Caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease can be tough. As the disease progresses, the senior living with the disease will experience changes—from sleep issues to behavior that risks their safety—that usually creates unique challenges for family members. The demands of the caregiver role often impact the caregiver’s emotional, mental and physical well-being. It’s crucial for spouses or in this position to recognize the importance of seeking support and taking breaks to maintain their own well-being.
The Demands of Alzheimer’s Caregiving
Family caregivers are often deeply committed to their loved one’s needs. They feel duty bound and often believe no one can provide the quality of care a partner can. While this dedication is understandable and admirable, when caregivers don’t take care of themselves, it can lead to burnout.
The emotional strain of watching someone you love battle this disease can be significant. Added to that struggle is the isolation and loneliness a caregiving spouse often lives with on a daily basis. In fact, it’s fairly common for spouses and family members who are Alzheimer’s caregivers to experience depression.
Over time, caregiving for an adult with dementia usually becomes a full-time job. That involves not only managing daily tasks but also worrying about their loved one’s safety. People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia may wander from home and get lost. As the disease becomes more advanced, a family member may also need to handle more complex medical needs.
Without adequate rest and support, caregivers may experience increased stress, fatigue and anxiety. Not only can burnout cause caregivers to develop health issues of their own, but it can also diminish their ability to provide effective care. That’s why it is essential to explore various resources, services and support designed to give caregivers the respite they need.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite can be informal, such as when a friend or a volunteer from your religious organization or a senior center stays with your loved one for an hour or two. For most family caregivers, however—and especially for people who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s—taking a real break means finding a care provider who can handle the older adult’s needs for at least a few days.
This is where memory care in an assisted living community can be of help. Many of these programs offer short-term respite stays, as well as choices for those looking for a permanent solution for a family member. Either way, the senior will find a team of professionals experienced at meeting the needs of people with memory loss. Families sometimes utilize respite services on a regular basis so the caregiver can rest and recharge.
Respite guests in a memory care program enjoy the same benefits and services as long-term residents. Those typically include:
- A furnished apartment or suite equipped with safety features and an emergency call system
- Well-balanced meals and snacks that accommodate some of the challenges adults with dementia experience, such as difficulty handling utensils because of a loss of manual dexterity
- Opportunities to participate in daily activities and events designed specifically for people with memory loss
- Support with medication management and other healthcare needs
Another benefit of a respite stay in a memory care program is that it allows a spouse and adult children the opportunity to determine firsthand if the community is a good fit for their loved one.
Visit an ASC Memory Care Community to Learn More
While memory care is available at most ASC locations throughout Indiana, all of our locations offer respite care. We invite you to call today to schedule a private visit. Even if you aren’t ready for your loved one to take advantage of respite care, exploring your options now can help you plan for the future and be ready if and when the time comes.
