As a caregiver, especially one who is related to the person they're caring for, things can get extremely difficult. There is such a thing as caregiver guilt in which you feel guilty, angry, and/or resentful that this has happened to your loved one as well as you. You may even start to resent the person who has it, but you must always remember it's not them it's the disease. In these types of situations it is understandable to feel this way, but learning more about how to deal with these overwhelming feelings is crucial.
The four quotes I have listed below are ones you should remember when caring for someone who has dementia - hopefully it will help you immensely like it did myself.
1) "One of the easiest ways to rob someone of their dignity is to be dismissive. Talking through, over or about them as if they are not there. Include, involve and respond as though you understand, even when you don't."
2) "When dealing with a loved one with dementia, remember the person not the disease. When dealing with challenging behavior, remember it's the disease not the person."
3) "Try to accommodate the behavior, not control the behavior. Remember that we can change our behavior or the physical environment. Changing our own behavior will often result in a change in our loved one’s behavior."
4) "Remember, the dementia patient is not giving you a hard time. The dementia patient is having a hard time."
Do you know someone who has Alzheimer's?
Have you ever suffered from caregiver guilt?
Are these quotes helpful for you if so?
xx Ash