Caregivers Advice

Sharing the Role of an Alzheimer's Caregiver
By J. Trevey

It is common for a person with Alzheimer's disease to be assisted by a family member or other close
loved one in taking care of daily responsibilities. Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s cognitive,
emotional, behavioral and physical functions increasingly over time, causing many people with the
disease to eventually require full time care. Caregivers often devote a majority or all or of their spare
time to helping their loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Full-time Alzheimer’s caregivers can benefit
from periodic relief from care giving duties, giving them time to nurture other relationships and return
to caring for their loved one with a refreshed mindset. Caregivers can benefit from seeking
assistance, either on regular intervals or as needed, from one of the following sources:

-Other relatives or loved ones. Other friends or family members may be willing to assume care giving
responsibilities at times, particularly if they already have a close relationship with the person. Sharing
care giving responsibilities with a close friend or relative allows them to spend quality time with their
loved one and gives the primary caregiver free time to fulfill unrelated needs and responsibilities.

-Respite Care. Respite care is professional daytime or overnight care that may be offered by a full time
Alzheimer’s care home in your area. Respite care can give caregivers the comfort of knowing that their
loved one is in the care of professionals who specialize in the unique needs of people with Alzheimer’
s, and can give their loved one the opportunity to socialize and participate in rewarding activities.
Respite care not only gives full time caregivers a break, it also gives them a chance to become
familiar with a professional care home that may make a viable option for full time care for their loved
one in the future.

-In home professional care. Another option is to hire a professional caregiver who provides in home
care service. A professional caregiver can be a convenient option, particularly for caregivers whose
loved one with Alzheimer’s lives with them in their home. For some Alzheimer’s patients, remaining in
a consistent environment is comforting and the most suitable temporary care option for their needs.

Care giving takes on a variety of connotations for different people, ranging from occasional help to full
time supervision and assistance. Caregivers closer to the full time end of the spectrum sometimes
inadvertently neglect their own needs when they are consumed with caring for the daily life of a loved
one, making an occasional break from care giving important for their well being and health. The
appropriate short term care option for a person with Alzheimer’s depends heavily on his or her
individual needs.

About the Author: John Trevey is the manager of The Breckinridge, a Kentucky assisted living home
specializing in Alzheimer's care. For more information, please visit http://www.thebreckinridge.com

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