When to gain support for Alzheimer’s caregiving is a personal decision and different for every family. Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is becoming more common with more than 6 million people living with Alzheimer’s in the United States. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 3 seniors will die with Alzheimer's or another dementia. Alzheimer’s kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Though Alzheimer’s is often considered a lonely disease, no one lives it alone because it affects everyone who loves the person with Alzheimer’s. The family caregiver caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s may live the biggest emotional and physical toll. This devastating disease is hugely emotional for family caregivers. Caregivers often watch the person they love slowly slip away while dealing with uncharacteristic personality traits like fear, anger, emotional outbursts and paranoia. They lose their loved one long before their passing.

CAREGIVING AND THE STAGES OF ALZHEIMER’S

In the very early stages of Alzheimer’s you and your loved one may notice only very minor decline, like forgetting where they left objects or forgetting words. During these stages the disease is not interfering with their ability to work, care for themselves and live independently.

In the middle stages of Alzheimer's, caring for a loved one may be manageable with less support. During these stages problems in thinking and reasoning are becoming more obvious, and new issues begin to appear.

But Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease where symptoms get much worse over time. As your loved one’s disease progresses into late-stage Alzheimer’s it will become more challenging to manage their needs, ensure their comfort and protect your own well-being without extra support. Understanding when to seek an extra layer of support can help you ensure your ability to continue to provide the best care possible for your loved one. Here’s 7 signs it’s time for extra support.

7 SIGNS IT’S TIME FOR EXTRA SUPPORT WHEN CARING FOR A LOVED ONE WITH ALZHEIMER’S

1. CONVERSATIONS. Your loved one is unable to speak or communicate meaningfully. Later-stage Alzheimer’s patients are often unable to communicate pain or discomfort making it difficult for family caregivers to ensure their well-being.
2. SELF-CARE. Your loved one is no longer able to provide for their own care and needs your help bathing, grooming, getting dressed.
3. MOBILITY. Your loved one is unable to walk without your assistance or is bed bound.
4. DIET. Your loved one has trouble swallowing and needs a pureed diet. 
5. WEIGHT. You have noticed continued weight loss. 
6. BEHAVIOR. Your loved one’s behavior is becoming more challenging. They’re showing signs of severe anxiety. They seem depressed and more angry.
7. CAREGIVING. You’re beyond your limits as a caregiver and feel your loved one needs more support than you are capable of providing. 

GETTING HELP AND ACCEPTING HELP

Many caregivers feel it’s their responsibility to provide all the care their loved ones require. It’s a role so many of us enter willingly, out of love and with the best intentions. It’s difficult to share the care they need, to allow someone else to help without feeling a sense of failure or even guilt. But no one has the ability to cope with end-stage Alzheimer’s without expert support. You don’t have to try to be superhuman to fulfill your role as a caregiver. The best you can do, for them and for yourself, is do the best you can do and seek and accept professional support when needed.

Ascend Health offers specialized care for those living with end-stage Alzheimer’s. Our supportive team focuses on improving quality of life and easing the distressing burdens of Alzheimer’s. Learn more about how we can help bring comfort and support by reaching out to a member of our compassionate team.