All family caregivers face challenges, but these challenges are compounded for people caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
The patient usually declines slowly, over the course of several years. This is an 56
talking with patients about cognitive problems
exhausting and disturbing experience for everyone. The following suggestions are especially useful for family caregivers in these situations: l Persuade caregivers to get regular respite, especially when patients require constant attention. Ask if the caregiver, who is at considerable risk for stress-related disorders, is receiving adequate health care.
l Explain that much can be done to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Measures, such as modifi cations in daily routine and medications for anxiety, depression, or sleep, may help control symptoms.
l Let the caregivers know there is time to adapt. Decline is rarely rapid.
Provide information about the consumer resources and support services available from groups.
l Help caregivers plan for the possibility that they eventually may need more help at home or may have to look into residential care.