Dealing With an Alzheimer Spouse

How To Deal With an Alzheimer Spouse

It seems like a daunting task when your Spouse is diagnosed with Alzheimers. The unknown pathway ahead is often so overwhelming. Your dreams had been to spend your golden years together enjoying everything you worked for – and now you have an Alzheimer Spouse which wasn’t planned for.

Alzheimer Spouse – Education:
It is important with an Alzheimers Spouse to educate yourself about the illness. Read as much as you can about the process and what you are going to be dealing with. Instead of curling up into a little ball, go out there and find help. Find out about support groups are in your area and even those you can find on the internet and reach out. Talking about the illness is healing. You will find so much love and support from strangers who understand you and your feelings and fears, while the rest of your friends and family may distance themselves because they do not understand how to assist you. It’s the fear of the unknown.

There are a number of stages associated with Alzheimers, so find out about them and know what you will be dealing with into the future.

Three Stages Of Alzheimers

There are three stages of Alzheimers. Early Stage, Mid Stage and Severe Stage. Do look at the Alzheimers Association website for more information. You will be able to work with the early and probably the mid stage, but by the late stage, you personally will not be able to take care of your Alzheimer Spouse on your own. There are options available, so do consider your options.

Medication:

Your Alzheimer Spouse will need medication to help with his/her condition. There is no “one size fits all” result and that will need to be adjusted regularly. The road ahead is a long one but take heart that your doctors and support groups have been along this path and they will be here to guide you.

Legal Matters:

Contact an attorney that specializes in Elder Care and get the necessary documentation including but not limited to- Power of Attorney, Will and Testament, insurance information and of course medical details completed and filed so that you are able to take care of matters on behalf of your Alzheimer Spouse. The sooner you do it, the sooner your spouse will be able to have a legitimate say in the matter and that can feel a whole lot more comforting for you and your loved ones.

Take Care Of  Yourself:

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Find out about the necessary day care options, the help that you can get. Take time out when you can, your life is not over – you still have hopes and dreams. There will be a lot of emotion involved, talk to counsellors, go to your support group meetings, find on line support for those awake and lonely hours, but don’t forget to take care of yourself.

The beauty of this illness, if there is one, is that your loved one will return to his/her childlike self and there is a certain amount of vulnerability in that, however their is quite a lot of joy and relief in that too. They do not know in the late middle to late stage what is really happening around them, they feel no pain and they can be themselves. They can bring a lot of fun to your time with them. It is sad, but there is joy too – look for the joyful times.

At Senior Care Carolinas we know all about Alzheimers. We care for many Alzheimer Spouses. We understand your pain and we understand your need for them to be loved and cared for when you cannot do it anymore. We can help you when you get to the point of not being able to care for your Alzheimer Spouse. We know you love them and we take care of them in a loving and homely environment. We want you to know that help is on hand. You may want to come in and take a tour of one of our homes – you are welcome!

Contact us today at 704-608-5875 or info@seniorcarecarolinas.com for more information or to schedule a tour!