Finding Help And Support - For The Caregiver: Alzheimers

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Finding help and support

Families often complain that physicians don't adequately explain what they need to know. To avoid feeling isolated, learn everything you can about the disease and about dealing with the person who has Alzheimer's. An excellent place to start is the Alzheimer's Association (see "Resources"), an organization that helps families cope with the demands of the disease. It has assembled a wealth of information from health professionals and caregivers, including practical guides for managing nearly any problem you might encounter.

The Alzheimer's Association organizes family support groups where caregivers share their problems and solutions. It also connects families with community resources, including adult day care programs (many of which are specifically geared toward patients with dementia), in-home respite services, and other supportive activities.

Fast fact According to the Alzheimer's Association, relatives and friends provide about three-quarters of caretaking, while paid care makes up the remainder.

Caregivers are often guilty of trying to shoulder the burden alone because they are too shy, proud, or afraid to seek help. All too often, they wear themselves out and become depressed or ill. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is a major undertaking that is beyond the resources of a single person. It's essential that you care for yourself by getting away from your responsibilities from time to time and, if you suspect that you're becoming depressed, seeking professional help. You also need to recognize your own limits. The time may come when you can no longer provide in-home care and must move the person to a long-term residential care facility (see "Long-term residential care").

Last updated:	January 23, 2007