Why Do Alzheimer's Caregiver Go it Alone?

Most Alzheimer's caregivers hear people tell them how wonderful they are for taking care of their loved one. Are they doing enough to help?

By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room

Previously I wrote, Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten?

That article received over 2,200 likes from Facebook readers, and hundreds more from Google plus.

Have your read the article, or shared it? Your comments, insights and reactions are welcome here on the ARR.

It reminded me of a Harris Interactive Poll I read some time ago, The Alzheimer's Caregiver Perspective.

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Here are three things I learned while reading that report.

• Most Caregivers go it alone. 
• Only half (50 percent)  rely on an outside service like a home health aide.
• Only 45 percent rely on family or friends for help in providing care to the patient.

As far as I am concerned, both numbers are too low. Although, it does have me wondering what came first the chicken or the egg?

• Are Caregivers going it alone because they are failing to ask for help?
• Too overwhelmed by their caregiving effort to seek help?
• Don't know how to get or ask for help?

Or, are family members and friends all too happy to stand on the sideline for the reasons I mentioned in my article -- 
 Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten?

One thing I try to do on the Alzheimer's Reading Room is bring more attention to this issue.

It isn't easy. So any help I can get is gratefully appreciated.

Like sharing this article, or Are Alzheimer's Caregivers the Forgotten, with family, friends, relatives, and in support groups.

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Bob DeMarco is the Founder of the Alzheimer's Reading Room (ARR). Bob is a recognized expert, writer, speaker, and influencer in the Alzheimer's and Dementia Community worldwide. The ARR Knowledge Base contains more than 4,900 articles. Bob lives in Delray Beach, FL.

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