What Does Alzheimer's Care Involves

When somebody you love is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, you know that being a caregiver may be the hardest job you've ever had. There is continuous work to take care of the patient physically, and the sight of him or her slowly slipping away is very difficult on you emotionally. So it's important to understand that Alzheimer's care involves more than just the patient himself or herself! It is very easy for any Alzheimer's caregiver to become mentally, emotionally, and physically drained when trying to handle this weight alone.

The Physical Fee of Alzheimer's Care

Particularly in the later stages of the disease will Alzheimer's patients need more and more care with their physical needs. They frequently have difficulty swallowing and with reflexes. They may need help even with basic hygiene, including using the restroom. All of this can take quite a physical fee on those giving the Alzheimer's care. It's difficult enough to care for the many physical needs of babies that can be carried and bathed, but Alzheimer's patients are adults! Trying to get them in and out of a tub or even out of a chair can be very complicated.

Alzheimer's patients also need regular oversight, as they may have a tendency to wander away or leave the home at inappropriate times. When giving Alzheimer's care, this is a twenty-four hour job, and many caregivers can go days and days without enough sleep.

The Emotional Fee of Alzheimer's Care

Seeing a dearly loved parent or spouse regress into somebody that doesn't even know your name or worse, fears that you're a stranger and gets angry at you constantly can be shocking for those giving Alzheimer's care. This type of condition can also subconsciously remind them of what they have to look forward to in their own coming years, making them intensely aware of their own mortality.

Recruiting Help for Alzheimer's Care

There are possibly other people that can support you in giving Alzheimer's care if you simply ask them, and let them know directly what you need. Brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, and any other relatives that live near by should be doing all they can to help even if the patient lives with you. They may also be willing to share the cost of professional visiting nurses and medics to assist in the patient's Alzheimer's care. You can ask your doctor for such referrals if necessary.