Caring for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Providing care for a loved one with dementia can be stressful and exhausting. Studies confirm that support services help protect the health of these exceptional family members—improving quality of life for the patient and caregiver alike.

This spring, Toronto hosted the annual conference of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI). This year's theme, "The Changing Face of Dementia," acknowledges that today people with dementia wish to live as normally as possible, for as long as possible.

More patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's are now choosing to stay at home. This means that family members increasingly serve as caregivers for their loved ones. These caregivers quickly become aware of the challenges of caring for a person who has memory loss.

The Alzheimer Society of Canada assures caregivers that they are not alone—far from it! As our population ages, more and more Canadians will be called upon to support senior relatives who are living with Alzheimer's and other dementia. And the challenge will be global: a recent study from ADI points out that the costs of dementia care will soon equal 1% of the total global economic output (GDP).

To put this in perspective, ADI tells us, "If dementia care were a country, it would be the world's 18th largest economy. If it were a company, it would be the world's largest by annual revenue, exceeding Wal-Mart and Exxon Mobil." 36 million people are living with Alzheimer's in the world today—more than the entire population of Canada.

Advocacy groups are urging the healthcare industry to develop innovative ways to care for seniors who have dementia, including technologies and services to keep them home as long as possible. For many patients, staying home offers the advantages of familiar locations and a continued sense of connection. And family caregivers are stepping up to the plate, providing support and care for their loved ones.

But they can't do it all alone. Alzheimer's caregivers report a high level of stress. Studies show they are at higher risk for depression, high blood pressure, even dementia. Many find it challenging to make time for their own healthcare appointments and wellness activities. It's important to remember that caregivers need care, too!

Alzheimer's home care: a central component of the care plan

To care for a loved one at home requires a plan. And Alzheimer's home care can be an important part of the arrangement. If you are caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease, a professional in-home caregiver who understands the special issues of dementia care can:

• Perform a health care needs assessment based on your loved one's specific situation
• Supervise your loved one's overall care on a regular basis
• Help your loved one with meals, dressing, bathing and other in-home personal care needs
• Assist with medication management
• Help ensure a safe, secure environment
• Provide creative solutions to minimize difficult behaviors
• Supervise appropriate activities to decrease boredom and improve quality of life.

The benefits to family are also many. In-home care provides:

• Respite time: a break from caregiving so you can accomplish needed tasks and enjoy leisure activities
• Relief from worrying about your loved one's well-being 
• Help with difficult physical care tasks
• Confidence that results from an extra—and expert—pair of hands.

With support from at home senior care, family caregivers can go about their own routines in a more relaxed, focused fashion. They report experiencing greater patience with their loved one. And they say that when the home care provider performs much of the practical hands-on work, this frees family and patient to focus on themselves as members of a unique, loving family, meeting challenges together.

For More Information

See the January 2011 issue of Choices to learn more about the ways home care supports caregiver wellness.

To see the report on world Alzheimer's disease projections, and for the latest information on dementia worldwide, visit the website of Alzheimer's Disease International.

The Alzheimer Society offers excellent resources for family caregivers, including suggestions for caregiver support.

"Alzheimer's Caregiver Resources" Wordfind

Family caregivers serve on the front line in caring for Canada's growing number of people with Alzheimer's disease. If you or someone you know is serving as a family caregiver for a loved one who has Alzheimer's or a related condition, it's so important to take advantage of the support that is available. In honor of these people who do so much, this month's puzzle contains 20 words having to do with caregiver support resources.