Signs of Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Alzheimer’s disease affects a huge percentage of the world’s population when you consider people suffering the condition, their friends, family members and their caregivers. A big percentage of people with this disease have behavioral issues that are very hard to handle. Although being an 
Alzheimer’s caregiver can be a rewarding experience, it can as well lead to anxiety, stress, depression and other health issues. 

Statistics show that more than 75% of Alzheimer’s caregivers are concerned about maintaining their health since they became caregivers. If you have chosen to become an Alzheimer’s caregiver in your life, you should be prepared to reach out and offer any help when needed. Below are some of the challenges that are faced by Alzheimer’s caregivers:

·         Fatigue and exhaustion due to increased caregiving demands

·         Elevated emotions due to lessened capabilities from the patients

·         Isolation and loneliness

·         Work and financial complications

Did you know that more than 5 million people in the United States today are living with Alzheimer’s disease? Statistics from Alzheimer’s Association predicts a rise up to 16 million by 2050. Statistics also show that almost 80% of the care provided to people with Alzheimer’s disease is given by unpaid caregiver’s mostly family members while only 10% of care is given by paid caregivers.

Spreading awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and understanding the role of a caregiver is a perfect step. If you are in a position to, offer your help to an Alzheimer’s caregiver. 

It is very unfortunate caregivers spend much of their time caring about themselves when they are full time caregivers to the affected. If you are an Alzheimer’s caregiver, it you should share this article with others and as well share your own suggestion to help other caregivers know what is required to become a caregiver. Family member and friends may want to help you but they don’t know how.

Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Below are 12 tips caregivers should know before reaching out their patients:

1 Know the person well

The first step in caring for Alzheimer’s patients is to know them well.

·         Gather their life history

·         Know their dislikes and likes

·         Know how you can communicate with them better

      2 Introduce yourself

·         Let the Alzheimer’s patient know who you are

·         Explain to them that you are there to care for them

·         Inquire for their permission to offer care

3    3 Smile always

People with Alzheimer’s disease are likely to notice your:

·         Body language

·         Emotional state and

·         Tone of voice

      4   Slow down

If you are a caregiver you should relax and do things in an orderly manner. You should:

·         Give your care in a relaxed manner

·         Keep your work simple

·         Enable the patient do things by him/herself

      5  Make communication clear

·         Give each point at a time

·         Use an interpreter when needed

·         Make sure the patient use hearing aides and glasses when needed

6    6  Keep their environment quiet

·         Always stop and listen to them

·         Avoid crowds and a lot of noise

·         Reduce any disturbing noise

7  7  Step back

When the Alzheimer’s patient is agitated:

·         Leave the place

·         Try to understand what triggered their aggressiveness

·         Reach them later when they cool down

     8 Consider safety

·         Keep a safe distance when caring for them

·         Approach them safely

·         Give yourself an exit

    9 Don’t argue with the patient

·         Don’t tell them when they are wrong as this will trigger a negative effect

·         Go according to their likes

·         Respect and acknowledge what the patient is saying or doing

     10.  Don’t distract

·         Give the patient a relaxed environment

·         Always give them something to do to make sure they are not idle

·         Talk or yarn about their lives

1  11.  Share with others

·         Share with other people on what has worked in care for these people and what hasn’t worked

·         Always record what you do in your caregiving practice

·         Discuss with your friends all what happened during your practice.

1  12.  Engage and encourage

·         Make sure the patient is engaged in meaningful activities

·         That the patients and other for assisting you

Signs of Caregiver Stress and Burnout

No matter how resilient and strong you may be when caring for Alzheimer’s patients, you are still likely to face problems with certain aspects of Alzheimer’s care. Day to day stress, watching your loved one’s health deteriorate, having to make hard decisions about the long-term care can leave every caregiver exhausted and overwhelmed. Knowing the signs of a caregiver stress and burnout can act as a solution to dealing with the problem.

Signs of Stress

·         Anger at the Alzheimer’s patient.

·         Denial about the disease feeling that the patient will get better

·         Anxiety about the future

·         Depression that sometimes affects the ability to cope

·         Social withdrawal from activities and friends that used to help

·         Health problems

·         Lack of concentration that make it difficult for one to perform familiar tasks

·         Exhaustion that makes it hard for someone to complete important daily tasks

·         Sleeplessness due to many concerns

·         Irritability that can lead to moodiness and negative actions or responses.

Signs of Burnout

Prolonged and excessive stress from caring for Alzheimer’s patients that leave one mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted may be as a result of burnout. Warning signs of burnout include:

• Deliberating depression
• Tension from excessive stress
• Decreased life’s satisfaction
• Persistence anger, guilt and anxiety
• Extreme anger or irritability
• Social isolation and relationship conflicts
• Weakened immunity

·         Excessive use of drugs and alcohol

Burnout can affect the health of the caregiver, so if you experience the above signs, it’s vitally important to take action right away.

Solution to caregiver’s stress and burnout

·         Get moving- Regular exercise is very important as help the caregiver become fit and as well release endorphins that help boost mood.

•          Seek regular respite care
•          Talk to someone, maybe a friend or family member.
•         Try to have fun often.

·         Try doing something new as it will help flex your mental muscle and help relieve harmful stress

·         

      See the funny side- Humor is a perfect antidote to anger, illness, boredom and stress. Your mood is of great important both to you and the Alzheimer’s patient.

Helping Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Below are tips to supporting or helping Alzheimer’s caregivers:

·         Be his or her friend

·         Be a good listener

·         Recognize the caregiver signs of stress

·         Don’t wait to be asked to help

·         Always show your gratitude