Support groups can help Alzheimer’s caregivers
Recently, a reader presented the following problem: “Dear Dr. LeCrone. My 86 year old mother has been living with me for the past 15 years and both of us have derived a great deal of pleasure and enjoyment from this relationship. During this time, I have worked full time and am going to continue to do so, at least for the next several years. Mother has always been very self-sufficient but recently, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I am having problems dealing with this turn of events and have been told by several people that I need to learn about handling caregiver stress. Since you have written a lot about the area of stress management, could you address caregiver stress in your newspaper column for those of us who are having to deal with this problem now or may have to face it in the future?”
Dear Reader: Your question is very timely and merits much more attention that I am able to provide in this brief column. However, I will attempt to present some suggestions and encourage you to contact the Alzheimer’s Association, 919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611, 1-800-272-3900.
• Much can be done to improve the Alzheimer’s patient’s quality of life. Medication can assist with treatments of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Adjustments in daily routine and certain adaptations in the living environment can be very helpful. In general, simplify-simplify-simplify. Begin being more explicit with simple direct communication patterns and the liberal use of reassurance and appropriate reminders and cues.
• Avoid panic. Decline in cognitive and behavioral functioning in the Alzheimer’s patient is rarely rapid giving adequate time for adaptation to changes in the Alzheimer’s patient.
• Begin to plan ahead for the likelihood of either needing more help at home with your mother or long-term residential care in the future. Trying to do everything yourself, especially while employed full time, is both unrealistic and unhealthy.
• Consider a support group in order to both help you learn to deal with stress and also to obtain information in dealing with the complexity of Alzheimer’s disease. On this same line, the internet and other sources of useful information provide up to date reading material on the subject of caregiver stress. There are also discussion groups and support mechanisms available on the internet for those needing assistance with caregiver stress.
• Take care of yourself. Don’t neglect exercise, a healthy diet, adequate rest, hobbies, and relaxing times away from the caregiving efforts that you will be faced with in the future. Again, support is the key. Begin to locate a network of individuals, agencies, and other resources to help you with the care of your mother. Taking on the whole responsibility can be a disaster for both you and your mother.
• Recognize symptoms of caregiver stress including difficulties with sleep, appetite changes, chronic fatigue and irritability, isolation and loneliness, and feelings of being overwhelmed and trapped. Anger, frustration, and even bitterness can also begin to emerge in those who suffer from caregiver stress.
I hope these suggestions are helpful and wish you good luck in the future.
