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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