HealthTree Blog

When loved ones suspect that a family member may be exhibiting the signs of Alzheimer’s, the first response may be one of extreme sadness. Knowing that the person will most likely not be able to continue her daily routine, whether it was working a full-time or part-time job, or making routine visits to those in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or other similar institutions, or whatever it was she did can exacerbate these feelings of sadness.
Loved ones who live in other parts of the country and cannot be there all the time may have the added emotion of guilt. Even if the reason for their absence from the person is because of a spouse’s job or military deployment, it does not make it any easier. If a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is made, the feelings may change from sadness to those of extreme stress. Loved ones may have to start considering alternative living arrangements for the afflicted person, or may have to arrange for caregivers who are not family members.
This can sometimes be a good thing. Non-family caregivers may not be as affected by the mood changes and mental decline of the patient as family members might be. For instance, they may be able to respond differently to hurtful or angry outbursts that many Alzheimer’s patients sometimes exhibit. They can acknowledge the outburst in a calm manner, whereas loved ones, even though they know it is the disease talking and not the person herself, may not be able to control their feelings.
Further, the Alzheimer’s patient may respond better to non-family caregivers. During the times an Alzheimer’s patient is aware of the here and now, she herself may feel guilt or sadness at the effect her disease is having on her loved ones. If she sees that non-family caregivers are there to help, especially if she has a good relationship with them, this may help ease her mind.
Loved ones who do act as caregivers can benefit from support groups and respite care services that are available. Support groups allow them to talk to others who are going through the same things as them, and respite care services can give them a much-needed break.