Oftentimes, when we think about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, we tend to focus on the patient and the erosion of their independence as the disease becomes progressively more debilitating. A less focal issue, but nevertheless just as harmful, is the impact on that individual’s family members. Their often-silent struggle progresses along with the disease, exposing them to increasingly severe psychological, physical, financial, and social stressors.
Psychological Stress
One of the most renowned risks to a family affected by Alzheimer’s disease is the impact on their mental health. Providing care to an ailing family member, while noble, is an extremely draining task. Fatigue and burnout can set in quite quickly and devolve into long-term anxiety and depression. These mental health conditions are often brought on by role captivity, a psychological phenomenon common to caregivers that elicits feelings of being trapped and lacking choice in life.
Physical Well-Being
The lifestyle changes necessary to provide care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can also negatively affect physical health. Families affected by Alzheimer’s disease are at greater risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, as well as increased risk of dependence on nicotine and alcohol. These risk factors are further exacerbated by insufficient exercise and lack of sleep, both of which are common for caregiving families.
Financial Difficulties
The financial burden of Alzheimer’s disease can also extend beyond the cost of medical consultations and pharmaceuticals, which alone can be considerable in their own right. Providing care is often a full-time commitment, requiring time off from paid work and arranging for child care outside the home. Additional expenses for personal care items and residential necessities such as lawn and home maintenance can also add to the financial burden.
Social Isolation
Caregiving can feel like an all-consuming activity, leaving little free time for other responsibilities and relationships. Family conflict can develop between siblings who may feel the division of caring duties is unfair, with children acting out from not getting enough attention from a busy parent, or with a spouse who doesn’t have as much time for their partner as they previously did. The relationship between the caregiver and care receiver can also break down as the Alzheimer’s symptoms progress, leaving the caregiver feeling unappreciated or forgotten.
A Better Plan
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, many families attempt to provide care on their own. While this may be feasible in the beginning, most families are not equipped to handle long-term care and are unaware of how far-reaching the impact can be on their family members. One of the best ways to alleviate some of the family stress when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is to share tasks among a large network of family members, friends, neighbors, community services, and professional services. This will decrease the amount of psychological, physical, financial, and social stress on each family member, as well as encourage communication and taking necessary breaks. By sharing the workload and cooperating with each other, families can foster a feeling of support and unity for everyone involved.
