Caregiver’s greatest concerns about a loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease are memory loss, personal safety and confusion, and a new survey* reveals new concerns of caregivers.
A poll of 524 caregivers also found that 67 % named at least one cognitive change in their loved one as a main concern, 55 % said caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s has taken a toll on their own health; and 60% said they felt overwhelmed.
Other findings:
- Women were more likely than men to “worry all the time” and less likely than men to feel that they have support to take care of themselves and their own needs.
- Women were more likely than men to find it challenging to maintain relationships with family and friends
- People looking after loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease were more likely to say that caregiving frequently prevents them from doing activities they enjoyed, compared to caregivers of loved ones with moderate or mild Alzheimer’s disease.
- Men were more likely than women to be satisfied with communication with their loved one’s health care professional and more likely to regularly discuss options for support or information
- Dissatisfaction with a loved one’s treatment was expressed by 53% of caregivers who had little or no involvement in discussions with health care providers, compared with 31% of caregivers who were involved.
“These survey results reveal that changes in cognition as the disease progresses were an important concern among caregivers. We encourage caregivers and health care professionals to discuss these changes and any others during regular visits,” Eric J Hall, President and CEO of the AFA.
* This survey was conducted by Harris Interactive in September for drug makers Eisia Inc. and Pfizer Inc., in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA).
From: caring.com
CONFESSIONS OF A MASTER CAREGIVER 