Dementia is an umbrella term representing several diagnoses. Alzheimer’s Disease represents approximately one third of dementia cases. A myriad of other dementia diagnoses include Lewy Body Dementia, Frontal Temporal Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injury, and others. A caregiver may encounter their loved one having experiences such as confusion, memory loss, loss of reasoning ability, forgetting family member names and relationships, repetition, wandering, delusions, and incontinence. As a person with dementia has these symptoms, their caregiver often experiences frequent frustration, stress, mental exhaustion, and caregiver burnout – a medical condition. It is common for the one caring for a person with dementia to see their loved one as the same person they always were. After all, they generally look the same. This may even take place subconsciously as frustration builds during times of confusion. A family member with fatigue is still an amazing caregiver. It is engrained in us, in our culture and society, to care for our own. When a family member is experiencing frequent fatigue and frustration, it is time to widen their net of support for their own well-being and for their loved one. Broadening a pool of those who care for someone with dementia can restore their dignity while rejuvenating their caregiver. Their family members can step fully into that role of spouse, son, or daughter rather than being 24/7 caregivers. Memory Care can be an excellent added 24/7 resource. In this situation, family is not giving up. They are expanding their net to provide the best care, dignity, and socialization during the course of the condition.
