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Alzheimer's causes significant changes in family life. Spouses and
children -- often including school age youngsters -- become caregivers.
Caregiving can make recreation, chores and even employment difficult or
impossible to maintain. The uninsured cost of care can wipe out savings, too.
It's no wonder that 80 percent of Alzheimer caregivers report high levels of
stress and stress-related illness.
Families need friends.
One in ten American families has a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease;
and one in three adults knows someone with the disease. Chances are, you do,
too. You may want to offer your help, but worry that you'll say or do the wrong
thing. You should know that:
Alzheimer caregivers-
- Feel
alone and disconnected from friends;
- Need
assistance but are reluctant to ask;
- Are
often unable to do errands or complete household tasks;
- Experience stress, sometimes severe;
- Need a
break from caregiving, but may not have anyone to relieve them or refuse
assistance when it's offered;
- Are
looking for someone to listen.
And those with Alzheimer's-
- Face an
uncertain future;
- Must
adjust to new schedules and changing roles and responsibilities;
- Worry
about overwhelming family caregivers;
- Strive
to maintain an active and independent lifestyle;
- May
look the same, but act differently.
10 easy ways to help an Alzheimer's family.
A friend is an important source of support for the Alzheimer family.
Even if they live far away, there's still plenty you can do. Here are ten easy
ways to help:
-
Keep in touch.
Maintain contact with family
members. A card, a call, or visit all mean a great deal. Family members,
including the person with Alzheimer's, will benefit from your visits or calls.
Continue to send cards, even if you don't get a response. It's a simple, yet
important way to show you care.
-
Do little things -- they mean a lot.
When
cooking, make extra portions and drop off a meal (in a freezable and disposable
container). If you're on your way out to do an errand, check with a family
member to see if there's anything they need. Surprise the caregiver with a
special treat, such as a rented movie, an audiotape of last week's church
service or a gift certificate for a massage or dinner out.
-
Give them a break.
Everyone needs a little time
for themselves. Offer to stay with the Alzheimer person so family members can
run errands, attend a support group meeting or take a short trip. Even if the
caregiver does not leave the house, this will provide some personal time.
Chances are, the person with Alzheimer's will also enjoy a break.
-
Be specific when offering assistance.
Most
friends are good about saying they're available to "do anything,", but many
caregivers find it hard to ask for something specific. Have the family prepare
a "to do" list of hard-to-get-to projects (e.g., laundry, dusting, yard work,
medical bills). Figure out what you can do, then dedicate some time -- on a
weekly or monthly basis -- to helping the family tackle some of these tasks.
-
Be alert.
Learn about Alzheimer's and how it
impacts the family. Most people with Alzheimer's "wander" at some point, and
could become lost in their own neighborhoods. Know how to recognize a problem
and respond. Take time to learn about other common behaviors and helpful care
techniques.
-
Provide a change of scenery.
Plan an activity
that gets the whole family out of the house. Make a reservation at a restaurant
and ask for a table with some privacy. Be sure to include the person with
Alzheimer's, if the caregiver feels it's appropriate. If not, make arrangements
for someone to stay at home while you're out. Or, invite the family to your
house or to a nearby park for a picnic.
-
Learn to listen.
Sometimes, those affected by
Alzheimer's just need to talk with someone. Ask family members how they're
doing and encourage them to share. Be available when the caregiver is free to
talk without interruptions. You don't need to provide all the answers -- just
be a compassionate listener. Try not to question or judge, but rather, support
and accept.
-
Care for the caregiver.
Encourage caregivers to
take care of themselves. Pass along useful information and offer to attend a
support group meeting with them. Local chapters of the Alzheimer's Association
have information available, and sponsor telephone "helplines" and support
groups in your area.
-
Remember all family members.
The person
with Alzheimer's will appreciate your visits, even if unable to show it. Talk
with the person the way you'd want to be talked to. Spouses, adult children and
even young grandchildren are all affected in different ways by a relative's
Alzheimer's Disease. Be attentive to their needs, too.
-
Get involved.
Unless a prevention is found, 14
million Americans will have Alzheimer's Disease in coming years. There are many
things you can do to help families today, and prevent further devas- tation
tomorrow. Make a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association or volunteer at
your local chapter. Join in the Association's annual
Memory Walk to
raise awareness and funds for chapter programs and services. Ask your legislator to
support funding of research and programs to help Alzheimer families. You can
make a difference!
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with Grandpa Julius