How Many Caregivers are required for an Alzheimer’s patient

 

 

 

How Many Care Givers

does

An Alzheimer’s Patient Require

 

 

An Alzheimer’s Disease Victim requires 24/7 Care Giving. How many Caregivers are required to provide progressively enhanced care for the Alzheimer’s patient?

 

Alzheimer’s Disease absolutely necessitates care, but to what degree? The answer to this question is dependent upon three widely defined things.

1)… The Stage of digression the Alzheimer’s Victim is in, as well as his or her current physical health, background, intellectual and emotional level, etc.

2)… The background, skills, intellectual and emotional level of the Caregivers as well as their organizational abilities and their willingness to do what has to be done.

3)… The respite opportunities offered to and taken by the Caregivers in their effort to remain psychologically well enough to continue providing ever enhancing care.

A rule of thumb might be… In the beginning stages observations by one Caregiver is often sufficient to keep a ‘loose’ eye on things. Thereafter, it would be wise to preserve the mental and emotional strength of Caregivers by having at least two people who are willing to alternate time throughout each day to care for the Alzheimer’s Victim. This is generally accomplished in a low key fashion because the Victim still retains a good degree of their senses and with only some degree of help is able to successfully make it through each day.

NOTE… One reason for two Caregivers (or more) at this point is to allow each Caregiver the opportunity to better prepare for the future by initially experiencing light ‘on the job training’. Training in a manner which allows them to slowly migrate into an understanding of the various responsibilities required of them rather than all of a sudden finding themselves in the midst of a important, even vital care giving task without really knowing what they are doing or how to properly do it.

Beyond that stage, there are too many variables involved to specifically state, ‘this equates to that’. The key factors which are most important to consider though, in addition to surveying the physical health and medical requirements of the Victim, of course, are the continued… willingness …of the Victim to work with the Caregivers. Also, the Caregivers continued… willingness …to work with both the victim and other Caregivers involved. This is one reason why it is vital for the one assuming the Primary Caregiver position to invoke, ‘The Buck Stops Here‘ philosophy. One person needs to be in charge of making ongoing care giving decisions.

When family members are assuming primary care, it might be a good idea for each of those with ‘full time’ availability (however you each define that to mean) to take the principle role for awhile in order to begin to better grasp the responsibilities of that position. Thereafter, hopefully, each will be more inclined to step up to the plate to do their part to relieve he or she who is ultimately appointed the Primary Caregiver… as well as whomever else might provide dedicated time.

Alzheimer’s care giving can be very, very difficult. Care giving has the distinct potential to completely drain a person’s mental, emotional and physical stores. Particularly when relief in the form of respite is not at least somewhat often and regular. Not only intermittent respite, but regularly scheduled lengthily time away from his or her hour by hour responsibilities.

In order to ensure all involved will become better able to work through the possibly long ordeal in the best possible manner, each must be willing to work together to come up with a plan which provides for the mental, emotional and physical stabilization of each of the Care Givers as well as the Victim. Once you are willing to cohesively work together, you’ll become better able to identify just how many Caregivers are required to fulfill the demands of the disease.

 

What’s next in the learning process…

‘The Buck Stops At The Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Door‘