The Ultimate Guide to Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver: Lessons from the Trenches

The Ultimate Guide to Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver: Lessons from the Trenches

by Kathryn Watson | Jan 15, 2024 | Alzheimer’s Disease, Caregiver Burnout, Caregiver Stress, Family Caregiver

Being a family caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging and emotional journey. It involves facing numerous difficulties and making tough decisions along the way. In this post, we will explore the challenges faced by family caregivers when dealing with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the pros and cons of keeping someone with Alzheimer’s in their home, coping strategies for behavior issues, what to do when your loved one no longer recognizes you, and the decision of whether it’s time to move to a Memory Care Home. We will also discuss how to overcome the guilt associated with placing a loved one in a memory care home.

1. Challenges faced by family caregivers with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis:

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, family caregivers face a multitude of challenges. Some of these challenges include:

– Witnessing the decline in their loved one’s cognitive abilities and memory loss.

– Dealing with behavior changes, such as agitation, aggression, and wandering.

– Providing constant supervision and assistance with daily activities.

– Balancing caregiving responsibilities with other obligations, such as work and family.

– Coping with the emotional toll and stress of caregiving.

– Making difficult decisions regarding their loved one’s care and future living arrangements.

2. Pros and cons of keeping someone with Alzheimer’s in their home:

Keeping someone with Alzheimer’s in their home can have both pros and cons. Some of the pros include:

– Familiar environment:

Staying in their own home can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for the person with Alzheimer’s.

– Maintaining routines:

Being in a familiar environment allows for the continuation of established routines, which can help reduce confusion and anxiety.

– Family involvement:

Keeping the person at home allows family members to be actively involved in their care and support.

However, there are also cons to consider:

– Safety concerns for the Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver:

A home may not be adequately equipped to handle the safety needs of someone with Alzheimer’s, such as preventing falls or managing wandering behavior.

– Caregiver burnout:

Providing round-the-clock care at home can be physically and emotionally exhausting, leading to caregiver burnout.

– Limited social interaction:

Staying at home may result in limited social interaction for the person with Alzheimer’s, which can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

3. Coping strategies for behavior issues:

Dealing with behavior issues is one of the most challenging aspects of caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver must navigate these challenges. Here are some coping strategies that may help:

– Establish routines and structure:

Maintaining a consistent schedule can help reduce confusion and agitation. This is a must for the Alzheimer’s family caregiver.

– Provide a calm environment:

Creating a peaceful and quiet environment can help minimize stress and anxiety. Having the news on TV all day long will create more stress for you and your loved one.

– Redirect and distract:

When faced with challenging behaviors, redirecting the person’s attention or engaging them in a different activity can be helpful.

– Validate feelings:

Acknowledge and validate the person’s feelings, even if their perception is distorted.

– Seek support:

Reach out to support groups, counselors, or other caregivers who can provide guidance and encouragement.

4. What to do when your loved one no longer recognizes you:

It can be heartbreaking when a loved one with Alzheimer’s no longer recognizes you. Here are some steps to take:

– Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers need to stay calm and composed:

It’s important to remain calm and not take it personally when your loved one doesn’t recognize you. They will pick up on your feelings and will be confused. This may cause inappropriate behavior, anxiety, or depression.

– Focus on the present moment:

Instead of dwelling on their lack of recognition, focus on creating meaningful moments and connections in the present. This also means you need to stay present for them. Stop looking at your phone or other distractions.

– Use visual cues:

Utilize photographs, mementos, or familiar objects to trigger memories and facilitate recognition.

– Engage in activities they enjoy:

Participating in activities that bring joy and evoke positive emotions can help create a sense of connection.

5. Is it time to move to a Memory Care Home?

Deciding whether it’s time to move a loved one with Alzheimer’s to a Memory Care Home is a difficult decision. Consider the following factors:

– Safety concerns for the Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver:

If the person’s safety is consistently compromised at home, a Memory Care Home may provide a safer environment. Doesn’t your loved one deserve the best?

– Caregiver well-being:

If the caregiver is experiencing burnout and finding it increasingly challenging to meet the person’s needs, a Memory Care Home can provide professional assistance. After all, if you are burned out are you doing your best?

– Level of care required:

As the disease progresses, the level of care needed may exceed what can be provided at home. You may not be physically able to provide the care that is needed. Know your limitations.

– Social interaction:

Memory Care Homes often offer social activities and companionship, which can improve the person’s quality of life.

6. How to get over the guilt of placing someone you love in a memory care home:

If you are an Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver you probably have suffered from guilt. Doing the right thing can sometimes feel wrong. Placing a loved one in a memory care home can evoke feelings of guilt for the caregiver. Here are some strategies to help overcome this guilt:

– Educate yourself: Understand that placing your loved one in a memory care home may be the best option for their safety and well-being. Visit several homes to get a feel for how they operate.

– Seek support: Connect with support groups or counseling services to share your feelings and receive guidance from others who have gone through a similar experience. Support groups can offer invaluable information for your decisions. These are people who are walking in your shoes. Tap into their knowledge.

– Focus on what you can do to support your loved one. You are the care manager now. The day-to-day caregiving duties belong to the paid caregivers. Your new role is to make sure that you are there as the daughter, son, or spouse to show your love and support. This is an important job and one no one else can fulfill it. Accept your new job with grace and joy.

We Are Here To Help

At Sycamore Creek Ranch Memory Care, we are here to help. We want families to make the best decision for their situation.

Furthermore, the staff at Sycamore Creek Ranch is proactive. That means we are not waiting for a problem to arise. Instead, we are actively engaged with every resident. And with only 16 residents we can do that!

If you are looking for Memory Care in The Woodlands or Memory Care in Spring, Texas come for a tour at Sycamore Creek Ranch! See how we can help.