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The demands of providing care for a spouse with dementia at the
same time you are working and responsible for young children (not to
mention household duties) is overwhelming. At times, it may be
impossible to balance all these needs simultaneously. The caregiver
must maintain a sense of what is realistic when considering the options
involved in making sure everyone's needs are being met: the person with
dementia, the spouse/caregiver, and the children.
What to do:
- Support from extended family is important, but sometimes there
is no family support nearby.
- Seek out the support of friends. It is difficult to ask for help
over and over again, but in times of crisis, it is necessary.
Friends usually want to help, so don’t be afraid to ask. Keep a list
of tasks that you need help with so that when a friend says “Please
let me know what I can do to help”, you’ll be ready with an answer.
- If you use the internet, consider building these support
resources through a community caregiver web site such as eHope.
Check out their web site and see what a powerful tool this can be:
http://www.ehope.nu/1/1b2M.aspx
- Look to your church or religious group for support. Sometimes
just knowing someone is praying for you and thinking about you can
lift your spirits and help you move forward.
- A social worker can be helpful in mapping out options and
prioritizing needs of all family members. Ask your physician,
insurance company or local state health department office for a
referral.
- Ask your physician and insurance company about home care
services. An especially opportune time is upon discharge from a
hospital admission. If supervision is a medical necessity, the
services of a homecare aide or attendant may be covered by
insurance.
- When safety is an issue, consider placement outside of the home.
As difficult as this may be, safety must be a priority especially
when children are involved.
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