Useful advice for looking after someone with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a disease that not only has a huge impact on the life of the patient, but also on the people around them. We know that caring for a patient with Alzheimer’s can be challenging and make us feel overwhelmed and frustrated, but your love and shared bond are stronger.
If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, we are here to offer you some tips and advice from carers that have experience with this disease. Taking care of your emotional and physical strength is extremely important, both for your loved one and for you.
You may also be interested in:
Tips for dealing with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s for caregivers
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia can be a long, difficult process that presents a huge emotional challenge. However, you should know that you are not alone.
According to The World Health Organization, there are about 50 million people in the world who suffer from dementia and there are about 10 million new cases every year. There is also a huge number of Alzheimer’s carers.
Your work as a caregiver can consume more and more of your energy over time and the patient’s ability to show their appreciation for your help will gradually diminish. Just as the evolution of Alzheimer’s through the different stages varies from person to person, the experience of being a carer is also different for everyone.
This responsibility can pose a significant risk for the carers of patients with dementia, as it is common for them to experience depression, high levels of stress or exhaustion.
Challenges for carers of people with Alzheimer’s
Here are some of the biggest challenges for carers and loved ones of people with Alzheimer’s:
| What happens to the patient | Impact on their carer |
| Reduced abilities | Feeling overwhelmed |
| Greater demand for care | Fatigue and exhaustion |
| Total dependence | Isolation and loneliness |
| What happens in their surroundings | Impact on their family |
| Increased costs, greater need for resources | Financial and work complications |
Did you know…? Around 19% of female carers end up having to quit their jobs to be full time carers for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
Gratification for carers of people with Alzheimer’s
Although the experience is challenging, it can also bring a number of rewards. As a carer of someone with Alzheimer’s:
- You establish a strong bond with the person you are looking after
- You gain problem solving and relationship skills
- You form new relationships through education and support
- You develop a newfound sense of compassion and acceptance that help to define who you are as a person
You may also like to read:
Treatment for behavioral changes in patients with Alzheimer’s
Tips for carers of patients with Alzheimer’s
Being able to balance your emotions and mental health requires certain skills, care and meticulous planning. When you have to take care of someone, it is easy to start neglecting your own needs, which eventually will not only make things worse for you, but also for the person you were trying to care for in the first place.
If you take care of your physical and mental health, you will be able to offer more of yourself and take better care of the person that needs you. Therefore, we have put together 5 key tips especially designed for carers of patients with Alzheimer’s:
1. Ask for and accept help
You can rely on other family members, friends or volunteers from organizations to help you with daily care. Accepting help for tasks such as buying groceries or cleaning the house can save you a lot of time, so accept it.
Caregivers who take some time for themselves every now and again, are not only able to provide better care, but find greater satisfaction in their role.
2. Understand or optimize your abilities as a carer
No one is a natural-born caregiver, it is something you have to learn. Fortunately, there are lots of books, workshops and online resources that can teach you the skills you need.
As the Alzheimer’s progresses, you will have to refresh your skill set to find new ways to cope with the disease.
3. Use resources
Make the most of all resources. The internet has loads of useful resources, as well as a great community to provide you with support and help to understand how to prioritize your responsibilities and provide better care.
You can also check the Alzheimer’s organizations available in your country that offer support to patients of Alzheimer’s and their family members.
4. Plan your own care
It is very easy to isolate yourself from friends and loved ones when you are taking care of an Alzheimer patient, but it is important that you take some time off to maintain friendships as well as professional relationships.
In addition, you should see your doctor regularly and check for symptoms of stress, depression or other conditions.
5. Learn to manage stress
We know it is easier said than done. But try to find activities that calm you down and help relax your body and mind.
You can try techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, rhythmic exercises, dance or yoga. Find an activity that gives you a break and allows you to unplug from everyday stresses.
As there is no definitive cure for Alzheimer’s (and since current treatments are centered around alleviating symptoms), the care you give to your patient is one of the things that you can do to make the biggest difference in their life. This gift that you give to your loved one is invaluable.
We hope you can now see that looking after yourself is just as important as your job as a caregiver. Now share this article with your loved ones and help other caregivers get the advice they need.
You may also like:
Treatment for Alzheimer’s