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Alzheimer's and Incontinence
A Caregiver's View
By Melissa Granberry
Meals-on-Wheels provides lunch for her dad, and Kathy makes lighter meals for breakfast and dinner. "He has become quite messy at mealtimes," Kathy says. In order to maintain his dignity and not resort to bibs, Kathy bought masculine denim aprons for her dad to wear when he eats. "If he won't eat, I always have Ensure® [nutritive preparation] on hand," she says. "That will substitute as his evening light meal."
Not only do family caregivers manage daily activities for their loved ones, oftentimes they have the responsibility of making financial decisions. "Some of the financial burdens I have to deal with are so scary!" says Kathy. Before her father became ill, he was building a beautiful log home. He has since lost memories of the unfinished house, and Kathy now works with the contractors to complete the project.
"Caregivers must make sure the 'patient' signs a durable power of attorney, a living will including organ donation and a healthcare power of attorney," says Kathy. "Even with all these things, it's nearly impossible to deal with the legalities of being my father's everything."
Luckily, Kathy's father bought home health insurance and planned well for his retirement. Though she has been trying to keep expenses to a minimum, she realizes that se needs to have more help to care for her father. "I have to endure and grab every bit of help I can get," says Kathy, who admits that asking for help is one of the hardest things she has to do. "It's another hurdle for the caregiver."
