Complementing excellent medical care, Keep Memory Alive and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’s focus on caregivers affirms that neurocognitive diseases impact not just the patient but everyone involved in offering care and support. Research indicates that caregiving is a risk factor to the health and wellbeing of the caregiver. They may be at increased risk for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, depression as well as other adverse health outcomes. In some instances, the caregiver may die before the patient.
Everyone agrees that it can be challenging to care for an individual with a neurocognitive disease over the course of the illness. At times, caregivers may exhibit symptoms and behaviors related to the stresses of caregiving. Some of the warning signs for excessive levels of burden include significant or prolonged increases in:
- Anger and frustration
- Withdrawal from family, friends and community involvement
- Exhaustion
- Excessive worry
- Irritability
- Forgetfulness
In recognition of these challenges, we strive to provide caregivers with the tools to care for themselves especially during times of significant stress and transition. Our commitment to “taking care of the caregiver” is the common theme through all of the services and programs we offer including educational classes, lending library, social work, counseling, support groups and activities that offer a break from caregiving. Our goal is to assist caregivers with key tasks of caring for themselves:
- Learning how to take time for yourself – makes a difference, even just a few minutes a day.
- Understanding the diminished capacities in your loved one brought about by the disease – serves to reduce the anxiety and frustrations associated with changes in judgment, thinking and behaviors.
- Developing a circle of family, friends and neighbors – lessens isolation and builds a team of supporters.
- Staying healthy – benefits you and your loved one.
- Accepting help and support from others – recognizes that everyone needs a hand at times.
- Connecting with community resources – builds a strong network of support.
- Finding comfort in knowing that your loved one is safe and receiving good care – acknowledges your commitment and helps to minimize feelings of guilt for not being able to do it all.
Who cares for the caregiver? We do, offering support and guidance every step of the way.