Years later, Ryan found herself in the caregiving role again, this time for her late husband.
Nevertheless, she pulled through, thanks to wells of support from other caregivers.
Ryans main advice to family caregivers?
Verywell Mind / Getty Images
“Quit thinking you should be able to do it all yourself,” says Ryan.
“No, you shouldnt.
Dont struggle alone, share it.
Quit thinking you should be able to do it all yourself.
No, you shouldnt.
Dont struggle alone, share it.
Alzheimers is not only a neurological disease but a pathological entity, too.
This may include basic forgetfulness, like forgetting peoples names or where they left their keys.
Nevertheless, your loved one may still be able to drive, work, and generally be social.
Communication may also become more challenging, as they have a hard time expressing specific thoughts.
They cannot be left alone due to confusion about the appropriate course of action in case of emergencies.
They may struggle with swallowing, become reluctant to eat, and even grow immobile, Dr. Sajjadi adds.
Round-the-clock care may be required to help with walking, sitting, swallowing, and other mobility issues.
Due to reduced mobility, your loved one may also become more vulnerable to infections, like pneumonia.
And these responsibilities may shift as the illness progresses.
You might consider seeking out respite care or moving your loved one to an assisted living or nursing home.
Not to mention, many family caregivers are also juggling work and social responsibilities in addition to family responsibilities.
Its safe to say that most family caregivers are overwhelmed.
In addition, these strategies will change as the disease progresses.
But as the illness progresses, you may need to adapt these activities accordingly.
If it does, its time to re-evaluate your caregiving routine to protect your own health.
If it does, its time to re-evaluate your caregiving routine to protect your own health.
While caregiving can be a solitary responsibility, it doesnt have to be.
Haroutunian, V. et al.
Rolland, Y., Abellan van Kan, G. & Vellas, B.
(2008).Physical Activity and Alzheimers Disease: From Prevention to Therapeutic Perspectives.
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 9(6), 390-405. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2008.02.007
