As we navigate through the world where the COVID health crisis continues to be a significant part of our lives, it is imperative to take care of ourselves. If we are also a caregiver for a loved one, the job is even more overwhelming stressful.
Can you imagine what it would feel like if your loved one, the person you are a caregiver for, doesn't remember how to tie their shoes or perhaps forgets how to turn on their computer?
These things happen when you take care of someone who has a memory illness that falls under the umbrella of dementia. The responsibility of making sure that, as the primary caregiver, you have help in this job is crucial. The caregiving job also involves extended family, and the children of patients sandwiched between their aging parents and their own growing family.
Dementia illnesses, of which Alzheimer's accounts for about 50% in America, are different than many other caregiving illnesses.
If you are caring for someone who has cancer, there are continually new treatments and clinical trials of new drugs for the patient. There are few new drugs in the Alzheimer's arena, and it is a fatal disease. It is an illness that strips hope away.
Today the ambulance came to my apartment building and took a lovely woman to the hospital to die. She was, for ten years, the primary caregiver for her husband, who suffered from Parkinson's dementia. He could not get out of bed or take care of any of his physical needs. She was not outwardly sick, but what did she die of? Stress and the overall wear and tear that her body endured while taking care of her husband.
How do we know this? 50% of caregivers of Dementia patients die before the patient because of the stress involved in the caregiving job.
I am writing you today because I am very concerned about CAREGIVERS and am particularly worried about those taking care of Dementia patients.
Here is a list of the obstacles that must be addressed:
- Problem-solving
- Home organization
- Financial organization
- Trusted Resources
- Self-care
- Sadness
- Isolation
- Feeling Overwhelmed
Caregivers-Wellbeing is a consulting practice that works with only the caregivers to help them through this challenging job. I know the stress; I lived through it with my husband, and I know what kinds of advice I needed.
I needed someone who was "on my team,”, my emotional and physical team. This is what the Consulting at Caregivers-Wellbeing brings to you; a safe and confidential place to say whatever you are feeling coupled with resources; suggestions, and a plan of how to get through the downward slide, which is a little like black ice: once it starts downward, there is no stopping until you get to the end.
Please call Ellie Anbinder to discuss your needs at 1-508-380-2042
