When one person is sick, the whole family is sick. This is true of any disease. However, when it comes to Alzheimer's disease, this statement is especially true. The emotional and physical effects of a degenerative brain disease don't only impact the patient, but the family members as well. It can be incredibly difficult to care for an Alzheimer's patient. Suddenly the person you have always known becomes different - forgetful, confused, or even angry.
There is a reason that Alzheimer's disease is called the family disease. It is incredibly difficult to watch a loved one deal with a degenerative brain disease. Alzheimer's attacks the brain and leads to memory loss and behaviour changes, as well as difficulty with reasoning. They become dependent on others to perform every day tasks.
So, how can family members come together to provide care without neglecting the way the disease impacts the rest of the family?
The most important thing for any family is to stay strong as a unit. The pain, heartache, and stress of watching someone deal with the disease can tear families apart and lead to conflict. Maybe you and your brother don't agree on how your loved one should be cared for as the disease progresses. Or perhaps the stress of juggling care giving with the rest of your every day responsibilities is becoming too much for you to handle. Family conflicts are common when caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease. Whether these conflicts are due to important decision-making or someone not pulling their weight, they are bound to happen.
To avoid conflicts, make sure that one person isn't bearing the brunt of the load. Share responsibilities like doctor's appointments and everyday care between family members. This will ensure that everyone is able to focus on their own needs and not become overwhelmed by the reality of the situation.
Open and understanding communication, without judgment, is the best way to deal with any family conflicts. Plan regular meetings to discuss important issues. Use this time to address any decisions that need to be made. Whatever the situation, know that you can rely on your family members to help. Communicating your opinion and needs may help bring the family closer together.
Don't be afraid to lean on a professional for extra support. Your family is doing the best they can, but sometimes, outside help is needed. Whether that outside help is from a caregiver or nurse, through family or individual counseling, or just someone you can call whenever you have a question, it is important to have resources. They can offer support and advice based on their experiences dealing with Alzheimer's patients. It can be a huge benefit to the family to have someone else to rely on. Many families find that when they have counseling or participate in support groups, they have lower stress during the care giving process.
Outside help may also help your family to learn more about how to care for your loved one. Training can actually help family members learn how to deal with the disease as it progresses and to make sure that the patient is well taken care of during all stages of the disease.
When a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, the entire family is affected. It is important that the family comes together to do what is best for the patient. However, it is also important not to ignore the needs of each of the family members. Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Lean on your family members and trained professionals to help deal with the ups and downs of this degenerative brain disease. It won't be easy, but having support makes all the difference.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to understand that having an Alzheimer's patient influences the whole family.
