Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

More than half a million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. While scientists continue to investigate the cause of the disease and to search for a cure, the baby boomer generation is aging, and this progressive brain illness is affecting more and more families.

For those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it is important to remember to take the time to care for yourself as well.

Alzheimer’s steals more than a person’s memory of names or where the keys are. Things like asking the same question repeatedly, forgetting how to use a common tool or getting lost in your own neighborhood are likely to suggest Alzheimer’s.

Recognizing symptoms early can help you—and your loved one—prepare for the future. An early diagnosis can give a family time to get used to the idea they’re going to lose their loved one as they knew him or her. You can talk about your loved one’s goals and wishes while he or she can still make those important decisions. It’s wise, however, to see a doctor to rule out other health problems that can contribute to memory issues.

If there is someone in your family with Alzheimer’s, some basic tips for coping are to:
• Avoid arguing. Keep your voice soft and calm.
• Simplify activities.
• Identify and fix potential safety hazards in the home, such as where to keep
medications.

But caregivers must realize: You can’t do it alone. It helps to talk with others who
are experiencing the same situation. Joining a support group for families coping with Alzheimer’s, like the free caregivers support group held monthly at Franklin Square’s Family Health Center, can provide the opportunity to share with and learn from others.

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, we invite you to join
our free Alzheimer’s caregivers support group. We meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Our meetings are educational and include time to share your personal experiences if you wish, and hear from others experiencing similar struggles. New members are always welcome. You can learn more or register at www.franklinsquare.org/classes or call (443) 777-7900