Health Center - Caregiving
More than 65 million people are providing care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged spouse, child, parent, relative or friend, and the majority of these caregivers are women. From caring for another to taking care of yourself, get the information and support you need to protect your well-being and the health of those you care about.
Caregiving Guide
Caregiving Through the Holidays: 7 Considerations for Families Coping With Alzheimer's or Dementia
According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in eight people over the age of 65 suffered from Alzheimer's disease in 2011, with that statistic rising to almost half of individuals over age 85 (that's 5.4 million Americans overall). With those disturbing odds, it's likely that you will come into contact with someone suffering from Alzheimer's or other dementia this holiday season.
Whether your loved one is a parent, grandparent, other relative or family friend, you're probably wondering what to expect during your time together. Nataly Rubinstein, a licensed clinical social worker and certified geriatric care manager, says the presence of Alzheimer's or dementia will change the way the holidays "have always been," but you can take concrete steps that create the best odds for an enjoyable experience.
"When someone you know and love is diagnosed with one of these diseases, the 'new normal' can be difficult to understand, accept and deal with, especially around the holidays," says Rubinstein, author of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias: The Caregiver's Complete Survival Guide. "The key to best managing your holiday experience is to educate yourself as to what you should expect and to regulate your expectations accordingly."
As an Alzheimer's coach—a mix between a psychotherapist and a consultant—Rubenstein regularly works with families to form the strategic plans and coping skills needed to improve their quality of life while caring for a family member with dementia. Besides her professional work in dementia care, she served as a primary caregiver for 16 years after her mother was diagnosed with dementia.
Here are seven things Rubinstein suggests keeping in mind if you'll be visiting someone with Alzheimer's or dementia in the coming weeks:
1. Understand why you feel the way you do. There's nothing joyous or merry about the fact that someone you love has a degenerative and ultimately fatal disease. So even though this is supposed to be "the most wonderful time of the year," according to Rubinstein, it's completely normal for you to feel sad, confused, worried or frustrated by the upcoming holiday gatherings.
