As the primary care giver for an Alzheimer’s patient, how can I get a break?

Written by William Hammond, J.D.


Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is a huge responsibility and very time consuming. It can bring a lot of stress, frustration and more. You devote all your time to your loved one and not have time for yourself anymore. You always wonder: when can I take a break from her? It is not an easy decision, but sometimes it has to be made for your own well being.

There are different options to consider. If your loved one is in early/mid stages of Alzheimer’s you can consider private duty home care. Many agencies throughoutrepparttar nation and in your community provide this service. A list of providers can be obtained inrepparttar 114611 phone book, fromrepparttar 114612 local Alzheimer’s Association, Area Agency on Aging, or any case management and referral source. The private duty home care can include services like bathing, sitting, taking to appointments, shopping, meal preparation and other day-to-day essentials. This assistance will definitely help you in getting more free time.

You might also try adult day care. The centers usually operate from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is a good environment for socialization. Your loved one will be able to interact with others, but she knows she will be back home forrepparttar 114613 night. If you decide to look for an adult day care, you will want to make surerepparttar 114614 staff is experienced in caring for Alzheimer’s patients.

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, what is the best environment?

Written by William Hammond, J.D.


Inrepparttar first stage of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss is not as pronounced as inrepparttar 114610 later stages ofrepparttar 114611 disease. People still remember places they live in and familiar faces. They are still lucid and involved in their own decisions. If your loved one lives alone, you may wonder if he lives in a safe environment. If you believerepparttar 114612 environment may not be safe, you can hire a geriatric care manager to assessrepparttar 114613 situation, and if necessary (and if your finances support it), in-home care to come and visit your loved one on a daily basis. Those people will be able to report back to you and you will be more relaxed knowing your loved one is getting good care.

If a geriatric care manager is not appropriate, and your loved one is not living with you, you may have to move your loved one closer to you. You can discussrepparttar 114614 situation with him. If he were to live with you, would he need constant supervision or would he be safe alone while you are gone? If you feel more comfortable with supervision and you feel it is needed, you can call social services or checkrepparttar 114615 Alzheimer’s Association for help in locating an in-home aide. They may have a list of people that are qualified to help with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

If your loved one should live with you, you will have to make it a safe environment. Make sure you have no clutter onrepparttar 114616 floor, pick up any magazines, potted flowers, and make space between furniture so he can go around without any problems. Your home will have to be as safe as possible. If your loved one lives with you, he may at first feel disoriented. This is part of Alzheimer’s disease. While most people can easily distinguish among many different noises, colors, or patterns in a room, your loved one with Alzheimer's may feel confused or overwhelmed. Because of this, you need to create a calm environment that will be familiar, quiet and comfortable.

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