How can we help caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s dementia?

Abstract

Social, family and professional life depending on diverse factors. The caregiver burden is mainly related to patients with behavioral disturbances (BPSD) and loss of cognitive functions. Caring for a patient with dementia directly links to significant psychological stress. it also affects the caregivers' physical and mental health. The psychiatric morbidity is higher among the caregivers population. Depression, anxiety disorder and insomnia have been found to be the most common. in this article, the authors share their own experiences and reflections from the use of psychotherapy with caregivers. The primary goal of psychotherapy is to help the patient's caregiver adapt to the new situation and in improving relationships and communication with the patient. An important element of therapy is to reign in emotions associated with exercising care, helping with getting over the loss a loved one, accepting restrictions imposed on social and family life, and preventing feelings of loneliness. The aims of therapeutic interventions should include: education about dementia, improving the effectiveness and skills needed to deal with patients, and fostering a sense of security. it seems that the best kind of help for caregivers of people suffering from dementia, are their support groups.Autorzy dzielą się w artykule swoim doświadczeniem psychoterapeutycznym w zakresie pomocy osobom, które opiekują się członkami rodziny z postępującym otępieniem. Przedstawiają charakter różnych form pomocy, cele interwencji oraz sposoby rozwiązywania dylematów, przed którymi stają opiekunowie chorych oraz ich terapeuci.

Problems Faced by Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Patients

“…The fifth major theme depicts family conflicts indicating that caregivers face hardships in relations, affected marital bond, disturbed home environment and financial crisis. This was supported by previous studies for example Rachel and Turkot (2015) reported economical and personal constraints, increased personal problems (Schulze & Rössler, 2005;Salama & El-Soud, 2012)and that close relations can further give birth to distress and conflicts as well (Stengard, 2002;Qualls & Zarit, 2009) and it even escalates if patient is living with his or her family.…”

“…Most often, caregivers with excessive burden are females, people with low social status, elderly individuals, and individuals with low educational levels. Certain factors that influence the feeling of burden are: tension, financial or personal constraints and even the relation before and during the disease between the caregiver and the patient (Rachel & Turkot, 2015).It is difficult to care for elderly Alzheimer patients. As a result of daily care needs, including changing, bathing feeding, day to day assistance and household work, care givers frequently fail to address their own needs sufficiently (Neumann & Dias, 2013).…”

Usability of the COPE Index in the assessment of subjective caregiving burden of family caregivers of older people: A cross‐sectional Study

“…The results of a study by Rachel et al show that providing care for older people with low functional capability in their home environment generates caregiver's burden and negative changes in the quality of life (Rachel et al, 2015).…”