
Caregivers advise Alzheimer’s patients to follow these tips in order to remain positive.
Based on the latest survey conducted in 2015, around 5.4 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease. This condition is the 5th deadliest disease among senior patients over 65 years old.
Worse, the number of people suffering from this condition increases every year. Regarding caregiving, 15 million people spent more than 18 billion hours and offered caregiving services worth around $221 billion.
However, it’s surprising that most of these caregivers are hesitant when they are required to spend money for their own benefit. Along with the Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, public health specialists aim to reduce the stress levels in caregivers, while also encouraging patients to remain positive.
Try to seek not just medical assistance but also moral support from your friends, family, and doctor. Experts stress that Alzheimer’s patients shouldn’t feel alone in this battle because they aren’t.
Contact any organization that provides reliable information and support such as the Alzheimer’s Association, for instance. Some of these organizations also offer caregiver resources and medical grants.
In case you are employed, you should reach the HR department and check if it has leave or family policies. One such example is the 1993 Family Medical Leave Act, which provides enough care time for you or any other family member living with Alzheimer’s.
If you are a caregiver, you shouldn’t be bothered about small details. Instead, you should be more relaxed to reduce stress. For instance, you shouldn’t be concerned about what the patient wants to wear if you go out for a walk.
On the other hand, be happy that he or she wants to spend some time outdoors. Regardless of whether you are an Alzheimer’s patient or a caregiver, make sure you pick one or more enjoyable activities to make your day better. Even little things, such as a hot cup of tea, can cheer you up on a rainy day.
Other recreational activities include going for a daily walk, listening to music, and attending Alzheimer’s group meetings. Also, you can go to a movie, eat at a nice restaurant, or if you can afford it, spend some time on a cruise with your family and friends. Although this condition is incurable, you can cope with it by maintaining a positive attitude.
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