Risks of Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is a challenging condition for the individual dealing with it and their loved ones and caretaker(s). Caring for someone with this debilitating condition requires precise care, and if handled incorrectly, can be risky for both the patient and the caregiver.

Safety

Creating a safe and secure environment for a person with Alzheimer’s disease is crucial. With the increasing memory loss, one of the most frightening and difficult situation you can face is having your loved one wander off and getting lost. Their safety is put at risk; this can have serious consequences.

Medical Care

An individual with Alzheimer’s will need constant medical care for both the disease as well as any other health problems that may emerge. The caregiver will be responsible for keeping up with the patient’s medical needs and updates and frequently check in with doctors and therapists. This is an overwhelming task in itself. Neglecting these duties can pose a threat to the patient’s existing condition and worsen things for them.

elderly womanCaregiver’s Stress

According to a poll conducted by Alzheimer’s Association, the health of dementia caregivers goes down by 35%.

Another clinical study by The International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that caregiver stress can put a person at a greater risk for cognitive decline.

Many family caregivers struggle balancing caring for two separate households. They may have full or part-time jobs, different relationships and families to attend to, and several other responsibilities.

Devoting most of their time to a loved one who has Alzheimer’s and juggling between other commitments can be very stressful. It puts them at a higher risk for caregiver depression and other mental health conditions, and can cause immense stress and overload.

Caregivers need to take regular time off for their own health and mental well being, which can affect the care giving process if they are the sole caregivers.

Memory Care Communities…

Watching a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can be heartbreaking. This disease requires special care and commitment, which can be difficult to manage at their own homes and through family caregivers.

This is where memory care communities such as AvantGarde Senior Living & Memory Care in Tarzana come in. With their dedicated staff available 24 hours, your loved ones can live their life to their fullest in the senior care facility under the best care and medication.