I invite all of you to read this story that I found this morning. It is tragic and sad, but highlights the stress of being a caregiver. I think we need to tie the rope around ourselves and with the support of this website, avoid this kind of tragedy. http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/08/murder-case-glimpse-stresses-caretaking/news-breaking/
What a sad story. I wonder if there's a way we can get it publicized widely to bring attention to the difficulty of caregiving. This is something that Oprah should cover with lots of caregivers there talking about what it's really like.
His friends who were aware of his plight, should have called the Alzheimer's Association and asked them to step in and get him some psychological and caregiving help. That is the reason we emphasize awareness raising so much. If his friends had understood and been more aware of his stress and burden, maybe this tragedy could have been averted.
Great article - thanks for sharing it. I am not sure how much anyone can understand of the toll taking care of someone with this disease exacts unless that are actively participating on a very regular basis. A visit even of a few days every once in a while does not begin to tell the full story.
I'll speak for myself on the next part. I don't like to upset people and usually will mostly share the humorous stuff and make light of the difficulties. I also tend to stick to facts (he can no longer feed himself) and don't discuss my own emotional reactions to it. Unfortunately, this perpetuates the problem.
There really is a lot to the saying about "walking a mile in another man's shores".
this was a great article and it gives us a lot to think about. Too much. We all must do the best we can so that we can live with ourselves once this is over for our LO. Therrja, so true about "walking a mile in another man's shoes".
I am not very knowledgable of the new health care bill but I have read and listened to some that say it contains verbage that is supposed to make it easier for Seniors to be refused some procedures or even medeications. I know that our living will gives the Drs that option but I don't really like the Government being given the right to do the same thing.
I have also heard that the bill will give the Caregiver more help or financial assistance but not sure.
I do feel that the vast population does not appreciate what the Alzheimer's Caregiver goes through for so many, many years. Something needs fixin'. bill
Bill, this idea of the government making medical decisions is an effort by those opposed to the bill to confuse the public. Actually, what the bill does is make it possible for the doctor to be paid for discussing "end of Life" issues with the patient and family in order to get an idea of what they want. Under the present situation the doctor can spend an hour or more discussing these issues and get NO payment from the insurance or government. Also, living wills do not give the doctor the option of making decisions regarding treating or not treating. This is ALWAYS up to the patient and/or family. The living will tells the family and doctor what the patient wants done in certain situations. In all discussions regarding "end of life", the doctor gives the patient or family the options and possible outcome of each so they can make an informed decision.