Caregiving and Dementia
Caring for someone with dementia at home is a difficult job that can become overwhelming at times. Each day is different with new challenges and opportunities because the caregiver must cope with changing behaviors and levels of ability of the person with dementia. As with any other demanding situation, the better you care for yourself, the more knowledge you have and the more help you can get, the better you will be able to care for your loved one with dementia.
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Dementia
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Dementia is the result of damage to brain cells because of head injury, stroke, brain tumor or diseases such as Alzheimer's. Dementia is a brain disorder that affects memory, the ability to learn and communicate, think clearly, have good judgment and exercise caution. These changes make it difficult for people with dementia to care for themselves. Dementia often causes changes in personality and mood. Disruptive behavior can result which can create a burden on caregivers.
Caregiving
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Caregiving is assistance to another person who is disabled, ill or needs help with daily activities. The caregiver most often must handle the mental, physical, psychological and social needs and well-being of the elderly person needing care. Caregivers include spouses, adult children and other relatives and friends. According to the Alzheimer's Association, almost 11 million Americans provide unpaid care to a person with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. There are support and resources available to assist caregivers so they can be successful in their role. Using these resources makes it possible to provide the best quality of care to their loved ones and to themselves. To learn more about the resources that are available, contact your local Alzheimer's Association. Also your local elder services group can help you find the support and assistance you need. The Alzheimer's Foundation has a free quarterly publication with many tips and ideas for caregivers.
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Activities
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Keeping the body and mind of a dementia patient active is an important part of the individual's care. The trick is to provide the right kind of activities that will stimulate the patient with dementia but not over-stimulate him. Also it is important to provide activities that match his interests and skill level. Using humor whenever possible can give things a positive spin, lighten the burden and make everyone feel better. Caregivers should take their patients outside when the weather is good as fresh air seems to put everyone in a better mood. Small familiar tasks around the yard or house are recommended if this is something the patient enjoys.
Structure
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A key part of dementia care is having structure. As dementia progresses, surroundings that are unfamiliar and changes in the day's routine may upset the patient with dementia. To keep the environment familiar, put things in expected places. Rearranging the furniture is not helpful to most people with dementia. Creating a routine with regular visits to the toilet avoids embarrassment, discomfort or medical complications. The caregiver may have to help with hygiene as well.
Burnout
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Caregivers are at risk for depression, heart disease, high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses, even death, according to an article published in 2002 from the American Journal of Public Health. By following simple practices, caregivers can reduce their risk of burnout. Daily exercise can reduce stress, improve sleep, relax muscle tension and promote alertness and energy. Eating nutritious meals and snacks is also a good practice. Getting enough sleep is crucial to caregivers who may feel exhausted all the time, are more irritable and get angry over small seemingly unimportant matters. Enrolling your loved one in adult day care is another option, giving you some free time and your loved one an enjoyable place to be with plenty of activities. Finally, seek out a support group for other caregivers to share your feelings and get advice from people in your situation.
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