Caring for someone who has Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be extremely stressful and overwhelming at times. It's important to take care of yourself,

1. Alzheimer's Caregiver
Caring for someone who has Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be extremely stressful and
overwhelming at times. It's important to take care of yourself, Ask for and accept help from
others. Talk to the doctor and find out what treatments might help control symptoms or
address behavior problems. Find a support group because others who have "been there" may

2. be able to help and will understand. If there are times of day that the person is less confused or
more cooperative, take advantage of that in daily routines. Consider using adult day care or
other helpful services. These offer a break with the peace of mind that the patient is being
taken care of. Also, it is always helpful to begin to plan for the future.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia can be a long, stressful, and intensely
emotional journey. But you're not alone. In the United States, there are about 15 million people
that are caring for someone with dementia, and millions of others around the world. As there is
currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, and only limited medical treatments available for the
symptoms, it is your caregiving that can make the biggest difference to your loved one's quality
of life.
However, caregiving can also become all-consuming. As your loved one's cognitive, physical,
and functional abilities diminish over the years, it's very easy to become overwhelmed and
neglect your own health and well-being. The burden of caregiving can put you at increased risk
for significant health problems and an estimated 30 to 40% of dementia caregivers will
experience depression, high levels of stress, or burnout. Nearly all Alzheimer's caregivers will
experience sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and exhaustion. Seeking help and support along the
way is not a luxury for caregivers, but a necessity.
Just as each individual with Alzheimer's disease progresses differently, so can the caregiving
experience vary from person to person. However, there are strategies that can help make the
caregiving journey as rewarding as it is challenging.A person with Alzheimer's disease might
become agitated when simple tasks become difficult. To limit challenges and ease frustration:
1. Schedule wisely
Establish a routine to make each day less irritating and confusing. People with Alzheimer's can
still learn and follow routines. Most of the times, it is best to schedule tasks, such as bathing or
medical appointments, when the person is most alert and refreshed. Allow some flexibility
within the routine for spontaneous activities.

3. 2. Take your time
It is realistic to expect things to take longer than they used to. Allow the person with
Alzheimer's disease to have frequent breaks. Schedule more time for tasks so that you don't
need to hurry him or her.
3. Involve the person
Allow your loved one to do as much as possible with the least amount of help. For example,
people with Alzheimer's disease might be able to set the table with the help of visual cues or
dress independently if you lay out clothes in the order they go on.
4. Provide choices
Fewer options are better but try to give the person with Alzheimer's disease choices every day.
For example, provide two outfits to choose from, ask if he or she prefers a hot or cold beverage,
or ask if he or she would rather go for a walk or see a movie.
5. Reduce distractions
Turn off the TV and minimize other distractions at mealtime and during conversations to make
it easier for the person with Alzheimer's disease to focus.
Learning all you can about what is happening and what to expect on the Alzheimer's
journey will not only help your loved one, but is also the first step towards protecting your own
mental and physical health.