Knowing that you have a loved one that's struggling with dementia or Alzheimer's isn't easy. There are several stages of the disease, and as a loved one goes through it, you have to watch them undergo tremendous personality and behavioral changes, all while they need constant care and attention. If you've been taking on this job all by yourself or with the help of additional family members, you should strongly consider hiring a caregiver for assistance. Here's why.
Unexpected Anger and Violence
Unfortunately, Alzheimer's does more than just rob people of their memories and autonomy. As the disease progresses, it can often cause those with the disease to become violent, angry, and difficult to work with.
This can cause several problems for someone who is just trying to care for them. The anger and frustration coming from your loved one may be enough to trigger your own anger and frustration, making it harder to care of them and commit to providing constant attention. In some extreme cases, Alzheimer's patients can even become physically violent, which may pose a serious hazard to you, especially if the person you're caring for is large or physically stronger than you are.
By bringing a professional into the situation, you can rely on someone with more experience to help calm and control your loved one.
Caregiver Burnout
A serious problem that loved ones often go through when caring for someone who is chronically ill with a disease like Alzheimer's is burnout. This is when a caregiver becomes frustrated, exhausted, and depressed from caring for someone around the clock.
If you've felt some of these feelings, they're not a personal fault or a sign that you're not a good person. It's natural to be exhausted and to need time to step away from the situation, especially since you're going through an emotional time as well. Professional in-home caregivers can help provide you with breaks so that you can invest in your own mental health.
Caring For Yourself
Even if you decide to take on the majority of the care of your loved one yourself, it's always a good idea to have a professional available in times of emergency. If you were to suddenly get sick with something serious, like the flu or COVID-19, or if another emergency came up where you needed to travel immediately, you may find yourself in a very difficult predicament. However, with a pro available to take over for you, you can take the time you need to either care for your own health or to attend to other matters that require your attention.
For more information, contact an alzheimer's personal care service near you to learn more.
