Alzheimer's caregivers often need help. What are your options for long-term care?
Every caregiver dreads the time when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease becomes too difficult to do without help. It's often possible to postpone the decision to seek outside care for years, especially when the caregiver is the person's husband, wife or child.
Early on, many people with Alzheimer's do well at home. Eventually, though, even the most loving and accommodating family may be unable to meet the needs of a person with Alzheimer's and need to think about long-term care options for their loved one.
What is long-term care?
Long-term care may mean help from family and friends or a regular visit by a home health aide. Or it may mean moving your loved one into assisted living or a nursing home that can provide 24-hour medical attention. In fact, a variety of options are available, depending on where you live.
Selecting long-term care can be difficult, but determining your own needs and the needs of your loved one are the first steps in finding help.
Sharing the burden improves care
One obstacle you may need to overcome is your own reluctance to ask for help. You may be worried that your loved one won't feel comfortable with other caregivers. Maybe you think that no one else can provide care as well as you can. These reactions are common and, to some extent, may be valid.
But getting assistance can make caregiving less burdensome, both physically and emotionally. This assistance can provide other resources and skills that you may not possess and can give you a chance to rejuvenate your caregiving. Your loved one may actually improve with the help of such other resources. This improvement can lower your stress level as a caregiver.
Choosing the type of care
To decide which type of care would work best for you, assess the needs of your loved one and your needs as a caregiver. Ask your doctor, social worker, members of your local Alzheimer's Association chapter or another community agency to help you determine your loved one's potential needs. Any new care arrangement you make will involve blending your capabilities as a caregiver with the needs of your loved one.
Keep in mind that some settings aren't designed for people with Alzheimer's. And as the needs of your loved one change, caregiving options may also change. Some settings may not be able to care for your loved one throughout the course of the disease. Most people require more support and help as the disease progresses.
To determine which type of care is best for your loved one, consider the following:
- Is 24-hour supervision needed?
- Does your loved one need special care? If so, what type of skills must a caregiver have to provide that care? For example, does your loved one have communication difficulties or unique behaviors, or does he or she need toileting and bathing assistance? Does your loved one want to walk or move around but needs direction and assistance?
- Does your loved one need help in taking medications?
- Does your loved one have complex medical problems, such as heart disease or diabetes?
- What types of meals are needed? Do the meals need to be prepared by a caregiver?
- Do you want a facility that specializes in Alzheimer's care?
- How will the costs be covered?
Don't delay the decision
The amount of care needed and type of atmosphere preferred will influence your decision about the type of care setting you should visit. Keep in mind that most facilities have waiting lists, and it may be beneficial to explore your options early, before a crisis arises. This allows for a more thorough evaluation without additional pressure.
Last Updated: 02/06/2008
