“I am burned out from caring for a
patient with Alzheimer's disease(dementia)”. This can be a common
complaint from a caregiver and it is something that must be
addressed. This illness is very labor-some to many and it is because
of the very nature of the illness. A patient's symptoms may almost
exhibit the behavior of a rude child. Caregivers who are burnt out
often state that the patient is not trying to help themselves. Is
this so? It may or may not be
The Illness or the Attitude
Jean from England states that her
patient and friend can do more but has become depend on her for
everything. This is a very tricky situation and it really depends on
the patient. Some may become “lazy” or dependent on the caregiver
to the point where they stop trying to help themselves. I am speaking
very broad here as all situations are different. This type of patient
in many ways has given up to the illness and that is the wrong
approach. A caregiver can experience burnout from caring for an
Alzheimer's patient. Dementia is a serious illness and often the
person suffering is actual physically weak or mentally confused so
you must really know the patient.
What helps in Jean's situation is that
she really knows the patient who is also a friend, this can be an
incredible help. Is the patient really rude, cranky, or just having a
bad day? Is it the illness causing the attitude? The answers to
these questions lie in knowing your patient. The patient may be your
grandmother or mother, this is good because you usually know them
best. Always exercise compassion and long-suffering with difficult
people, take a walk outside, go shopping and give yourself a long
break. Care giver burnout is common, please know that this illness
can make you sick (stressed out) if you do not find a balance. A
break from the patient and Caregiver may help both parties. The
bottom line is to know the patient well enough to determine if it is
illness or attitude.
SEE HERE my mother has dementia
SEE HERE my mother has dementia
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