Great Tips for Spousal Caregivers

Being a care giver is a big challenge. Here are some  Tips for Spousal Caregivers to make it easier.   It is even harder when you have to take care of a spouse suffering with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.  Med-Q Pill Box dispenser offers these great tips for spousal caregivers.  These tips will make the Alzheimer’s journey a little bit easier.  Hence, anything that will ease the burden for the patient and the caregiver is great.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia

Doctors will tell you, “Alzheimer’s disease, the most prominent form of dementia”. More so, they will say. “Iit is a progressive and degenerative mental disorder”.  This will lead to a loss of cognitive function as well as short term memory.  Many times, the patient will suffer from new physical attributes. In general, dementia is a generic term.  Most Healthcare professionals; use it to describe symptoms that involve the loss of cognitive functioning and behavioral abilities.  These symptoms will interfere with daily life and get worse over time.  Alzheimer’s disease is just one of many forms of dementia. Finally,  Alzheimer’s is something that primarily affects seniors.

Alzheimer’s is an insidious illness.  In fact, these effects are progressive. Hence, the symptoms may start small but as time passes, they can become worse and worse.  Many patients will no longer be able to perform day-to-day tasks. When this happens, the dementia patients will need the help of a caregiver .

It may be worse for married couples.  For example  when a wife starts  to show signs of serious dementia the husband will  become the caregiver..  With that said, dementia caregiving is horrible.  The sufferers behavior can lead to many challenges and obstacles.  All these will strain the relationship. You need to know how to navigate the issues properly.  If you don’t,  it will cause problems and rifts in the relationship.

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Tips for Spousal Caregivers

The Most Common Relationship Problems

Alzheimer’s will totally change a relationship.  Almost always for the worse.  For many married couples, these problems can lead to arguments, resentment, tension and even loss of the relationships. Dementia is always going to be a stressful time.  Furthermore, the stress is not only for the patient but for the caregiver as well. In fact, caregivers for those with dementia are at an increased risk of stress, depression.  They could have many other health  and financial complications.

Alzheimer’s is more than twice the amount incurred by individuals without Alzheimer’s. than $10,000 to pay the out-of-pocket health and long-term care costs of a senior with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. This is more than four times greater than the average annual out-of-pocket costs of seniors without dementia.

The Journal of Family Nursing issued a new study.  The data covered  and overview of spousal caregiving to look at some of the common problems in spousal caregiving that has led to relationships  issues.

Some of the most common  issue,  major communication problems.  For example, when the sufferer is not able to socialize or even speak. Moreover, when the disorders got in the way of plans that they’ve had for a long time, such as travel, it can dramatically interfere with the relationship. Anxiety is another one of the common symptom of dementia.  This is the root of another problem that negatively effects as well as to strained relationships.

How can a spouse care for their loved one with Alzheimer’s disease?  First of all,  it can lead to the spouse caregiver being overburdened.  Many caregivers will fall into a kind of depression. This will make the problems between the couple and create worse.  Sometime, the damage is irreparable.  The report’s data showed that many couples ended up losing their relationship.

There are many common problems that many spousal caregivers face.  However, there are ways to improve the outcome.  These tips can hopefully avoid detrimental effects on the relationship.

Tips for Spousal Caregiving

According to a newly published report from the University of Buffalo, spouses becoming caregivers for their ailing partners is quite very common in the US.

There was one common factor that all caregivers expressed.  They believe that when their help is appreciated it leads to increased health benefits and happier moods. The goal, to have clear and open communication with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s and/or dementia.

This study has given support to the importance of good communication.  The evidence shows how important it is to target emotional communication between spouses in daily activities. This will “improve psychological well-being in the context of chronic conditions and disability,” the study said.

Things that can often lead to tension in the relationship is caregiver stress.

Caregiver stress is a problem that many caregivers deal with in which they experience issues such as impatience, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, changes in mood, and more. Unfortunately, these issues can cause caregivers to take their frustrations out on their spouse, putting more tension on the relationship.

Caregivers can make a few lifestyle changes to help reduce their levels of stress. For example, getting a well-balanced diet and proper exercise will help improve mental and physical health. Caregivers can also make these lifestyle changes along with their partner, which will not only improve their mood but can help to strengthen and solidify the relationship between the spouses.

Dementia poses a number of problems for the patient and the caregiver, especially if the caregiver is a spouse, it can lead to rifts in the relationship. Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s may be one of the most difficult challenges you face, hopefully, these tips can help you and your loved one find the best way to work through the challenges and keep a strong relationship.  Med-Q is happy to provide Tips for caregivers.

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