By Robert Preidt
HealthDay reporter
TUESDAY, December 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) – The coronavirus pandemic is making caring for loved ones of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia even more difficult, according to an expert.
“Even at the best of times, vacations can be a mixed bag for families caring for a loved one with an age-related illness that causes physical and mental changes. Focus on family togetherness and joy,” said Mary Catherine Lundquist, program director by Care2Caregivers, a peer counseling hotline for caregivers of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The hotline is operated by Behavioral Health Care at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
“People dealing with major diseases like Alzheimer’s may experience other feelings like sadness, worry, and even exhaustion. Sometimes being present is the best gift we can give each other,” advised Lundquist in a press release from Rutgers.
If travel is frowned upon because of the pandemic, it may not be possible to see your relatives in person. But you can still achieve. “Reach out to your older family members, especially those who are caregivers. Ask them how they are, and then really listen. Don’t be judgmental and acknowledge what they share,” she suggested .
“Listen to what you really need, not what you think you need – and then offer it,” said Lundquist. “Handing in groceries, fixing a broken fence post, calling a few times a week just to chat can be the best gift. Writing a letter telling them what you mean to them and how they have affected your life, makes a wonderful gift that you can read over and over again. “
Lundquist also gave advice on how to help people who have a loved one in a nursing home or who lost a loved one this year.
“Give them a call to check in, send a handwritten note, drop off flowers, or send them text saying ‘think of you’ which can help alleviate loneliness and social isolation. Let them know “Just because your loved one is not in the house with you will never be forgotten,” she said.
Even if you can’t see people in person, you can connect with them over the phone, text, or social media, Lundquist suggested.
More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers advice on the health and wellbeing of caregivers.
SOURCE: Rutgers University, press release, December 2, 2020
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