Alzheimer's does not happen overnight. It can start with small lapses or moments of confusion that inexorably begin to deepen and repeat themselves until recognition of the once familiar goes out like a light. This condition currently affects an estimated 5.2 million Americans over the age of 65, and by 2050 it is projected to affect 13.2 million. In its early stages, Alzheimer's can be mistaken for simple forgetfulness or even as it advances, it may seem like other dementias.
If you are a caregiver to someone even in the early stages of this condition, it is important for both you and the patient to lay a foundation of understanding, caring and thoughtfulness while you are able.
Here are some tips for the early stages of Alzheimer's or any of the dementias that can accompany aging. The condition can be frightening for both the patient and the caregiver, so some of this early advice is really about establishing mutual trust and caring:
- Appreciate that there will be good days and bad days, so don't dread each day as some sort of trauma; appreciate the good days when you have them and know that you can look forward to tomorrow on the bad ones.
- Educate yourself about Alzheimer's early in its progression so that you don't live in fear of surprises lurking around every turn, and especially seek out the support groups that are available in most major cities for caregivers to Alzheimer's patients.
- Live in the moment and appreciate now. This is not about denial, but it is important for both the caregiver and the patient to savor opportunities for sharing and caring for one another.
- Encourage independence in the patient. As a caregiver, be careful not to enfeeble your Alzheimer's patient, but instead encourage them to continue to live a reasonably normal life and do as much for themselves as they reasonably can.
- Decide important matters together now. It can be easy to put off legal, financial or end of life questions so as not to sound gloomy, but it is important for all parties to be involved in decisions while mutual decision-making is still possible.
- Collaborate on projects or activities. Alzheimer's may affect the short term memory, but a patient with the condition can still be physically able and willing to do some of life's "heavy lifting." I know a couple where the Alzheimer's patient was physically capable as a driver and the caregiver who was not was still well able to be the navigator of their car.
Check out the resources beyond support groups, and the Alzheimer's Association is one of them. They offer advice and perspective to caregivers on early-, middle- and late-stage Alzheimer's.
We are the professionals who help families who are caring for older adults (geriatric care management) or others with special needs in Illinois. Our professional geriatric care managers and special needs case managers can be your eyes and ears when you simply cannot. Find services and web sites which can help you as a caregiver to an older adult or someone with special needs on our Resources page:http://www.creativecaremanagement.com/Support-Tools. Get helpful advice and support from Charlotte Bishop on her blog page: http://www.creativecaremanagement.com/Charlottes-Blog.
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