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Help for Caregivers of Those With Dementia

Caring for an individual with dementia typically falls on the shoulders of family members, which means people who probably don't know much about healthcare at all. Conditions like Alzheimer's disease, head traumas, and progressive brain disorders cause dementia---a progressive condition that affects memory, communication, and taking care of oneself. People suffering from dementia can also become hostile and violent toward their caretakers. Understanding what is involved with caring for a person with dementia, and especially getting yourself support, will make this seemingly impossible task much more tolerable.

  1. Online Support

    • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) has a website for people who take care of dementia patients. They offer fact-sheets, publications and workshops so that you can learn as much about this disease as possible, while also networking and socializing with peers. Support groups sponsored by the FCA include the Caregiver Online Group, which offers a place to discuss the stresses and challenges of caring for someone with dementia. The LGBT Caring Community Online Support Group is a safe online support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender caretakers to comfortably discuss their own unique issues.

    How to Help Yourself

    • The website, HealthGuide.org, is a support-oriented health portal. Here, you can get information for preparing to take care of an Alzheimer's patient, such as what to expect and what you will gain from the experience. Information about how to plan for your own health will benefit yourself, as well as the person with dementia. Get caregiver-burnout warning signs, along with what you can do to stabilize your own mental health. HealthGuide.org recommends mini workouts throughout the day to deal with stress, watching a funny television program or reading a funny website to get your mind off the seriousness of your task at hand.

    Stress Test

    • Stress can affect your own health in negative ways. Caring for person who suffers from dementia can actually spike your blood pressure; weaken your immunity to colds or even allergic reactions. The Alzheimer's Association has come up with a way for you to gauge the level of your stress. The Caregiver Stress Test asks you a series of questions, the answers to which will determine the kind of support you can use to get you through this difficult period. You will also be given contact information for the resources suggested to you.

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