You are not alone: Alzheimer’s disease

What does caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease look like?

First, what is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills and the ability to carry out simple tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of all cases according to recent Alzheimer’s Association data.

What does caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease look like? This answer may vary because the condition progresses at different rates and affects each person differently. In the early stages, individuals may need only occasional reminders or assistance with tasks such as managing medications, appointments, or finances while remaining largely independent. As the disease advances, they often require increasing support with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, eating and maintaining personal safety. In the later stages, individuals may need full-time care, as they may lose the ability to communicate effectively, recognize loved ones, walk independently, or care for themselves.

Please be aware that this is not only difficult for the individual diagnosed but also for the loved ones providing the care. Be sure to give yourself grace.

What is caregiver burnout? Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that can develop when someone provides long-term care for a family member or friend without enough support or time to recover. It often develops gradually rather than all at once.

Signs can include but are not limited to:

• Feeling exhausted even after sleeping
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or impatient
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling guilty for wanting time away from caregiving
• More frequent illness or worsening of your own health
• Persistent physical or emotional exhaustion
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or resentful
• Frequent headaches, body aches, or other stress-related symptoms

Ways to reduce caregiver stress
No single strategy works for everyone, but these approaches often help:

• Accept help. When family or friends offer assistance, give them specific tasks such as grocery shopping, preparing meals, or staying with your loved one for a few hours.
• Take regular breaks. Even short periods away can improve your ability to cope. Home care agencies often offer respite programs that will allow for caregivers to assist on an interim basis while you step away.
• Maintain your own health. Try to prioritize sleep, balanced meals, physical activity and your own medical appointments.
• Learn about Alzheimer’s. Understanding what to expect can make behaviors feel more manageable and reduce uncertainty.
• Connect with others. Support groups can reduce isolation by connecting you with people facing similar experiences. These support groups are free and help with realizing you are not alone.
• Use community resources. Adult day programs, respite care, homecare services and meal delivery programs can ease the caregiving load.
• Set realistic expectations. Focus on what is possible today rather than trying to do everything perfectly.

When to seek additional support?
Consider reaching out to a healthcare professional if you:
• Feel depressed or anxious most days
• Have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else
• Are using alcohol or other substances to cope
• Find yourself unable to meet your loved one’s care needs safely
• Notice your own health is deteriorating because of caregiving
Seeking additional help is a way to sustain caregiving, not a sign of failure.

La Shawn M. Mosley is chief nursing officer at Caden Care Homecare.