A new study from the Indiana University School of
Medicine reports that a quarter of family caregivers of
Alzheimer's dementia patients had at least one emergency room
visit or hospitalization every six months.
The behavior and functioning of the individual with Alzheimer's
dementia, rather than cognitive ability, were the major factors
determining whether the caregiver went to the emergency room or
was hospitalized.
Approximately four million older adults in the United States have
Alzheimer's disease and three million of them live in the
community, often cared for by family members. This number is
growing rapidly and by 2050 it is estimated that there will be
18.5 million cases of Alzheimer's dementia in the United States.
The role of family caregivers has
become more prominent, as care in the familiar surroundings of
home may delay onset of some symptoms and postpone or eliminate
the need for more professional and costly levels of care.
Home-based care may entail tremendous economic, emotional, and
even psychological costs as well. Family caregivers often give
up time from work and forego pay in order to spend an average of
47 hours per week with an affected loved one, who frequently
cannot be left alone. Caregivers are themselves subject to
increased incidence of depression, anxiety, and, in some cases,
physical health issues.
The transition to institutional care is particularly difficult
for spouses, almost half of whom visit the patient daily and
continue to provide help with physical care during their visits.
Clinical interventions that better prepare the caregiver for a
placement transition and treat their depression and anxiety
following placement may be of great benefit to these
individuals.
Wikipedia
How does a doctor cope when she specializes in
older adults and struggles to care for her own
ailing parent? Dr. Woodson shares her experience
as daughter and geriatrician in this new
resource for family caregivers. The book shoots
from the hip and from the heart, using everyday
language, real caregiver stories, compassion and
humor to bring practical information to
overwhelmed caregivers. Although it focuses on
eldercare, the book helps with caregiving for
any age, or any illness. This guide encourages
caregivers to protect their own health, finances
and relationships while they make the tough
decisions and give great care.
While they are giving care, the nation's 25 million
family caregivers rarely get a rest. Gone are the days
when you could rely on others to do the work of caring
for a loved one in your family. America's healthcare
system throws many of the vital decisions, costs and
burdens back on the family.
This book clearly defines your vital role in
developing your loved one's care plan. It teaches you
to deal successfully with managed care organizations,
home health services, and especially your loved one;
and arms you with the knowledge and skills you need
for deciding if your loved one's care is appropriate,
if your doctor is the right one, if something more is
needed. From wills and powers-of-attorney, to
practical tips for dealing with disabilities, to long
term care options, to battling stress and depression
-- the "shared wisdom" in this book comes not only
from the experienced editors of Today's Caregiver
Magazine, but also from the inspiring personal stories
of readers of the magazine who have learned to "stand
up to the system when the system no longer stands up
for your loved one."
Full of advice for family caregivers,
this one of a kind book written by a family caregiver
provides lessons from family caregivers across the
country, tips for interacting with the healthcare
system to better meet the needs of families dealing
with chronic illness, and a cogent presentation of how
public policy has a profound effect on even the most
intimate details of life in caregiving families.
Suzanne Mintz has deftly woven together self-help
ideas and emotional guidance for individual family
caregivers with an inspirational call to arms for
health policy change. Through her own powerful
personal story, she tackles the range of emotions and
the challenges facing every caregiver. And most
important, she offers advice on how to ask for help.
In addition she has taken the discussion of family
caregiving issues to the next level and clearly
explains why they demand the attention of our elected
officials. Whether you are a current or future family
caregiver, or a health policy advocate, you'll want to
read, and re-read, this book.
