Anyone who takes care of another person is a caregiver, also referred to as a caretaker. In the United States, millions of people look after loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Depending on the level of involvement in the patient’s care, caregivers may live far away, close by, or in the same residence as the patient.

Family caregivers of persons with dementia, sometimes dubbed the “invisible second patients,” are crucial to the care recipient’s quality of life. While many find it to be a fulfilling role, caregivers are also often overburdened in the level of work they provide, which could result in consequences such as high stress rates, psychological morbidity, social isolation, physical illness, and financial difficulties.

Why are family caregivers involved?

Sentiments towards caregiving can correlate with culture. Caregivers who feel the work is more fulfilling and recognize more promising aspects of their position often report reduced stress, improved health and relationships, and more social support. Caregivers driven by obligation, guilt, or societal and cultural conventions are more likely to dislike their position and experience higher psychological distress than caregivers driven by more positive motives.

The negative features of dementia caregiving tend to gain the most attention, though caregiving has also been linked to good emotions and results. Studies have shown that anywhere from 55–90% of caregivers were stated to have good experiences with their care recipient, such as bonding, sharing activities, experiencing a reciprocal link, spiritual and personal development, greater connection to their faith, fulfilling a sense of duty, and emotions of success and mastery.

How is someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias cared for?

Most patients with Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementias are managed at home. Each year, more than 16 million Americans provide more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care to family members and friends who have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

The duties of care might hamper caregivers’ capacity to care for themselves. Caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementias are more likely to experience anxiety, sadness, and lower quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions.

Obtaining Assistance with Alzheimer’s Caregiving

As your loved one’s dementia progresses, they will require more care. Memory loss and confusion are among the symptoms that may worsen with time.

As a result, you will need to provide more assistance. You may believe that asking for help from others shows weakness or a lack of competency, but this is not the case. It’s a sign of strength — it shows that you understand your limits and know when to seek assistance.

Many caregivers who have needed assistance agree that having a local support network is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Your support network can include family, friends, local Alzheimer’s Association chapters, caregiver support groups, and religious organizations.

The significance of assembling a dementia care team

It’s possible to reduce stress and feelings of overload by receiving more consistent, direct forms of assistance from others. The process of creating a network of supporters can help you lead a more productive, active, and involved life while balancing care for someone else. A well-planned strategy made ahead of time will make it simpler to get help with specific tasks than it will in a crisis.

Tips for Growing Your Care Team

• Ask for help from friends, relatives, or neighbors on specific tasks that you know cover their competencies. People are more likely to help where they feel able to.
• Talk openly about any assistance you may need. You never know who may be able to offer assistance.
• Make your point. Clearly state what you and your care recipient need or what may be required in the future.
• Ask to do tasks together, such as shopping and meal prep.
• Express gratitude. Everyone enjoys feeling appreciated, and thanking others increases the likelihood that they will assist you again in the future.

Family caregivers play one of the most crucial roles in the quality of life of dementia patients, but can sometimes feel overwhelmed with the amount of work they have. Interventions can lessen these impacts, raising the quality of life for both caregiver and recipient. Ultimately, planning and collaboration — between families, friends, caregivers, and medical professionals — are some of the greatest solutions to reducing burden of care.

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