Alzheimer's Cargiver's Go it Alone

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Alzheimer's Cargiver's Go it Alone

Last week, I wrote Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten?

It reminded me of a Harris Interactive Poll I read some time ago, The Alzheimer's Caregiver Perspective.

Here are two things I learned while reading that report.

Most Caregivers go it alone.
Only half (50 percent) rely on an outside service like a home health aide.
Only 45 percent rely on family or friends for help in providing care to the patient.

As far as I am concerned, both numbers are too low. Although, it does have me wondering what came first the chicken or the egg?

Are Caregivers going it alone because they are failing to ask for help? Too overwhelmed to seek outside help? Are they failing to ask their family for help?

Or, are family members and friends all to happy to stand on the sideline for the reasons I mentioned in my article?

One thing I am going to try and do on the Alzheimer's Reading Room is bring more attention to this issue. I understand it won't be easy. But, from my point of view, as a caregiver, it is going to be worth the effort.

I'll set this issue as a priority and you can expect to see me writing about this often in the next year, or ten.

If you spot a worthwhile article, or any information, that you believe we should be aware of on this blog --email me the link.

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2 comments:

LynnMay 1, 2009 10:06 PM
When I cared for my mother, who had undiagnosed Alzheimer's, I was one of the ones who did it alone. We both believed we did not need outside help, but now I see things differently.

I kept myself sane, and got insights and clarity by journaling. My journal was a safe place to vent and process. It helped me see what was andwas n ot within my control.

I highly recommend journaling. If you need a little help to begin, get a copy of YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT? JOURNALING FOR CAREGIVERS. It provides encouragement, instructions, and over 200 sentence starts. Finish the sentence, write another, and you're journaling.

Need more info? Write back.

B. Lynn Goodwin
www.writeradvice.com
Author of YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
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JudyMay 2, 2009 03:23 PM
I am the primary caregiver for my mother who has seven children. I have one sister who is comes over usually two mornings a week and a brother who will stop in usually twice a week. He will take care of any problem with the house. My husband takes care of all yard work and sits with her when I have bookclub. The others, one lives 3 hours away and the other two lives 5 hours away - they visit every two or three months. We also have a sweet lady with Home Helpers for three hours three afternoons a week while I work.

Now having said the above, I have my mother each evening from 5 to 8 and Friday thru Sunday night, including medical appointments, groceries, and medications.I have asked family for help - one sister and brother simply refuse. I am thankful we live next door to my mother.

Lynn, I have heard about the journal and will probably make the purchase soon.

Judy.
www.chrissysmoments.blogspot.com
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