As The Primary Care Giver for an Alzheimer?s Patient, How Can I Get a Break?

Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer's is a huge responsibility and very time consuming. It can bring a lot of stress, frustration and more. You devote all your time to your loved one and not have time for yourself anymore. You always wonder: when can I take a break from her? It is not an easy decision, but sometimes it has to be made for your own well being.

There are different options to consider. If your loved one is in early/mid stages of Alzheimer's you can consider private duty home care. Many agencies throughout the nation and in your community provide this service. A list of providers can be obtained in the phone book, from the local Alzheimer's Association, Area Agency on Aging, or any case management and referral source. The private duty home care can include services like bathing, sitting, taking to appointments, shopping, meal preparation and other day-to-day essentials. This assistance will definitely help you in getting more free time.

You might also try adult day care. The centers usually operate from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is a good environment for socialization. Your loved one will be able to interact with others, but she knows she will be back home for the night. If you decide to look for an adult day care, you will want to make sure the staff is experienced in caring for Alzheimer's patients.

Another solution is hiring an independent in-home care giver yourself. This person will take care of your loved one while you are away. You may be able to obtain names and information about experienced caregivers from places such as your church, Alzheimer's Association, Area Agency on Aging.

Make sure you check the references. Meet and talk with the prospective caregiver and see how the person interacts with your loved one. Touching is very important. It could be a pat on the back or gently rubbing the hand. You can even ask your loved one for input about the person. People with dementia are often perceptive and intuitive.

And don't forget! You have family members as well that can help you. A loved one who has Alzheimer's affects all family members. So if family members offer to help, take advantage of it.

Remember, help is available. Do not feel guilty because you want to take a break. You deserve it.

About The Author

William G. Hammond, JD is a nationally known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer's Resource Center. He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's. For more information you can visit his website at www.BeatAlzheimers.com.

---

Natural Alternatives vs. Prescription Drugs

Natural Alternatives: A growing phenomenon across this world which... Read More

Straddling the Science/Magic Line: A Look At Magnetic Therapy

What's the difference between science and magic? It's our understanding... Read More

3 Natural Cures For A Migraine Headache

Only a migraine sufferer understands the pain. Regardless of how... Read More

Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil

Eucalyptus pure essential oil is obtained from the leaves and... Read More

Being Rubbed Up ? The Right Way! - The Therapeutic Wonders of Massage

PROBABLY one of the most... Read More

Green Bamboo: Strength in Flexibility

Those who have watched the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"... Read More

Toddler Stuttering

Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child... Read More

Alternative Health Treatments for People Who Give Too Much

Being a modern traveler, you probably get onto an airplane... Read More

Five Simple Steps For Treating Heel Pain

If you experience a sharp pain in your heel at... Read More

Cleansing Liver Herbal Teas

When spring comes it is time for a liver cleanse.... Read More

How to Use Herbal Salves & Ointments to Shrink Your Hemorrhoids

Comfrey Herbal SalveHere is an herbal combination that contains herbs... Read More

Detoxification and Your Health: The Bodies 7 Channels of Elimination!

If you want to be healthy you need to understand... Read More

Hypnosis Way of General Indications of Deceit

When the subject is changed, he's in a better, more... Read More

Some O. H. & S. For You To Consider

Clicking a mouse isn't exactly vigorous exercise, so I thought... Read More

Inflammatory Arthritis: Alternative Treatments

There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and... Read More

What Is Thought Field Therapy?

Dr. Roger Callahan is and American psychologist who discovered Thought... Read More

Tai Chi Breathing Reduces Residual Air in Ineffective Retention Space

Breathing is the source of life: if breathing stops, do... Read More

Hypnotherapy and How it Can Help

Hypnotherapy is the process of using hypnosis to unlock the... Read More

Parasites: The Missing Diagnosis?

Parasites, commonly thought of as only affecting those in developing... Read More

The Making of Essential Oils ? Steam Distillation, Absolutes, and CO2s Explained

Aromatherapy Goes 'High Tech'New methods of essential oil extraction are... Read More

The Future of Healing...

Your FUTURE is NOT in a doctor's office or a... Read More

Alternative Medicine, Complementary, Integrative, Wellness, Holistic ? What Do They All Mean?

Alternative medicine has grown in so many ways in North... Read More

How To Cure Your Incurable Nasal Allergy

Immunoglobulin E is an antibody, which is secreted from the... Read More

A Natural Remedy for Gingivitis, Toothaches, and Mouth Sores

Everyone has a variety of bacteria in their mouth. Some... Read More

When Your Emotions Become Like Ticking Bombs & Cause Disease

So, where does disease come from? How does it get... Read More

Neuro Emotional Technique

NET or Neuro Emotional Technique is one of the newer... Read More

Various Types of Herbal Medicine: Used for Thousands of Years to Successfully Treat Diseases

Interest in medicinal herbs is on the rise again and... Read More

NMT: Trigger Point Therapy and What to Look for in a T Bar

Massage therapy is as ancient as noodles. People have been... Read More

Endorphins ? Strong Painkillers Your Subconscious May Be Able to Provide

The sources of the original "natural high," endorphins and ekephalins... Read More

What Is Reflexology?

For the Reflexologist, the feet are a microcosm of the... Read More

My Search for Happiness in the First Year of Sobriety

DAY 1: HOUR BY HOURHappiness in sobriety? Could this really... Read More

Magnetic Therapy, How And Why Magnets Effect The Body

Have you ever read or have been told that "it... Read More

Three Tips for Arthritis Pain Relief

Massage ?not the areas that hurtSome experts think that arthritic... Read More