WINNEMUCCA - Meetings for creating a Nevada Plan for Alzheimer's and related dementias have concluded. Our final product includes 22 recommendations for action during the 2013 Nevada Legislative session. Although some items had to be dropped by the wayside due to time constraints and bill requirements, the document is powerful Frustration after the September meeting when I felt rural Nevadans were being shoved aside turned to relief and joy as our Task Force reviewed each suggestion. While many adjustments will be made before it lands in the hands of legislators, essential highlights include disseminating knowledge about Alzheimer's disease to practitioners and individuals so that the correct diagnosis can be made and the best procedures prescribed; rural tele-health connections so that all citizens are in touch with the latest research, medication updates, and care for victims of Alzheimer's; collaboration between victim, caregiver, family, family physician, and trained specialists such as neurologists; and expanded respite care for caregivers.
The economic impact of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is astronomical. With extended nursing home care costing $6,000-$8,000 per month (and more) and an aging population with increased longevity, solutions must be uncovered. While long-term care is a critical need for many patients as they become unruly and dangerous to family members, it is important to extend in-home services so that the victim remains in familiar surroundings and the primary caregiver receives crucial support through assistance and respite. If we work to remedy this problem now, the future will be better and brighter for us all.
November is National Caregiver Month. This encompasses caregivers of every sort - from children, to adults, to caring for those recovering from disease to spending final moments with a loved one. Caregivers often provide service that is free, given from the heart to make a positive difference in the life of others. Some caregivers are in paid positions and they too carry special qualities of love and tenderness that they share with those in need. There are few individuals more dedicated than those who care for the elderly, whether at home or in a care facility.
Frequently caregivers are on call 24/7, with no breaks and no respite. Many of these when asked if they need assistance will reply, "No, thanks. We're doing fine." And they are doing fine other than the exhaustion, stress, and overwhelming responsibility of caring to every need of a loved one. Caregivers are proud individuals who often find it difficult to ask for or accept help. It seems that Grand-dad feels he must be in complete control of the care for grand-ma or else he appears incompetent. Sons, daughters and grandchildren tend to parents and in-laws because it is the right thing to do, while continuing to work full-time, go to school, travel to athletic events and conferences, cook, clean, shop... This dedication is wonderful and invaluable to a caring society, but it is also imperative that caregivers are cared for as well.
So how about offering to "sit" while daughter gets a pedicure and son goes to the gym. How about sponsoring "Night Out" for a family while you stay at home with a loved one? Yard work, meal delivery, an offer for a trip to Reno decreases overload and inspires new life and vitality.
As a caregiver, note the issues that bring you the greatest emotional and physical stress. Now act to remedy these, determining what is under your control - needless, non-productive arguments about clothes or meals - and what is not under your control - bathing to retain health and hygiene. Act on items that you must; leave the rest on the shelf. Remember that you are human and that coping with tough situations, drama and trauma, and overpowering anxiety drain away health, energy, and emotional stability. Find a plug - a willing neighbor or friend - and allow them to intercede as necessary.
And caregiver friend, remember your role as helper, listener, and non-judgmental ally. You must follow the requests of the caregiver, offering advice and input only when asked or when the idea seems appropriate and appears to be acceptable. Many will recall that as my sister dropped to less than 90 pounds our comments of concern about her eating were taken as insults by my brother-in-law about the way he was caring for her. Messy hair and dirty clothes drove we sisters to abstraction; Rich had greater fears and anxieties as he watched his beloved wife melt away. We learned to support him rather than to demand.
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