01
Family stress
Research indicates that caring for a person with memory loss is extremely stressful. A diagnosis of dementia, more than other conditions, takes its toll on the family.
Dementia caregivers are much more likely to be depressed. They also are more likely than other caregivers to develop significant health problems.
If your relative has dementia, you need to be extra careful to mind your own health. And you need to develop strategies for coping with stress.
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02
Role changes
Although working together as a team is optimal in eldercare, it can be challenging in the case of dementia.
In the earlier stages, it is important that the person with dementia be involved in decision making. As the disease progresses, however, they will lose the ability to make reasoned decisions. More than with other conditions, the role of the family will change.
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03
Getting support
Even if the memory loss condition is not curable, there are things you can do to make daily life more pleasant for all of you.
It’s very important that you reach out and get help. Caring for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally taxing. Family members need patience, strength, and regular breaks from caregiving. Support groups can be extremely helpful for providing tips about daily life and coping with the stress. They can also tell you about other programs and sources of support.
People with dementia also need support and access to others who know what it’s like. Joining a support group of people with dementia during the early-stage is invaluable for them!
You don’t have to do this alone
At Live & Thrive, we understand dementia. Give us a call at (208) 575-1440. We’d be happy to help with resources for everyone in the family.
What kind of support do you have as a caregiver?
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