Change Is In the Air
Dear Caregivers,
This time of year I’m envious of my friends up North. While we get subtle signs of Autumn with the approach of cooler temperatures, they get the blazing glory of leaves changing colors: Bright yellows, reds and oranges all shout loud and clear that change is in the air.
The message can be a little bittersweet. After all, the glorious colors of fall mean that eventually, we’ll see the chilly weather of winter. The leaves turning color give us a vivid reminder that change, like it or not, is a continual and fundamental fact of life.
For a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, change can carry a special burden. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, continually bringing with it new challenges and dimensions. You may also be going through changes yourself as you adjust to the new reality that the disease creates.
If I can give you hope through this process, it is that you have the support of your NAN Navigator and your community, and that you have deeper strengths than you yourself may even know. Change is part of everyone’s life, and you are not alone in facing this challenge
Here are some more tips on coping with continual change:
Understanding the Stages and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease:
While every person who suffers from Alzheimer's disease has a unique path through the illness, there are some common symptoms. These symptoms have been grouped into seven stages that describe the path of disease progression over time. This guide can help you understand more.
The Challenges of Role Reversal in Caregiving:
You likely spent most of your life seeing your parent as a provider, protector, and decision-maker. Now, it is you who are in the role of being provider, protector, and decision-maker in your parent's life. Here’s how to manage that transition.
Facing the Grief of Caregiving:
It is common for family caregivers helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease to feel a profound sense of grief for all that is lost to this disease. Loss of interest in activities we previously found rewarding and enjoyable are lessened or no longer enjoyable. This is often seen in depression but can also be attributed to a profound loss. Here’s how to cope.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Be aware of what season you are in, and give yourself the grace to be there.”
— Kristen Dalton
