Taking care of a family member with Alzheimer’s disease and/or a related dementia can be as exhausting as it is meaningful. Both physically and emotionally, caregiving takes a toll that we can all appreciate. Occasional breaks – whether for a few hours, a day, or a week or more – are important in order to recharge. Family caregivers need rest and support in order to continue to provide the best possible care to loved ones.
There are many supports available for family caregivers:
I saw Pat a few months ago on one of her many visits to Hebrew Rehabilitation Center. It was a beautiful spring day and she was visiting her mother so they could take in the sunshine together. I sought her out because I wanted to ask her to elaborate on feedback she sent in about Nomfundo Woods Mzamo, a certified nursing assistant at HRC, who she nominated for the “Hebrew SeniorLife ROCKS*” award.
Pat was happy to speak with me at length about the care Nomfundo has provided her mother throughout her time living at HRC. The first thing Pat told me is that Nomfundo has empathy, which she believes is very important.
At our adult day health programs, older adults socialize with their peers while participating in a wide variety of activities. And if nursing care is needed, it’s readily available.
Think of the alternatives.
For many seniors it might be eight or more hours of isolation. That’s because families have work and other commitments that force them to leave their loved one at home. A phone call every now and then doesn’t allow for much interaction. And what happens if the senior forgets to take his medications? Or leaves the stove on?