Visory Veteran Caregivers Series:

Caring for a Veteran with Alzheimer’s Disease

In this month’s blog, I want to begin a series of discussions about our Veteran Caregiver Community and the Veteran’s they care for.

Who Is A Caregiver

A Veteran Caregiver is an unpaid individual (spouse, partner, family member, friend, or neighbor) involved in assisting a Veteran with activities of daily living and/or medical tasks.

• 5 million Veteran caregivers
• 96% of Veteran caregivers are women
• 70% of Veteran caregivers provide care to a spouse or partner
• Veteran caregivers provide care for an average of 10 years (va.gov)

**The following information is shared directly from the VA Caregiver Support Program

What is Alzheimer’s Disease

• A disease that affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, and is the most common form of dementia.
• Dementia is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.
• There is no cure, but medications, along with other treatments and strategies, will help you and your Veteran enjoy a better quality of life.
• Treatments may include medications that may help symptoms, but currently there is no treatment to stop or reverse Alzheimer’s disease.

Physical and Mental Changes to Expect in Alzheimer’s Patients

• Each Veteran with Alzheimer’s or dementia will have a different experience, which may be unpredictable.
• As the disease progresses, symptoms are more easily noticeable.

Physical Changes Associated with Alzheimer’s May Include

• Personal hygiene changes: forgetting to brush your teeth or combing hair
• Inability to control bowel or bladder
• Changes in eating habits
• Trouble speaking, understanding, reading or writing

Emotional Changes Associated with Alzheimer’s  May Include

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sundowning: a condition where the Veteran may suffer extreme agitation and confusion during the late afternoon or early evening hours

Other Problems Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

• Sleeplessness
• Agitation
• Becoming Aggressive
• Repeating Questions
• Wandering
• Wanting to be with a caregiver all the time

Tips for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver

• Be supportive as possible as your Veteran faces the struggles of this disease
• The life of the Veteran may change dramatically depending on the severity of symptoms and increasing care needs; you may feel overwhelmed and that is normal
• Caregiving is demanding-remember you are not alone; don’t feel guilty or like you failed if you need help. If you need help, contact the VA’s Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
• Give your Veteran short, simple instructions to minimize confusion
• Stick to a regular routine whenever possible
• If experiencing restlessness, keep your Veteran active during the day with simple tasks to occupy his/her time– may decrease restlessness
• If your Veteran is having difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function, don’t scold or blame. Provide support and reassurance, as these events are often embarrassing and uncomfortable
• Modify your home to ensure your Veteran is safe and provide an identity bracelet if he/she wanders away from the home
• Choose clothes that are easy to care for and use Velcro instead of zippers and buttons when possible
• Your Veteran will have good and bad days, but emotionally and physically can be hard on you as the caregiver. If you become frustrated, get help for a little while to allow you to take a break
• Take care of Yourself: visit your doctor regularly to ensure you are healthy
• Optimize your sleep and get as much rest as possible
• Your health is essential for you and the Veteran you care for

We Are Here To Support Veteran Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Caring for a loved one and Veteran with Alzheimer’s Disease can be a challenging and confusing time. This series is meant to help you understand more about Alzheimer’s Disease, how to provide care for both you and your Veteran and provide additional resources that may be helpful.

Each blog will provide additional information and tips in the Veteran Caregiver Series.

At Visory Health, we see you and we hear you. One way we are here to support you is by helping you save money at the pharmacy so you and your loved ones can stay healthy by taking medications as prescribed. The Visory Health Discount Prescription Card can provide access to affordable prescription medications for both you and the Veteran you care for.

To Your Health,

Dr. Creamer

DNP, MSN, MSS, MA

 

**If you need help:

VA Caregiver Support

1-855-260-3274

www.caregiver.va.gov 

 

**Call and speak with a caring professional who can assist you with VA resources; access to services and benefits; connect with local Caregiver Support; or just listen.

 

For the VA Crisis Line:

Dial 988 then press 1 or

Chat Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/

 

This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational or educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.