ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS EMOTIONS

The Alzheimers caregivers emotions can be like a roller coaster ride. A caregiver may feel so many different emotions during the progression of this illness. Learning to recognize the emotions will help you better deal with them.

Alzheimers Caregivers Positive Emotions

There are so many positive Alzheimers caregivers emotions that can be felt when taking care of someone you love. The emotions will vary from day to day. I have listed some of the positive emotions as a reminder of just how many positive emotions there are.

It is so easy to get caught up in the negative, take time to sit back and appreciate the time that you do have with your loved one. Start each day with a smile, remember your mood and approach can set the tone for the day.

Positive Emotions: Love, Affection, Compassion, Enjoyment, Hope, Acceptance, Appreciation, Realization, Kindness, Relief, Empathy, Harmony, Honesty, Tolerance, Happiness, Optimism, Satisfaction, Security, Understanding, Simplicity, Affection, Passion, Esteem, Enthusiasm, Respect, Peace, Pleasure, Compromise, Illusion, Support, Contentment, Interest, Confidence, Joy, Dignity

Alzheimers Caregivers Negative Emotions

The negative emotions can creep in and grow out of control if you don’t recognize them. Here is a list of the most common Alzheimers caregivers emotions. It can become overwhelming at times, trying to provide all of the care for someone in your home.

Caregivers who do not have a strong support system,are at very high risk for Caregiver Burnout. Especially if they are not able to step out of the caregiver role a couple of times a week. Often these negative emotions are one of the first signs of Caregiver Burnout. Please look over this list and know how to recognize these emotions.

If you can are having these emotions take action to get help. Ask family members for help or find the resources in your area that can provide sitter help.

Negative emotions: Melancholy, Abandoned, Boredom, Abuse, Necessity, Absence, Demotivated, Frightened, Bitterness, Anguish, Anxiety, Disgust, Nuisance, Shame, Emptiness, Hostility, Humiliation, Betrayal, Harassment, Manipulated, Fear, Failure, Fragility, Frustration, Fury, Loneliness, Anger, Suspicion, Misery, Pain, Hate, Stress, Envy, Sadness, Impatience, Unhappiness, Irritation, Jealousy, Blame, Depression, Defeat, Discouraged, Abandoned, Despair, Disappointment, Exasperated, Resentment, Apathy, and Grief.

 Embarrassment

Embarrassment is one of the Alzheimers caregivers emotions I have heard family members express quite often. Usually, it is in the early to middle stages when they are still going out in public. During this period the caregiver is struggling to continue to live a normal life but the person with Alzheimer’s Disease is having some difficulties.

One day I was sitting in a buffet restaurant and was watching this elderly couple. It was very obvious to me she had some type of dementia (there is a sort of dazed look in the eyes of many people with this illness). He helped her through the line and they got their food and set down to eat.

When they were done eating he led her to the dessert area. He filled his dish with ice cream from the soft serve machine and headed back to the table while she filled her dish. I watched as she filled her dish turned and walked away while soft serve ice cream kept running.

I ran to the machine and stopped it and he was right behind me. He kept apologizing and looked so embarrassed. I reassured him it was fine and to go enjoy his lunch with his wife. I am sure most people who live with someone with Alzheimer’s Disease has at least one story similar to this one.

Grief & Mourning

Almost all Alzheimers caregivers experience grief & mourning during some points in the middle & late stages. Mourning the life they thought they would have. The realization that their life is now one of a caregiver instead of a spouse/child/ parent is very difficult for most people.

It helps to connect with someone who has lived through a similar experience. There are often local support groups you can attend. The internet has many sites dedicated to helping caregivers connect. Review some of those sites and find a couple you like. Even if you don’t participate, it will help reading that you are not the only one in this situation.

Anger & Resentment

Anger & Resentment often accompany grief and mourning emotions. When some people realize their golden years are not going to be as planned, that resentment can be towards their loved one with the illness.

These negative Alzheimers Caregivers emotions can take over if you let them.

That is why you need to seek emotional support during your time as a caregiver. Most people need an outlet for their frustrations. Find a way that works for you to deal with these emotions otherwise, those frustrations will build inside you. You could unintentionally take them out on your loved one.

Alzheimers Caregivers Emotions Emotional Support Resources

I am a nurse and have taken care of thousands of people with Alzheimer’s, but I have never lived with someone with Alzheimer’s. My younger sister had early-onset Alzheimers but died from cancer before her dementia progressed too far. I have seen caregiver breakdown many times in my career and I know that without a good support system you are at high risk for caregiver burnout.

There are many resources out there for you. Most larger cities have Alzheimer’s support groups. Often they are run by family members of someone with the illness who has experienced similar to yours.

There are also several internet blog sites written by people who have been Alzheimer’s in-home caregivers for their loved ones. They have some wonderful information in them and I highly recommend you check out the sites I am adding below.

Please find some sort of emotional support to help you be the best caregiver you can be.

If you are not a member of our Caregiver Support Facebook group yet and would like to join, here is the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/alzheimersinyourhome

Here are a couple of internet sites which may help you

Alzheimers Caregivers Emotions Internet Blog support

The Alzheimer’s Reading Room

Dealing With Dementia

Local Support Group Finders

Alzheimer’s Association local support group locator

Eldercare Caregiver local assistance database

The Dementia Caregiver Blog Library

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