By Amy Hoffmann Schenk, RN, BSN, MS Ed, Community Engagement Lead Neuropsychiatric Research Center of SW Florida
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness month. It is also national family caregiver’s month. Family caregivers play a critical role in providing support, physical and emotional care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. The majority of individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia live at home. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, unpaid caregivers, including family friends and neighbors, provide an estimated 18 billion hours of care. That care, provided by approximately 11 million unpaid caregivers, is estimated to be valued at $339.5 billion. That is a staggering number. To understand the impact on caregivers, let’s review some facts about Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are over 6.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, with that number projected to increase to 13 million by the year 2050. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease does discriminate:
• Approximately 2/3 of individuals with Alzheimer’s are women
• Black Americans are about twice as likely as White Americans to have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia
• Hispanic individuals are one and a half times more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia
• Approximately 1 in 9 people 65 years of age and older have Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a public health crisis, and the numbers of those with the disease are continuing to grow. Do you know the number one risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease? It is age. 73% of individuals with Alzheimer’s are over the age of 75.
As mentioned previously, the vast majority of those providing care and support for those with Alzheimer’s disease are family members, friends and neighbors. Anyone who has ever been a caregiver likely knows that while it can be rewarding, it can also be challenging.
Let’s take a look at caregiving, who the caregivers are, the emotional and physical impacts of caregiving and also provide some tips for caregivers. One thing to consider is that most of us will become caregivers or need caregiving at some point in our lives, so this is nearly universal experience. What is the typical profile of a caregiver? According to the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute of Health, here are some common characteristics:
• Most are middle aged, with 30% of caregivers being over the age of 65
• Approximately 2/3 of caregivers are women, and specifically for dementia caregivers, 1/3 are daughters
• Twenty five percent (25%) are individuals who are considered to be the “sandwich” generation, meaning not only are they caring for an aging parent, but also have at least one child
• Caregivers providing care for those with dementia have higher levels of stress hormones.
In addition to these facts, research has shown that caregivers are likely to neglect their own health issues. According to the NIH, caregivers report lower levels of physical activity, poorer nutrition and sleep. In addition, sleep disturbances, as well as heart disease, anxiety, depression and challenges with memory and paying attention have all been reported in research. Research has shown that caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias have greater levels of physical and mental distress than other caregivers.
What do caregivers need? A number of things may make this journey a bit easier. It’s important to know of the resources and assistance available to help. They need emotional and hands on assistance with caregiving. They need to be acknowledged and appreciated for their role in caregiving. They need time for self-care and breaks from their caregiving responsibilities.
Here are some tips from the NIH for those providing caregiving to another:
• Do your best to get organized, make notes, keep important caregiving information in one place, and create a daily routine
• Accept help. Many times, caregivers hear “let me know if I can help” or “call me if you need anything”. Create a list of things that you can let others do for you. If they ask, you will have your list ready. Things like picking up prescriptions, groceries, helping with household tasks, spending time with your loved one when you run errands may be places to start. Create a running list of things that if you did not have to do, would make your life easier. Let others help!
• Follow up with your own health needs with your primary care provider
• Consider joining a support group which is a place where others in your situation can provide solutions, support and a sense of community
• Do the best you can to eat healthy and get in some moderate exercise
• Take a break to do something you enjoy. Call a friend, read a book, sit outside to enjoy nature, keep up with a fun hobby. Invest in yourself
Most importantly, give yourself grace and forgiveness. You are doing the best you can. Know that your efforts are appreciated.
If you are worried about changes in your memory, mood and/or others are noticing changes, it’s essential to contact your primary care provider for a health assessment. There are simple depression screenings that can be conducted in your health care provider’s office. If you are concerned about your memory, connect with the experienced team at the Neuropsychiatric Research center at 239-939-7777. We have a proven track record of helping individuals and families navigate memory related challenges. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. #MemoriesMatter.
Neuropsychiatric Research Center
239-939-7777 | nprc-swfl.com
14271 Metropolis Avenue., Fort Myers, FL
References:
Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures Report | Alzheimer’s Association
Caregiving | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)