ALZHEIMER'S BLOG:

There is not only a change with your loved one with Alzheimer's but you also will change. When my husband and I decided to take care of his dad, we made our decision quickly. We both gave our jobs a two weeks notice, put our house up for sale, and made our plans to move from Decatur to Palos Heights, Ill. A lot of people may think this was a very difficult decision, but to us this was the easiest decision we made.

This disease not only changed the mental behavior and personality of the stricken person but also the behavior of the caretaker. Some times it was extremely difficult to put up. For example, in the later stages of Alzheimer's the person will ask you "What time is it?" and/or "What day is it?" At first you answer him politely, and than he may ask you again in a few minutes the same question. So you answer him politely again. Then, maybe 10 minutes later he will ask you the same question again, and you remind yourself that this is the disease talking, not your loved one. In about 30 minutes he will ask you the same question again. Now you must be thinking, So what is the big deal? All he is doing is asking you a simple question. Maybe he has asked it a few several times but so what? Now try to picture this going on all day long, day after day, month after month. Do you think this could possibly get on some one's nerves? And that is only a small part of it.

I want you to know that you may be human and sometimes get angry. You won't mean it, but you can only take it so long before you will want to blow up. Some people can take it longer than others. For instance my husband blew up much faster than I did. Than regret, and shameful feelings begin. This is why it is so important to get respite care. Some times you may need a break. You should not be mad at your self for wanting a break. But you will be much happier with your situation after you get a break. Check out the phone book for adult day cares or call the nursing homes around you to see if they have respite care for a short period. Just a thought. Hope this helps you know that you are not alone.

Sincerely,
Marie Fostino
Alzheimer's A Caretakers Journal
Seaboard Press An Imprint Of James A Rock Pub., Co.
www.mariefostino.com