Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's disease is not an easy job. To take good care of your loved one, you need to make sure you are staying healthy and happy, too. Don't expect to be able to do it by yourself, though. You're going to need help. Luckily, there are many resources available to you.

Community Resources

There may be many resources for Alzheimer's caregivers right in your community. Visiting nurses, in-home assistance and Meals-on-Wheels can all make caregiving much easier. Adult day care allows you to take a break and do things for yourself, like going to the doctor, making small home repairs or even visiting with friends, without worrying about your loved one. Respite care, similar to a nursing home but only for a temporary amount of time, is a valuable resource when you want to take a much-needed vacation.

Sometimes, you may just need to talk about how caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease makes you feel. The Alzheimer's Association and other organizations, such as  Leeza's Place, provide support and information to patients and caregivers in communities throughout the United States.

Eventually, as Alzheimer's progresses, you may find that taking care of your loved one at home is too much. Investigate independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes as alternatives to in-home care.

Other Resources

There is a wealth of information and resources on Alzheimer's disease available online and through toll-free numbers. Online communities and message boards, such as iVillage's Caregivers Support, can put you in touch with other Alzheimer's caregivers, providing support and information.

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