Alzheimer's Caregiver Roundtable Series: Section 1d - Educating Yourself & Finding Support

In this video of the Alzheimer's Caregiver Roundtable Series, learn why getting educated about Alzheimer's and seeking support are crucial for family caregivers. Caregivers discuss proactive steps like joining support groups, getting legal documents in order, and staying informed to navigate the challenges ahead.
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Transcript:
The best suggestion that I can give to any caregiver is, first of all, get educated. Know about Alzheimer's and what it involves, because it's not easy, and it doesn't get better. In Alzheimer's, the brain actually deteriorates, and it's a progression that's just going to get worse. So, you have to be educated and know what to expect.
It was little by little, but the symptoms were right there. And sure enough, when we had the final diagnosis, that's when we started looking at it from a different perspective-how to find a cure, how to treat him with the dignity and respect that he always had before. And for me, it was about being more compassionate towards the relationship, because he wasn't a bad husband or a bad person-he was just ill.
We got online, read books, asked the doctors for guidance, and they put us in contact with support groups. I didn’t know where to start or what to do. So, I went online and got the power of attorney, the DNR, and made those papers up. Then we took a trip to Social Security.
As a caregiver, you always have to continue to do research on your own, ask all the questions you can to your doctor, be proactive, and focus on solutions-not the problems. I think people need to be conscious of the possibility of Alzheimer's. We didn’t even think about it; we just thought it was related to other things, like forgetfulness. We should have been more aware of the possibility of Alzheimer's or dementia.
You have to come up with little ideas and talk to others. You have to voice your feelings about what you're going through at the moment and share your experiences, because you have to realize you are not alone.
This content is sponsored by Forest Laboratories, Inc.