3 of the Most Difficult Situations Alzheimer’s Caregivers May Ever Face

Hispanic woman holding hands with senior woman

There are so many difficult situations people face as caregivers of people who have Alzheimer’s. Some are harder to accept than others. Here are three that are among the most difficult of all:

  1. If the person no longer recognizes you
  2. If the person loses the ability to talk
  3. If it’s time to engage hospice care services

Let’s look at each of these separately.

If the Person No Longer Recognizes You

Most people who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s dread the day when the person may no longer recognize them. They may think that would be the worst fate possible.

When a loved one doesn’t recognize you, it’s as though you no longer exist in their world. It can cause searing pain. But ultimately, this is a situation that only hurts you. It typically doesn’t bother them. And that’s what matters.

If the Person Loses the Ability to Talk

If the person who has Alzheimer’s no longer talks, you may feel that you can’t communicate with him or her anymore. There are several forms of nonverbal communication that can help you reach the person, sometimes even on a deep level. Three of the most important ones are: 1) Touch, 2) Smiling and 3) Using visual cues.

If It’s Time to Engage Hospice Care Services

This is the last difficult experience you may have with your loved one. If you need to involve hospice in his or her care it can be extremely difficult and even depressing. You may dwell on dark thoughts of the person’s impending death.

Keep in mind, however, that your loved one is in most cases not aware that death is approaching. Thus, you are the one suffering. Your loved one may be oblivious and enjoy life just as much as before.

Your loved one may also relish the extra attention received by the hospice personnel. If you continue to have a problem with it you may want to consider getting counseling to help you cope.

Article Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marie-marley/alzheimers-caregivers-thr_b_6782804.html