When a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, there are many changes that occur in the patient’s daily experiences. However, no less shocking than the radical changes
that occur within the family structure.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is not an easy task. Loving someone does not lessen the stress or struggle involved in caring for them on a daily basis. Many caregivers live with guilt
Because they may resent the time and effort that goes into caring for a parent.
Guilt is a normal feeling and should be discussed openly with other family members. The natural gradations of life have changed. You care about a person
At one time he was responsible for your care. As a caregiver or family member it is important to accept change, you need to understand that at some point in time you may resent the hand life has dealt you.
The end result is that you continue to nurture your loved one with love and attention. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a full-time job. Whether you are caring for a patient at home or in a facility. Day in and day out, a range of tasks is required to ensure that your loved one is properly cared for.
Often the family member who becomes the caregiver must learn new skills to deal with the patient’s needs. The family’s daily routine must be changed to accommodate the family crisis.
Alzheimer’s disease is not only a family crisis, but also a national one that has disrupted the lifestyles of its victims and their families.
One of the main challenges that caregivers face is dealing with the changing behaviors of the person they care for. It’s stressful trying to connect with a stranger who was once a loving and
concerned parent or family member.
Sometimes Alzheimer’s patients become very stubborn and display very difficult personality traits. Alzheimer’s disease causes this strange behavior, which makes it difficult to deal with the disease. Often the actions or communications of an Alzheimer’s patient will not make any sense.
The patient will act in ways that upset you. This may be difficult for the caregiver.
When this happens, don’t forget that your loved one is not behaving this way on purpose.
These behavioral changes are part of the symptoms of the disease.
The patient’s actions can cause a great deal of stress and frustration for you and your patient. The most important thing to remember is that the behavior is caused by the disease. These patients are unable to respond appropriately. These patients require an enormous amount of understanding, patience. and love.
Alzheimer’s disease is an extremely harsh reality in the lives of millions of older Americans. Just as medical science has improved the quality and longevity of life, Alzheimer’s disease appears to destroy the quality of that long life. Human beings want to live a long, fruitful life. They do not want to live twenty years in a mental haze, which over time increases to nothingness.