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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, March 04, 2013

How to Care For Someone With Alzheimer’s Disease

There's a good post on this topic at the LV Business Blog.
First, it is important to engage in on-going learning about the disease process itself. The more you understand, the more you will realize that the behavioral changes are not directed at you personally. The behaviors are symptoms of the disease. Second, it is important to develop and utilize a network of professionals that can provide the assistance you need and support your caregiving efforts. In addition to relying upon professionals to assist you, it is important to call upon your personal network of support to provide you with the encouragement, care and help that you need to be a caregiver. Alzheimer’s disease is a marathon, not a sprint; it is important that you take care of yourself as you support your loved one or you may not be able to “finish the race”. Finally, it is important to remember that because Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness, it creates a “moving target” for the caregiver. You must constantly remain open to noticing the changes and adjusting your approach and understanding to meet the evolving demands. Just when you think you have things figured out, you are likely to have to change your approach.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

On the subject of Alzheimers, Coalition of Alzheimers Families (COAF)president Reverend Mario Martinez has contacted Jesus and our heavenly father in an attempt to set you on a path to salvation. It proves the point that caring for these patients can produce profound changes in the caregivers making them abnormally compassionate.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Yeah, I noticed their death wishes, too. I have never seen a greater concentration of nasty and mean-spirited people than exists with that group. I can't think of anything lower or more base than a person who wishes death on another. They are totally devoid of decency or compassion.

John Blankstein said...

Kudos for posting this important story. My father had dementia for several years before he passed. Even though my Mom is an RN and very familiar with the medical system, dealing with the red tape on top of the emotional toll of watching his memory and personality recede was incredibly difficult on her. I think the rest of us did as much as we could to support her but it was still a tremendous struggle. My Dad passed away more than ten years ago. For anyone dealing with this now I can report that my Mom did come through this experience and is now enjoying an active retirement and spending a lot of time with her granddaughters. So I agree that caregivers take care of yourself too and ask for the help and support of your family and friends--you need it even if you think you don't.

Anonymous said...

Some on your blog have wished evil on people you have been likewise mean and cruel. Don't be so scantimonious Bernie. When you look at their blog you are looking into a blogger mirror.

You and your hater posse can be just as mean. I would not be surprised of some of your hater regulars are positng on their site to game the system. Unlike you, they are not as quick to censor and delete that which they want no one to know.

You are no longer the only game in town when it comes to Northampton County and that pisses you and your buddies off.

Too bad, heal thyself before casting judgement on others.

Remmeber, they worked to protect folks with Alzheimers, you and your buddy Stoffa wanted to sell them off.

Anonymous said...

Well I'm not sure what you are talking about. There is a difference between death-wish and a death threat. You allowed on this blog a threat against rmm when you allowed a comment which said that he better get some body guards. That Bernie is a threat. All he has done is prayed for you and he is probably the only person that has done so. You are dispicable.

Anonymous said...

Jesus saves.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Mr. Blankstein,, You finally posted a comment that does not piss me off. Your Mom must be a very good woman.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Well I'm not sure what you are talking about. There is a difference between death-wish and a death threat. You allowed on this blog a threat against rmm when you allowed a comment which said that he better get some body guards. That Bernie is a threat. All he has done is prayed for you and he is probably the only person that has done so. You are dispicable."

Actually, that is exactly what I am talking about. I hate comments that wish death or injury on another person. Immediately after that comment was posted, I responded with this remark. "I won't condone any acts or even hints of violence. Let's not become like them."

I later decided to delete them both. That is what grown ups do.

Anonymous said...



Talk to Owebama amd the Death Council.

Anonymous said...

I guess the key word in your statement is HATE! You hate!

John Blankstein said...

Thank you for the kind compliment to my Mom, Mr. O'Hare. She certainly is a tremendous person.