According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 15 million Americans care for a loved one afflicted with Alzheimer’s. With the amount of stress already present in our everyday lives, the additional task of caring for a relative or friend with Alzheimer’s can quickly take both an emotional and physical toll. There are several signs that it’s time to seek help.
1. Caregiver Stress
First and foremost, your own stress is the greatest indication it’s time to seek help. Taking care of a loved one is full time job; and if you are unequipped, it can have grave consequences for both you and your loved one. Being a fulltime caregiver can lead to interrupted sleep, disrupted eating patterns, and it can keep you frequently on high alert. A recent article in the New York Times noted that caregiver stress can be severe and resemble post-traumatic stress disorder, including “intrusive thoughts,” hyper-vigilance, extreme anxiety, and avoidant behaviors. As a caregiver, it is also common to feel a complicated mix of resentment, anger, and guilt for not doing enough. It is best to seek help sooner rather than later, particularly if you are elderly and the primary caregiver for your spouse.
2. Wandering
When a loved one with Alzheimer’s wanders, leaving them unattended for even a moment as you go to the bathroom can increase their chance of a fall. Six in ten patients with Alzheimer’s wander. Wandering can occur at any time during the disease and is an extremely problematic symptom that becomes increasingly dangerous in later stages of dementia.
3. Aggression
Few people are steeled against the verbal, physical, and sometimes even sexually aggressive behavior of a loved one. Aggression is a common Alzheimer’s symptom. It can be emotionally taxing and lead to resentment. It also often worsens as your loved one becomes increasingly debilitated. Having an experienced aid around can not only relieve you in these moments, but can help calm your loved one.
4. Sundowning
“Sundowners syndrome” refers to agitated behavior such as confusion and restlessness and other behavioral problems that become increasingly pronounced throughout the day and often culminate as the sun is setting and shadows appear. These confused states can be particularly stressful for both you and your loved one.
While committing your loved one to a home is one solution, this can lead to emotional issues on par with caring for them yourself. The best solution is often to hire a long-term 24-hour aid to provide assistance.
When you are ready to hire an aid, contact Select Home Care. We are a dedicated and caring organization that services older adults and individuals with extended needs, with several locations across the US, including Pasadena, Westlake Village, and Las Vegas. Not only do we tailor our services to meet your needs, but we guarantee compatibility. Caregivers from Select Home Care are trained and certified professionals. We strive for continuity of service to keep your loved one with the same caregiver and your life as stable as possible as you work through this difficult time.
Call us today at (877) 230-3160.