You Are Not Alone in your battle against Alzheimer’s Disease!
Alzheimer’s disease affects about five and a half million people in the United States alone.
It is the 6th leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Yet, Alzheimer’s victim’s loved ones often feel isolated and alone.
But why?
Alzheimer’s is a disease that not only takes away a person’s life, but takes away his or her dignity as well. By the time the disease has reached its later stages, victims cannot recognize their loved ones, cannot feed themselves or perform any activities of daily living, and are often bedridden.
Even at the earlier stages, victims will forget basic tasks, use the wrong words to make statements and may confuse loved ones with other people.
In short, having Alzheimer’s is a humiliating experience,
and is especially painful for the family
Alzheimer’s also predominantly affects the elderly, particularly those over the age of 65. And let’s be honest, few people care about the elderly.
Our society is obsessed with looking and feeling younger. Any hint of the idea of getting old, and we don’t want to talk or think about it.
Despite the prevalence, Alzheimer’s remains, to some extent, hidden
What is the result of this? No one talks about Alzheimer’s. And with such little communication, the sense of isolation that a caregiver feels is bound to increase.
Seeking Support
For many caregivers, the solution to this sense of frustration and isolation is to seek out an Alzheimer’s support group. Such groups exist across the country, and provide invaluable comfort and support for thousands of caregivers.
A support group is usually composed of a small number of individuals – often less than ten. Group members are loved ones of an Alzheimer’s victim, at varying stages of the disease.
The stage of your loved one’s Alzheimer’s affects which support group will be right for you. For example, if your loved one is in the later stages, being in a group with people struggling through the earlier stages may not be very helpful. In that case, you would want to be in a group with others dealing with the particular issues associated with the later stages of the disease.
On the other hand, if you are currently dealing with the earlier stages, attending a support group with others struggling through the later stages may actually be useful, as you will learn what to expect as the disease progresses.
Most importantly, you should choose a support group in which the other members truly understand what you are going through. I have attended support groups in the past, and the camaraderie that builds between members can be hugely helpful and comforting to these family caregivers.
Usually, support groups will be moderated. Often, the moderator is an expert in the field of elder care. Finding a group with a good moderator can not only help the discussions progress smoothly, but the moderator can be an excellent resource for you as you struggle to find the right care options, medical information, etc.
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the nation’s leading advocate for victims of Alzheimer’s disease and their families. The Association provides support groups throughout the country, and they are always moderated by trained professionals.
For more information, visit their website at:
http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-support-groups.asp#group
Remember that if you are struggling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s,
You Are Not Alone!
