New Study Looks at The Impact of Long-term Dementia Care on Caregivers

Dementia is a serious medical issue. In fact, this issue has become more widespread in recent years as the population ages. A recent study done by the World Alzheimer Report showed that seniors who required either in-home care or care in a full-time facility, often suffered from dementia. Shockingly, it estimated that it affected nearly half of all long-term patients. Researchers used this figure to examine the impact of long-term dementia care on caregivers.
Alzheimer's Disease International commissioned the study, and their executive director, Marc Wortmann, called the results "astonishing." Why? It brought up many issues related to long-term care - specifically in regards to caregivers. Providing long-term care to a patient puts an enormous strain on an individual. Not only is there added responsibility, but it can also be difficult to watch someone deal with forgetfulness or experience mood swings.
So, what impact does long-term dementia care really have on caregivers? The World Alzheimer's Report found that it took both an emotional and financial toll. The emotional toll comes primarily when family members act as caregivers. Often times, a relative will provide care during the early stages of dementia. However, they may also need to provide care as symptoms worsen if they are unable to afford alternative full-time assistance. This can be particularly draining. Suddenly, they are forced to watch a loved one lose their independence and even certain aspects of their personality. When this happens for a long period of time, it can be especially challenging.
Financially, long-term dementia care has a more obvious impact. Live in nurses or long-term stays in care facilities cost money. If the patient or their family members cannot afford it, it can be difficult to provide adequate care. This is why many family members choose to take over the responsibility. Unfortunately, this can cause missed days of work or even the loss of a job. Often family members are forced to put their lives and their careers on hold in order to care for their loved ones. Since being a caregiver can be trying both emotionally and financially, it becomes even harder to provide long-term care.
Since the results of the study, Alzheimer's Disease International is stressing the need for more education and increased financial assistance. They believe that families require more education about what long-term care giving really entails. They should be provided with information about the disease itself, common symptoms, as well as the stages of dementia.
They also feel that families need to have increased knowledge of the services available to them, both financially and otherwise. This is why there should be more of a focus on counselling and training. Counselling would allow family members to better deal with the emotional impact of long-term dementia care. Training on the other hand, would help caregivers react well in emergency situations and teach them how to handle any unexpected behavioural problems.
Dementia doesn't just impact the independence of seniors - it also impacts the lives of their caregivers. With nearly half of all long-term care patients suffering from dementia, it is clear that research into treatment and preventative measures needs to be continued.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of dementia, Alzheimer's and Memory Loss patients. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.