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)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
"My dad has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. What changes can we expect in his behavior?"
People diagnosed with Alzheimer's may initially react with a sense of dread. As the disease progresses and things once easy for them become increasingly difficult, we find the can get frustrated and depressed. We know that understanding an emotional support are just as important as physician support.
In addition to loss of memory, Alzheimer's disease causes loss of communication skills and loss of judgment. Family members often notice changes in the person's behavior and personality. This can be devastating to relationships. Recent studies we've seen estimate that nearly 10 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. More than 40 percent of caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high, and approximately one-third show symptoms of clinical depression. Thus the victims of Alzheimer’s extend beyond just those with the disease to include their networks of family and friends as well.
Doug Stark, President, ComfortCare Homes(This article featured in the Wichita Eagle)
In addition to loss of memory, Alzheimer's disease causes loss of communication skills and loss of judgment. Family members often notice changes in the person's behavior and personality. This can be devastating to relationships. Recent studies we've seen estimate that nearly 10 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. More than 40 percent of caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high, and approximately one-third show symptoms of clinical depression. Thus the victims of Alzheimer’s extend beyond just those with the disease to include their networks of family and friends as well.
Doug Stark, President, ComfortCare Homes(This article featured in the Wichita Eagle)
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