Thursday, October 30, 2014

Alzheimer’s Support Groups Help Caregivers Cope

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s has no known cure and worsens as it progresses. The most common cause of this disease is old-age. However the disease can occur in younger people as well.  Early signs of this disease include symptoms such as: short-term memory loss, forgetfulness, mood swings, confusion, irritability, difficulty in language, and long-term memory loss. Alzheimer’s is distressing for the patient, loved ones, and the immediate care giver.
 
Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is emotionally, mentally and physically draining. Care-givers often experience frustration and pent-up emotions. They need an outlet for negative feelings and should seek support to help them resolve their frustration.  Resolving pent-up feelings enable care-givers to better care for their patients. Alzheimer’s support groups Massachusetts is a great resource for care givers in need of support and emotional release.

The support groups consist of members who are caring for patients with dementia. Attending group meetings and discussions will help care-givers vent and learn how to decrease emotional strain. Since many members of the group share similar problems, they serve as an understanding resource for support.  Members can offer useful advice and input about methods of care that are more effective than others. The group provides care-givers with an opportunity to brainstorm together and resolve dilemmas at hand. The advantage of participating in a support group is that members have the opportunity to listen to various experiences and solutions and realize that they are not alone in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Support groups are beneficial to care-giver morale and encourage them to face this extremely difficult stage in their life. Care-givers are empowered to overcome the task of taking care of a loved one who does not recognize them with courage, determination, patience and hope.

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