Alzheimer’s Disease and Carer's Risk

Alzheimer’s disease is not a condition where one suffers alone. The patient, his family and those in his proximity suffer as well. In fact Alzheimer’s disease is associated with a significant amount of carer’s risk since the carer is exposed to a tiring and punishing schedule that exposes him to both physical and mental agony.

We need to understand that the caregiver also needs to be empathised with because prolonged stay with an Alzheimer’s disease patient exposes caregivers to issues of physical and mental health. There is also an impact on their family life, finances and job. To that end, some sort of rotation of carers has to be planned and whoever is in overall charge needs to ensure that the caregiver is not exposed to unacceptably high demands.

One of the main problems facing the carers of a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is how much “risk” should they be exposed to.

It’s very tempting to wrap a person that start shows signs of exhibiting Alzheimer’s disease in cotton wool. However it is important that the routine of that person is disrupted as little as possible especially in the first stages when it’s all new and frightening.

Of course as the disease progresses, it’s important to ensure disruption to their routine is kept to a minimum as this enables the Alzheimer’s sufferer to be independent for as long as possible.

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Carers feel a responsibility towards their charge; they obviously want the Alzheimer’s sufferer to be kept in as safe an environment as possible. Watching someone who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease going for a walk because this is what they have always done etc can be very difficult.

It can also be very easy to stop them making a cup of tea or a simple meal because they are worried about leaving the oven or stove on and the risks of scalding burning type accidents etc can be very real.

There are few ideal solutions to this problem, and carers and friends should discuss with relevant health care professionals what type of risks are sensible to allow the alzheimer’s sufferer to take. Some risk factors can be kept to a minimum, others such as accidents, illness etc need to be monitored carefully.

It should be remembered people with confusion still have their “rights” and the right not to be a “prisoner” in their home is one of the risks that should be discussed.

Measures can be taken to minimise areas of concern. For instance homes should be well lit and warm. Very hot surfaces such as radiators or open fires should be avoided or adequate measures put in place to make them safe.

Floors should have no slip/trip hazards, worn or loose carpeting should be avoided. Sturdy banisters should be in place on stairs. And doors and windows should have a sturdy locking system. All appliances considered dangerous and unsuitable for use by the Alzheimer’s disease sufferer should disconnected where possible.

Keep walking areas uncluttered and ensure shoes and slippers etc fit well. Ensure medication is closely supervised, it’s very easy for the person with Alzheimer’s disease to forget they have had their medication, and take it again repeatedly.

The National institute on Aging is the premier institute engaged in research on Alzheimer’s disease. They are testing a number of new drugs to see if the effect of the disease can be slowed or stopped. It has also been seen that some medicines that help control symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation wandering etc make the patient more at ease and makes it easier for their caregivers to look after them.