Are you the Caregiver
for a Family Member with
Alzheimer's Disease
in Your Home?
There are approximately 5.8 million people with Alzheimer's Disease living in the United States at this time. 87% of these people are living at home with their family. According to figures released by the Alzheimer's Association, almost 15 million Americans are unpaid caregivers for loved ones with this illness.
I have often wondered how many of these caregivers have the information they need to provide the best care possible for their loved one.
The role of a caregiver for a family member with Alzheimer's Disease in the home can be very difficult. The goal of this website is to provide helpful information, tips, and support for these caregivers. I will describe the different stages of the disease and the behaviors which may present as the disease progresses. I will also provide research and treatment information.
I have been a registered nurse for 27 years and I have provided care for thousands of patients with this disease and in all types of settings. I am one of the few nurses who has worked in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, and faith community nursing.
Several years ago I realized the caregivers of these patients needed my help as well as the patient. I began to research the effects of this disease on the caregiver. What I discovered was that many of the caregivers did not have a strong support system and were unaware of the help that was available to them.
I decided to create a website which offered information and a place for caregivers to share their views and interact with other caregivers. I am hoping those who have had several years of experience living with this life altering disease will be able to provide emotional support and their experiences to those who are just beginning their roller coaster ride.
I will provide links to related websites which may be helpful to
the caregivers. I will also share with you the techniques used by nurses
when they are caring for patients affected by this disease. Most people
may only know and have dealt with one or two patients with dementia,
where I have provided care to thousands over the last 27 years. I have
dealt with so many different types of behaviors and problems related to
this disease, and I am hoping to share some of that experience with you.
There are so many different areas of life affected by Alzheimer's Disease and no one person has all of the answers. My goal is to help answer as many of them for you as I can.
I also have an Alzheimers Blog site www.AlzheimersInYourHome.com
Please check it out if you have time, I believe there is a lot of information you may find helpful.
Do you know what stage of Alzheimer's Disease your loved one is in?
Do you know what to watch for next?
Do you have sitters coming in and need to have a better system to help them provide the best care?
Does your loved one have behaviors that you should be tracking?
Do you have all of the information written down you need when you go to your doctor visits to help them understand what needs you may have?
Do you need help keeping track of appointments, medicines, vital signs, weights, meals, bowels, and behaviors?
The Caregivers Notebook will help you recognize what stage your loved one is in and prepare for what is coming next for your loved one.
It is very important you understand the disease and know what is coming next!
I also have an Alzheimers Blog site
Please check it out if you have time, I believe there is a lot of information you may find helpful.
