel reality in the lives of millions of older Americans. Just as medical science has improved the quality and the length of life, Alzheimer’s shows up to ruin the quality of that long life. Human beings want to live long fruitful lives. They do not want to live for twenty years in a mental fog that increases over time to nothingness.
