Dementia Care Can Be Stressful image_Kingwood Memory and Assisted Living
If you’re a caregiver of someone who has any form of dementia then you know it can be physically as well as emotionally draining.
Lack of sleep and frustration can impact even the most well-meaning caregiver. Especially when your loved one forgets their name or other important information and becomes disoriented. Individuals with Alzheimer’s can create havoc with getting a restful night’s sleep if they tend to pace or are constantly waking you. And, it can be even more challenging if they become violent or tend to wander off.
Reduce Caregiver Stress
One of the best ways to reduce caregiver stress is to be mindful that these challenges are going to occur and that you’ll want to make adjustments with each behavioral change. Whether that’s persuading your loved one to take their medications or bathe or dealing with obsessive behaviors such as constantly checking doors and windows. The more you prepare yourself knowing that behavioral challenges are going to be the new norm and give some thought as to how you might respond in different scenarios, the more likely you are to keep your stress level down.
Interesting Facts about Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Six in 10 people with dementia will wander off.
- The incidence of Alzheimer’s will increase to every 33 seconds by 2050.
- The average span of Alzheimer’s disease is seven years and it can go on as long as 20 years.
- There are over 16 million American caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
- Half of adults aged 85 and over have Alzheimer’s.
- 16.1 million Americans provide unpaid care for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. In 2017, these caregivers provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of care, which is valued at over$232 billion.
- In 2014, Alzheimer’s made up 29.9% of adult day service participants, 39.6% of residential care community residents, and 44.7% of hospice patients.
This article is brought to you by the Kingwood Memory and Assisted Living.
