Alzheimers Caregivers Stay Healthier With Counseling
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimers disease is a physically and emotionally draining experience. It may be especially difficult if you are the spouse and have your own illnesses or disabilities to contend with as well as caring for your husband or wife.
Spouse caregivers face increased risks for lowered immunity, heart problems, and chronic health issues. The stress and hardship can lead not only to decreased well-being but also the inability to continue care at home.
Now, results from a 20-year study bring hope. Counseling and social support can be effective ways to protect the health of spouse caregivers. Caregivers who receive the support they need are also less likely to suffer from depression or find it necessary to move a husband or wife with Alzheimers to a nursing home.
Research Findings Show Counseling Makes a Difference
Continually funded since 1987, the study of the NYU Caregiver Intervention is the longest-running and largest study ever devoted to testing an intervention to improve the well-being of Alzheimers caregivers. The study was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Aging, and the New York University School of Medicine Alzheimers Disease Center.
Research conducted over the past 20 years revealed both short-term and long-term effects of the counseling intervention. Some of the effects are not as immediately obvious, Dr. Mittelman points out.
Counselors Show Families How to Offer Support
Find Out What Your Health Insurance Covers
Many health insurance plans cover therapy and so does Medicare. If you have a plan that includes mental health services like therapy, then its worth first looking into the therapists in your area that are covered, so youre not spending more than you have to.
If your health insurance doesnt cover mental health at all or only has a limited network, dont worry. A lot of therapists provide a sliding scale to help people with limited incomes better afford it.
Who Is The Ideal Client
The focus of the therapy is on restructuring relationships to foster the enhanced well-being of the caregiver, care recipient, and the broader family system. The work often also includes restructuring the relationships with one’s self and with formal care providers.
CFT is appropriate for aging families with caregiving responsibility for an adult. The therapy is designed for two family types:
- families caring for aging persons with late-onset cognitive impairment due to dementia , stroke, or other age-related brain dysfunction
- families in which aging parents have maintained primary responsibility for an adult child with an intellectual disability that limits self-care decision making
Aging families that are caring for a person with a physical disability but whose cognitive capacities are fully intact are not appropriate for this therapeutic approach.
Families access CFT at many points in their caregiving career.
Stages of the family caregiving career can be conceptualized as follows:
These stages are not meant to be tightly linked to the tasks listed under them because of the myriad of variables that can influence how a family progresses through the Alzheimer’s disease experience. Variables that can influence the progression through stages include sudden changes in the family structure due to the entry and exit of members , as well as significant changes in social policy and resources .
Don’t Miss: Who Was Alzheimer’s Named After
Getting Help With Alzheimer’s Caregiving
Some caregivers need help when the person is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Other caregivers look for help when the person is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s. It’s okay to seek help whenever you need it.
As the person moves through the stages of Alzheimer’s, he or she will need more care. One reason is that medicines used to treat Alzheimer’s disease can only control symptoms they cannot cure the disease. Symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, will get worse over time.
Because of this, you will need more help. You may feel that asking for help shows weakness or a lack of caring, but the opposite is true. Asking for help shows your strength. It means you know your limits and when to seek support.
Counseling For Dementia Caregivers: Overcoming The Barriers To Empowered Care
If youre a caregiver of an aging adult who suffers from dementia, take a brief moment out of your current activities and mental flow to read the following statements. Read them one at a time, and be open to and aware of your reactions or responsesmental, physical, and emotional.
- I dont want my aging loved one suffering from dementia to know when Im frustrated, over tired, or overwhelmed by caregiving.
- I should be strong enough to put my aging loved one and their dementia care first.
- No one around me really understands what Im going through or how hard it really is to care for an aging loved one who has dementia.
Unless those statements slide right past you without any push, pull, twinge, or flutter of feeling, chances are good that you could benefit from processing through your experiences with caregiving. Perhaps your challenges are internalyoure stressed, depressed, or fearful around aspects of caregiving or your life on the outskirts. Or perhaps your challenges are externalyoure struggling with your aging loved ones emotions or communication between the two of you, or youre at a loss for how you should be approaching your tasks more effectively.
Don’t Miss: Do You Tell Dementia Patients The Truth
Bevacqua Offers Reminiscence Therapy Training For Dementia Caregivers In October
Caregivers of relatives with dementia can get free online training this month on topics including recognizing pain, legal services and minimizing falls.
In addition, Guam Museum curator Michael Bevacqua will be offering a virtual session on reminiscing as a form of therapy and writing life stories.
The online sessions are part of the University of Guam School of Healths programs to raise awareness of Alzheimers disease and other types of dementia.
Below is the schedule for the sessions:
Recognizing pain: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday or 10 a.m.-noon Saturday.
Legal services for older adults and persons with dementia: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 12 or 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 15.
Cope With Changes In Communication
As your loved ones Alzheimers or dementia progresses, youll notice changes in how they communicate. They may have trouble finding words, substitute one word for another, repeat the same things over and over, or become easily confused. Increased hand gestures, losing their train of thought, and even inappropriate outbursts are all common as well.
Even if your loved one has trouble maintaining a conversationor less interest in starting oneits important to encourage social interaction. Making them feel safe rather than stressed will make communication easier, so try to manage your own frustration levels.
Be patient. If your loved one has difficulty recalling a word, for example, allow them time. Getting anxious or impatient will only inhibit their recall. Gently supply the word or tell the person that you can come back to it later.
Be aware of your body language. Your loved one responds to your facial expression, tone of voice, and nonverbal cues as much as the words you choose. Make eye contact, stay calm, and keep a relaxed, open posture.
Speak slowly and clearly. Give one direction or ask one question at a time, use short sentences, and give your loved one more time to process whats being said. Find a simpler way to say the same thing if it wasnt understood the first time.
Maintain respect. Dont use patronizing language, baby talk, or sarcasm. It can cause hurt or confusion.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Future Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Resources For Alzheimer’s Care
Explore the Alzheimers.gov portal for information and resources on Alzheimers and related dementias caregiving from across the federal government.Phone: 1-800-438-4380
Alzheimer’s AssociationPhone: 1-800-272-3900
The Alzheimer’s Association offers information, a help line, and support services to people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Local chapters across the country offer support groups, including many that help with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Call or go online to find out where to get help in your area. The Association also funds Alzheimer’s research.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of AmericaPhone: 1-866-232-8484
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides information about how to care for people with Alzheimer’s, as well as a list of services for people with the disease. It also offers information for caregivers and their families through member organizations. Services include a hotline, publications, and other educational materials.
Eldercare LocatorPhone: 1-800-677-1116
Caregivers often need information about community resources, such as home care, adult day care, and nursing homes. Contact the Eldercare Locator to find these resources in your area. The Eldercare Locator is a service of the Administration on Aging. The Federal Government funds this service.
Phone: 1-800-222-2225TTY: 1-800-222-4225
What Is Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimers disease is the most common form of a group of brain diseases called dementias. Alzheimers disease accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases. Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, mixed dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.
Alzheimers disease, like all dementias, gets worse over time and there is no known cure. Nearly 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease. Alzheimers disease destroys brain cells causing problems with memory, thinking, and behavior that can be severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies, and social life. Eventually, it can affect ones ability to carry out routine daily activities. Today, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. It is the fifth leading cause of death for those aged 65 years and older.
For more information, see www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figuresexternal icon.
Read Also: What Type Of Doctor Treats Dementia And Alzheimer’s
Occupational Therapy Assessment And Findings
During the first home visit, the occupational therapist, Tamara, interviewed Mrs. Clark and her husband to complete an occupational profile using the American Occupational Therapy Associations template . The occupational profile revealed that Mrs. Clark has two children and five grandchildren. Mr. Clark shared Mrs. Clarks interests, which include singing, listening to music, gardening, and baking however, she stopped singing in the community choir and left the stove on several times. Mr. Clark was concerned because his wife started to need more help in the morning to get ready however, when he offered help, she often refused and sometimes became agitated. In addition, he reported that his wife has not been sleeping well at nightshe will get up and wander around the house. Mrs. Clark told Tamara that she gets ready by herself every morning. When questioned about his priority for therapy goals, Mr. Clark stated he would like his wife to do as much for herself as possible, accept his help when needed, avoid periods of agitation, and sleep more soundly at night. Throughout the evaluation visit, Mr. Clark appeared stressed and overwhelmed.
Tips For Caregivers: Taking Care Of Yourself
Being a caregiver can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia takes time and effort. It can feel lonely and frustrating. You might even feel angry, which could be a sign you are trying to take on too much. It is important to find time to take care of yourself. Here are some tips that may offer some relief:
- Ask for help when you need it. This could mean asking family members and friends to help or reaching out to for additional care needs.
- Eat nutritious foods, which can help keep you healthy and active for longer.
- Join a caregiver’s support group online or in person. Meeting other caregivers will give you a chance to share stories and ideas and can help keep you from feeling isolated.
- Take breaks each day. Try making a cup of tea or calling a friend.
- Spend time with friends and keep up with hobbies.
- Get exercise as often as you can. Try doing yoga or going for a walk.
- Try practicing meditation. Research suggests that practicing meditation may reduce blood pressure, anxiety and depression, and insomnia.
- Consider seeking help from mental health professionals to help you cope with stress and anxiety. Talk with your doctor about finding treatment.
Don’t Miss: Which Type Of Dementia Is Reversible
Tips For A Healthy And Active Lifestyle For People With Dementia
Eating healthy and staying active is good for everyone and is especially important for people with Alzheimers and related dementias. As the disease progresses, finding ways for the person to eat healthy foods and stay active may be increasingly challenging. Here are some tips that may help:
- Consider different activities the person can do to stay active, such as household chores, cooking and baking, exercise, and gardening. Match the activity to what the person can do.
- Help get an activity started or join in to make the activity more fun. People with dementia may lack interest or initiative and can have trouble starting activities. But, if others do the planning, they may join in.
- Add music to exercises or activities if it helps motivate the person. Dance to the music if possible.
- Be realistic about how much activity can be done at one time. Several short mini-workouts may be best.
- Take a walk together each day. Exercise is good for caregivers, too!
- Buy a variety of healthy foods, but consider food that is easy to prepare, such as premade salads and single portions.
- Give the person choices about what to eat, for example, Would you like yogurt or cottage cheese?
Compliance With Ethical Standards
Larry W. Thompson and Dolores Gallagher-Thompson each declare no potential conflicts of interest.
Sheung-Tak Cheng reports grants from Research Grants Council of Hong Kong.
Alma Au reports grants from Research Grants Council of Hong Kong.
Andrés Losada reports grants from Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.
This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.
Recommended Reading: What Part Of The Brain Does Alzheimer’s Affect
The Alzheimers And Dementia Care Journey
Caring for someone with Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia can be a long, stressful, and intensely emotional journey. But youre not alone. In the United States, there are more than 16 million people caring for someone with dementia, and many millions more around the world. As there is currently no cure for Alzheimers or dementia, it is often your caregiving and support that makes the biggest difference to your loved ones quality of life. That is a remarkable gift.
However, caregiving can also become all-consuming. As your loved ones cognitive, physical, and functional abilities gradually diminish over time, its easy to become overwhelmed, disheartened, and neglect your own health and well-being. The burden of caregiving can put you at increased risk for significant health problems and many dementia caregivers experience depression, high levels of stress, or even burnout. And nearly all Alzheimers or dementia caregivers at some time experience sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and exhaustion. Seeking help and support along the way is not a luxury its a necessity.
Just as each individual with Alzheimers disease or dementia progresses differently, so too can the caregiving experience vary widely from person to person. However, there are strategies that can aid you as a caregiver and help make your caregiving journey as rewarding as it is challenging.
Affordable Online Therapy
Need urgent help? .
Treatment For Mild To Moderate Alzheimers
Treating the symptoms of Alzheimers can provide people with comfort, dignity, and independence for a longer period of time and can encourage and assist their caregivers as well. Galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are cholinesterase inhibitors that are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimers symptoms. These drugs may help reduce or control some cognitive and behavioral symptoms.
Scientists do not yet fully understand how cholinesterase inhibitors work to treat Alzheimers disease, but research indicates that they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical believed to be important for memory and thinking. As Alzheimers progresses, the brain produces less and less acetylcholine, so these medicines may eventually lose their effect. Because cholinesterase inhibitors work in a similar way, switching from one to another may not produce significantly different results, but a person living with Alzheimers may respond better to one drug versus another.
Before prescribing aducanumab, doctors may require PET scans or an analysis of cerebrospinal fluid to evaluate whether amyloid deposits are present in the brain. This can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis of Alzheimers before prescribing the medication. Once a person is on aducanumab, their doctor or specialist may require routine MRIs to monitor for side effects such as brain swelling or bleeding in the brain.
Read Also: What To Do To Avoid Dementia
Good Genes Are Nice But Joy Is Better
Family caregivers of loved ones with dementia often have high rates of depression and anxiety and physical problems related to chronic stress from their caretaking duties.
Researchers are now looking at a novel therapy for caregivers that not only reduces depression, but also boosts well-being. A new study published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics describes the first randomized controlled trial of a therapeutic approach that uses guided imagery and mindfulness practices to build empathic imagination for caregivers.
Currently support groups are the most widely used psychotherapy intervention for family caregivers. Although support groups provide caregivers with helpful information and an opportunity to share their experiences with each other, for many people they are not effective for managing the negative emotions associated with caring for a loved one with dementia, says Felipe A. Jain, investigator and director of Health Aging Studies at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Jain and his colleagues found that caregivers who participated in mentalizing imagery therapy had lower rates of depression and anxiety and better well-being than caregivers who attended a traditional support group. The study also confirmed preliminary findings that the imagery therapy strengthened caregivers brain circuitry related to cognitive control and emotional regulation.
Major funding for this study was provided by the National Institute on Aging.
Sources Of Affordable Counseling Services
1. Therapists covered by health insuranceMany large healthcare organizations offer therapy thats covered by their insurance plans.
Talk with your doctor to get a referral or call your health insurance provider to see if therapy is a covered service.
2. Free workplace Employee Assistance Programs Many large companies have Employee Assistance Programs where counselors help you deal with life changes and other stressful situations.
If you havent seen or heard about these programs at your office, check with your Human Resources person. Usually, the company wont be told who uses these services, so you shouldnt be afraid to use the help.
3. Low cost or sliding scale therapists Many therapists offer low cost or sliding scale fees. Sliding scale means that they charge people differently based on their financial situation.
Fees range from completely free to around $100. Here are a few options:
Recommended Reading: Is There Any Way To Slow Down Dementia