Alzheimer's Disease and the Caregiver

Greetings Dear Sisters!

Many of us have had experience caring for a parent or loved one with a chronic illness, or at the end stage of life, so we know of the challenges such a role presents. The caregiver for persons with Alzheimer’s experiences great pressure on her mental, emotional and physical health, especially when she is caring for a loved one. 

Alzheimer’s is a slow killing of a person. It gradually robs the person of her or his recent memories, capacity to form language, solve problems, make plans, regulate emotions, interpret the natural world, most treasured memories, balance and coordination and-ultimately- breath. (Understand Alzheimer's Disease in 3 Minutes). The caregiver must endure this slow dying, while expending great deals of her life reserves to care for a loved one she cannot save. She is choosing to pour herself out in a context where it may be hard to identify the gains. It is not unusual for her to wonder, Does it make a difference? It is also not unusual for her to experience guilt at her very human response to the stress that results from her caring.

The caregiver can become so consumed in ministering to the needs of her loved one that she may negate her own self-care. Full time, or primary, caregivers often suffer from high blood pressure, depression and other physical ailments that come about from providing constant care, leading to mental, emotional and physical exhaustion. (Alzheimer's Effects on the Family: Coping with Difficult Emotions) Do you know a primary caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, who is experiencing any of the symptoms below? 

1. 1. You feel increased irritation, frustration, or anger over small things.
2. 2. Your gentle, unhurried approach to providing care is disappearing or gone.
3. 3. You raise your voice at your loved one more often lately. Later, you feel upset and guilty.
4. 4. You often skip aspects of your loved one's care that are important to his or her well-being because they're just too difficult.
5. 5. Your own mental health is declining; perhaps you're struggling with increased anxiety, depression, or insomnia.
6. 6. Your own physical health is declining. For example, you've had to increase your high blood pressure medication or you've injured yourself when trying to transfer your loved one into a wheelchair.
7. 7. Your own family is experiencing dysfunction, and your care for your loved one is harming your family.
8. ​7 Signs of Caregiver Burnout: Recognizing and Preventing Caregiver Overload

If yes, it is a sign that things must change in order to safeguard the health of the caregiver. Next week, we’ll share resources to support primary caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease in Christ-centered self-care. 

We recommend visiting alzgla.org and exploring their caregiver tips video collection.  or simply dialing the Alzheimer Association 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting you to fundraise to support research to find treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s Disease. They have even come up with some great ideas for how you can help during social distancing.

Happy Temple Building!