This is an article that discusses how support is provided for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients over the holiday season;
"For the millions of Americans with with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's disease, the holiday season can be a difficult time, says radio talk show host Leeza Gibbons, whose own mother suffered and died from complications related to the disease. But there are resources available to help these "courageous caregivers," she says.
"Most caregivers don't even realize the kind of pressure they're under. They often end up with life-limiting conditions as a result of the relentless stress," says Gibbons. "As my mother died in slow motion from Alzheimer's disease, my family and I were confused and often depressed. We were the snapshot of a dysfunctional family. We had a hard time figuring out where to go for help."..."
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/mind-soul/doing-good/kindness/post/2010/11/alzheimers-caregivers-have-a-place-to-turn-this-holiday-season/132615/1
Source: USAToday.com, 11/24/10
puppy
anyone who is a carer finds it a rollercoaster ride to survive im not suprized that carers dont know which way is up after a while, its a role that saps confidence and issolates the carer as they just cant face the necessary requirements to get out the door let alone go anywhere.
but how fantastic that finally help is at hand for those who need it most
great post
as always loving thoughts and positive vibes
D :)
My aunt is a full-time caregiver to my grandmother who has Dementia, and I've seen the roller coaster ride that she's been on. She hasn't slept a regular night in over 2 years, lost over 10lbs off of her small frame from stress, and truly given up her own life to care for my grandmother. As well, my close friend relocated for her mother and has been caring for her full-time for over one year now. She said that she spends most nights crying herself to sleep from the immense stress of caring for an Alzheimer's patient. I've seen firsthand how trying it can be and really feel for those who are caregivers and am thrilled that there will be more support available to them.
its strange i never think of myself as a full time carer i just have an adult toddler to take to her activities but i know what u mean about gettin caught up in the strain of having to do everything for the person who cant do it for themselves thats why we have group so others can get a cuppa in peace while we entertain the troops.
u are right its good that others who need help can now get it
as always loving thoughts and positive vibes
D :)
Domestic, you have such a wonderfully positive attitude about your care giving, which I think is so amazing, because I know that it's not easy. I need to talk to my aunt about options to get her additional help and possibly getting out of the house with my grandmother in an environment like the one your described. That's such a great idea.
puppy
have a look at the outside help that will allow your aunt to go places while someone comes and sits your grandma, its a more convienent thing than gettin the loved one to a group although i do reccomend that as well, one of our ladies has a sitter for her adult son two afternoons a week she goes to her daughters and they do mother daughter things on those afternoons
and one morning someone comes to bathe the adult son so she can have time to herself just for an hour before the day starts
its allso possible to get transport arranged to take the loved one to appointments if u look hard enough the local social services should have the schemes u neeed to look at
good hunting
as always loving thoughts and positive vibes
D :)
Thank you so much for all of your incredibly helpful advice. My good friend just hired help for her mother and she said that it alleviated her stress level immediately. Now she is able to get out and about more and have a bit of a life again. I really want to help and encourage my aunt to do the same, as I worry about her health and well-being.
Thank you again for all of the great tips! Hope you're happy and smiling.