Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's Disease or a Related Disorder

The Alzheimer's Association and Hospice Buffalo Can Offer You:

• 24 hour, 7 day a week access to a Hospice RN
• Pain and SymptomManagemen
• Home visits by aNurse Practitioner
• Consultation between a Hospice physician and your loved one's primary care physician
• HomeHealth Aide Services: light housekeeping, assistance bathing, dressing and eating
• Respite Care - caregiver breaks
• Emotional support and counseling
• Support groups
• Education related to:
  Monitoring Pain and other symptoms
   Communication
   Nutrition and swallowing
  Mobility
   Skin care and personal hygiene  Behaviormanagement
• Assistance with Advance Care Planning
• Information about Community Resources

Are You the Caregiver of Someone with Alzheimer's Disease?

Are You Concerned About What to Expect as the Disease Progresses?

Are You Worried About Having Enough Energy to Continue Caring for Your Loved One at Home? 
 

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, the Alzheimer's Association and Hospice Buffalo can help.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can be physically and emotionally exhausting. The Alzheimer's Association and Hospice Buffalo can provide a way so that both your needs and the needs of your loved one will be met.

Warning Signs of Caregiver Stress

Denial about the disease and its effect on your loved one.

Anger at the person with Alzheimer's; anger that no cure exists; anger with the situation.

Social withdrawal from friends and activities that once brought pleasure.

Additional signs:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Exhaustion
• Change in sleep patterns
• Irritability
• Problems Concentrating
• Changes in eating habits
• Health problem

Ways to Reduce Caregiver Stress

• Be prepared for the changes you will see as the disease progresses
• Recognize and accept your limitations
• Ask for the support of your friends and family
• Get enough sleep; eat healthy food; try to exercise when/if possible
• Make legal and financial decisions as soon as possible
• Join a support group
• Forgive yourself for not always being patient, for not always being perfect

Contact your social worker or the Alzheimer's Association to learn more at (716) 626-0660.

www.alz.org/wny