Great Care continues to observe World Alzheimer’s Month in September, providing support to caregivers looking after parents or grandparents with this common form of dementia. And as the Baby Boomer generation continues to reach, and surpass, ages 65 and older, the number of those caring for and living with Alzheimer’s and dementia is predicted to increase.

“Too many of America’s Baby Boomers will spend their retirement years either with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone who has it,” says the Alzheimer’s Association, in its “Generation Alzheimer’s: The Defining Disease of the Baby Boomers” report.

The majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, and they live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, according to the Association. Alzheimer’s — which causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior — is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

“Alzheimer’s can be so devastating to caregivers and family members of those affected because symptoms are often obvious to them, while those suffering the dementia may not recognize what’s happening around them,” says Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, symptoms of the disease usually develop slowly and worsen over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

“The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information because Alzheimer’s changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning,” says the Alzheimer’s Association website. “As Alzheimer’s advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.”

Alzheimer’s symptoms can be especially devastating for adults caring for their aging parents, Sullivan says. They must watch the disease rob their loved ones of completing simple tasks, showing emotion, and sharing memories.

“We try to remind families who seek our support and services that when caring for parents, grandparents or loved ones with Alzheimer’s, they are not alone,” Sullivan says. “Providing daily help or respite care, assisting with activities and chores, and planning for the future are all components of caregiving for those with Alzheimer’s that our team is highly familiar with.”

Local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association — including the Greater Indiana Chapter — can also provide resources to help caregivers face the unknowns that come with elder care and Alzheimer’s. There are local support groups, online message boards, and specialized care training available for those parenting a parent with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“As a caregiver, you may find yourself with so many responsibilities that you neglect taking good care of yourself,” says the The Alzheimer’s Association. “But the best thing you can do for the person you are caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong.”

The association suggests seeing a doctor, get moving, and eating well as ways to maintain strength while caregiving, as well as these five tips to help cope:

• Manage your level of stress and find ways to relax.
• Be realistic. Grieve the losses, focus on positive times, and enjoy good memories.
• Give yourself credit, not guilt.
• Take a break, and look into respite care to allow time to take care of yourself.
• Accept changes, especially as loved ones need more intensive care.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.