Nashville Center for Trauma and PsychoTherapy PLLC

View Original

Heartfelt Caregiving: Navigating Alzheimer’s Disease

Matt Headland

by Lydia Lomahan

Is today Wednesday? Oh no, don’t throw that out. We only have twenty other bags of peas. We need that. But, like I was saying I think I would like to give out my stamp collection to you and the others. When I see him, I’m going to give him one. You know who I’m talking about right? The guy with the glasses? He always wears the glasses. I can’t remember his name. It’s a bit fuzzy. Oh yes, today is Wednesday. 

What is Alzheimer’s Disease? 

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a heartbreaking condition that affects many individuals, roughly 10% of the population. AD is a neurodegenerative disorder that involves the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. Alzheimer's progressively affects memory, judgment, thinking, language, and behavior. It is a chronic condition that most affects the older adult population and currently has no cure. 

Caregiving  

Since most people with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for by their relatives, family units are intensely affected by Alzheimer’s. Frequently, family members step into a caregiving role, which may include helping with household management, finances, personal care, and health-related initiatives. Caregiving for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease is a journey that is filled with immense privilege, meaningful connection, and profound challenges. Caregivers often harness both love and resilience while stepping up to this role. 

However, it is important to recognize caregiving's toll on individuals and families. Caregiving roles place extra emotional stress, physical strain, and financial issues on family members. Alzheimer’s is a long, hard grieving journey that surely requires a lot of support for all parties. Caregivers must develop strategies to maintain their well-being and rely on helpful resources as they continue to provide the best care for their loved ones, who are often dependent on them for survival and flourishing. 

Support for Caregivers

Caregivers must continually adapt to changes in their loved one’s abilities and needs. Sometimes these changes can lead to significant emotional reactions in the caregiver, ranging from grief, frustration, guilt, and anger to hope, connection, resilience, and pride. Acknowledging these normal emotions is key to protecting your mental wellbeing. 

Along with naming and acknowledging the difficult emotions that arise, family and community resources can prove helpful in maintaining the caregiver’s mental health and providing support. Seeking further education about Alzheimer’s disease and its effects can be a helpful way to adapt to continuous changes and modify one’s expectations. Attending caregiver support groups can be a way to feel seen and heard by people who face similar challenges. You may arrange to sit with other caregivers’ loved ones for a few hours a week and swap so that you are both able to take the needed time away to recharge. Building a routine with implemented breaks for yourself is crucial. Perhaps try recruiting a variety of trusted volunteers to sit with your loved one for a few hours each week so that you can run personal errands or take time for yourself. When the guilt creeps in, remind yourself that taking breaks is essential to prevent burnout in the long run. 

Caregiver Pearls

  • When the person becomes agitated or upset, gently redirect their attention to a different activity or topic. Distraction is your best friend when frustration increases.

  • Have printed business cards that say, “They have Alzheimer’s Disease. Thanks for your patience and understanding.” You can hand these out discreetly when your loved one has an embarrassing public moment. 

  • Foster a sense of purpose in your loved one by giving the person tasks or responsibilities that are within their capability, such as folding laundry or sorting.

  • Break down tasks into easy steps. Offer clear, one-step instructions to avoid overwhelming the individual.

  • Remember that your loved one with AD will mirror your body posture and emotional responses. Be aware of how you react in different social or stressful situations.

  • If wandering from home is a risk for your loved one, make your home secure with locks or alarms. You can purchase a tracking bracelet through the Alzheimer’s Association. 

  • Don’t try to bring the person back to reality if they say something incorrect or appear disoriented. This will only serve to agitate them. Try to enter their world and redirect when necessary.

  • If your loved one continually repeats a phrase or word, try to uncover what emotion is underlying that repetition. Chances are, they feel anxious and need reassurance. 

  • Utilize notes and pictures around the house as memory aids, especially if you leave.

Helpful Resources

Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is both deeply demanding and rewarding. Maintaining your mental health is crucial while providing compassionate care to your loved one. It’s okay to ask for help and seek support when you need it! Taking care of yourself is important as you navigate the complexities of caregiving. Be sure to give yourself just as much compassion as you are extending to your loved one.