When Alzheimer's Hits Home

The Alzheimer's Association recently reported that a person develops Alzheimer's disease every 69 seconds, leaving more than 4.9 million family members and friends to provide care for their loved one.

After learning of a loved one's diagnosis caregivers often jump in to help, overlooking their own physical and mental health. If you are caring for a loved one with Alzeheimer's there are several things you can do to not only help a loved one but also yourself, including:

• Put our health first. You can only be a good caregiver if you take time to ensure your own well-being through enjoyable activities, respite from caregiving, and maintaining your own health through diet and exercise.


• Prepare for researching Alzheimer's disease. This will help you plan ahead and know what to expect as the illness progresses.


• Show sensitivity and respect. You can help a loved one maintain dignity by speaking to them in the same way you like to be spoken to.


• Plan visits to sit and talk. Consider visiting with takeout sandwiches rather than a homemade meal if your loved one would rather spend your time talking.


• Be positive and set limits. When someone makes unreasonable demands or is inflexible, critical or negative, change the subject and focus on the positive. Explain what you can and will do and what you cannot. Set time limits for discussions of health complaints and then decide what merits action.


• Find a local Alzheimer's support group. You are not alone. There are a number of support groups that can provide respite, hope and reassurance .

Oftentimes family members can feel helpless when they learn of a loved one's Alzheimer's diagnosis falling victim to illness and depression. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in eldercare can provide emotional support during this trying time. . Find a local marriage and faimly therapist here.