Remember the Alzheimer’s Caregiver
“If you’re the relative of a caregiver, support them and ask how they are - not just the person who is ill. Respect the fact that it is the toughest job in the world to care for someone you love when they are declining,” says Carol in her post, Faced With the Challenge of Caregiving?, at Working Caregiver.
This is so true. The caregiver can become frustrated, discouraged, tired…and burned out. Well-meaning friends and family will remark, “How awful,” meaning that this disease is consuming the victim. However, they forget to ask how the caregiver is doing and inquire if there is anything they can do to help.
What can you do to help?
*At least inquire how the caregiver is doing.
*Offer to stay with the Alzheimer’s patient for a few hours so the caregiver can have a break. The caregiver might want to get out of the house, or simply relax in the bathtub without having to listen for the patient.
*Help the caregiver find resources for respite in the community.
*Offer to cook a meal now and then…either at the caregiver’s home or at yours and take it in.
*If the patient is able, invite caregiver and patient to your home for a meal.
*Simply be available for a chat. I found this immensely helpful when my neighbor, who was responsible for her great aunt, and I simply chatted about our charges.
A Dignified Life: The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care, A guide for Family Caregivers.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Alzheimer's/Blogs, Alzheimer's/Books, Alzheimer's/Care, Alzheimer's/Caregivers, Alzheimer's/General, Alzheimer's/Misc
4 opinions for Remember the Alzheimer’s Caregiver
Kathy
Jul 23, 2007 at 8:39 am
beautifully said….
Mary Emma Allen
Jul 23, 2007 at 8:56 am
Thank you, Kathy, for visiting and leaving a comment. You certainly know what the caregiving is all about…and do so much to inspire and encourage others. Perhaps I should have added…if you live too far away to help personally, become an online friend. Ah! That might be a good post.
Kristi Gott
Aug 22, 2007 at 9:19 pm
The part in your article where you discuss “What Can You Do to Help” hits on an important topic. Sometimes everyone stays away when the caregiver is exhausted, because they don’t know what they could do to help. The situation is different from anything they’ve experienced before. Good suggestions. Great blog
Mary Emma Allen
Aug 23, 2007 at 6:18 am
Thank you, Kristi, for visiting Alzheimer’s Notes and sharing your thoughts. Yes, sometimes we fail to help the caregiver because we don’t know what to do and don’t know how or what to ask. Simply ask, “What can I do for you?” or “Is there anything I can do to help?”
I’m pleased you enjoy our blog.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: