"How do we know when it's time to look for care outside the family?"

Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's is an ominous task.  In addition to the physical demands, there can be untold mental stress as you witness a loved one evolve from the self-sufficient individual you knew into a helpless stranger.  The decision to seek an alternative is one each individual or family must make on their own.

Obviously the most important consideration is the health and well-being of the person with the diease.  When their physical and social needs become more than you can satisfy in the normal functioning of your daily life, it's time to look for an alternative.  But other considerations are important too, including your own health and well-being.  More than 40% of Alzheimer's caregivers rate the emotional stress as "high" or "very high", and approximately one-third show symptoms of depression.  At some point, care outside the family is in everyone's best interest.

Doug Stark, President, ComfortCare Homes(This article featured in the Wichita Eagle, May 24, 2011)