Caregiving for Alzheimer's Patients

Being the primary caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's disease can be challenging. Organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center can provide helpful information about the disease, treatment options, and caregiving resources. This article provides additional tips for making tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, and activities easier. When caregiving for Alzheimer's patients, it's also important to take care of yourself as well. So, be sure to take time for yourself occasionally and to have a good support system of family and friends.

Caregiving for Alzheimer's Patients: An Overview

Caregiving for Alzheimer's patients at home is a difficult task and can become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. Research has shown that caregivers themselves often are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.

One of the biggest struggles caregivers face is dealing with the difficult behaviors of the person they are caring for. Dressing, bathing, and eating -- basic activities of daily living -- often become difficult to manage for both the person with Alzheimer's disease and the caregiver. Having a plan for getting through the day can help caregivers cope. Many caregivers have found it helpful to use strategies for dealing with difficult behaviors and stressful situations. This eMedTV article offers suggestions on caregiving for Alzheimer's patients.

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