Alternative Home

Beauty Info

All about Pregnancy



As The Primary Care Giver for an Alzheimer's Patient, How Can I Get a Break?


Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer's is a huge responsibility and very time consuming. It can bring a lot of stress, frustration and more. You devote all your time to your loved one and not have time for yourself anymore. You always wonder: when can I take a break from her? It is not an easy decision, but sometimes it has to be made for your own well being.

There are different options to consider. If your loved one is in early/mid stages of Alzheimer's you can consider private duty home care. Many agencies throughout the nation and in your community provide this service. A list of providers can be obtained in the phone book, from the local Alzheimer's Association, Area Agency on Aging, or any case management and referral source. The private duty home care can include services like bathing, sitting, taking to appointments, shopping, meal preparation and other day-to-day essentials. This assistance will definitely help you in getting more free time.

You might also try adult day care. The centers usually operate from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is a good environment for socialization. Your loved one will be able to interact with others, but she knows she will be back home for the night. If you decide to look for an adult day care, you will want to make sure the staff is experienced in caring for Alzheimer's patients.

Another solution is hiring an independent in-home care giver yourself. This person will take care of your loved one while you are away. You may be able to obtain names and information about experienced caregivers from places such as your church, Alzheimer's Association, Area Agency on Aging.

Make sure you check the references. Meet and talk with the prospective caregiver and see how the person interacts with your loved one. Touching is very important. It could be a pat on the back or gently rubbing the hand. You can even ask your loved one for input about the person. People with dementia are often perceptive and intuitive.

And don't forget! You have family members as well that can help you. A loved one who has Alzheimer's affects all family members. So if family members offer to help, take advantage of it.

Remember, help is available. Do not feel guilty because you want to take a break. You deserve it.

About The Author

William G. Hammond, JD is a nationally known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer's Resource Center. He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's. For more information you can visit his website at www.BeatAlzheimers.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

Alternative medicine topic for luncheon talk
The Beacon
Magruder Hospital will be hosting an educational luncheon on Complimentary and Alternative Medicine at noon Sept. 20. Judy Paschen, LMT, will talk about ...



TopNews United Kingdom (blog)

Avoiding black and white judgments on placebo effect in medical treatment
Mainichi Daily News
Alternative Medicine on Trial." One of the authors of the book, Simon Singh, is the science writer I trust the most. At the same time, however, ...
The Other Option: Explorations in Integrative MedicineLoudoun Independent

all 10 news articles »


New York Times

Imagining the Prophet
New York Times
As a leader of alternative medicine who was born in India and raised as a Hindu before opening a wellness center in California, what led you to write your ...

and more »


Bionovo, Berkeley researcher receive NIH grant to develop obesity drugs
Drug Store News
2) The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine's small business technology transfer program, part of the National Institutes of Health, ...
Bionovo Receives NIH Grant to Develop Drugs for the Treatment of Female ...PR Newswire (press release)
Bionovo Receives NIH Grant to Develop Drugs for the Treatment of Female ...Pharmaceutical Processing

all 14 news articles »


Primary Organic Therapy Inc. is Approved to Operate a Medical Marijuana ...
PR-USA.net (press release)
We are pleased to be offering quality alternative medicine that can be obtained in a legal and controlled manner," continues Mr. Brock. ...

and more »


Using probiotics to improve your digestive health
Helium
According to an article which was recently published in the medical journal 'Alternative Medicine Review', probiotic supplements or probiotic enriched food ...



Primary Organic Therapy Inc. is Approved to Operate a Medical Marijuana ...
PR Newswire (press release)
We are pleased to be offering quality alternative medicine that can be obtained in a legal and controlled manner," continues Mr. Brock. ...

and more »


NY1

NYer Of The Week: Vet Provides Older Dogs With Alternative Medicine
NY1
"The animals historically respond very well to these alternative treatments," says Gladstein. "It just took three sessions and after the three sessions he ...

and more »


Why alternative medicine is winning out against conventional (chemical) medicine
Natural News.com
And in 1998, Congress officially established the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to act as a liaison between the ...



Fact Sheet: What You Need to Know About Throat Cancer
ABC News
Along with information about traditional treatments, it provides information about alternative medicine for throat cancer. Support For People With Oral and ...

and more »

Google News

Alternative home | site map | Beauty | Massage oils | Essential Oils | Health and Pregnancy | Alternative medicine Courses
Alternative medicine © 2006