February 2, 2015

The Toll of Caring for a Spouse with Alzheimer's Disease

Examining the Toll that Caring for a Spouse with Alzheimer's can take on the Health of Significant Others

If you are caring for a spouse or loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, then you know that the responsibilities are great and meeting their needs can often be difficult. If your spouse is struggling with Alzheimer’s and you are trying to care for him or her on your own, then you might want to consider the attention, community, and care that your spouse can receive at an assisted living facility. Many assisted living facilities double as retirement communities that offer support for both independent living and continuing care. Taking advantage of programs and communities like this will make a significant improvement to the lives of both you and your loved one.
Consider the toll that caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s or dementia has on an individual:

  • An increased likelihood of developing dementia: In a study released in 2009 to the Alzheimer’s Association, researchers found that husbands who cared for wives with dementia were nearly twelve times more likely to develop dementia themselves. Similarly, wives who cared for husbands with dementia were nearly four times as likely to develop dementia. While there may be other factors involved, it is believed that the reason behind such an increased chance of developing dementia is the immense stress associated with caring for a spouse afflicted with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
  • Other negative side effects from stress: As mentioned above, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is highly stressful. This stress can lower one’s immunity and energy, while increasing one’s odds of developing stress-related illnesses, such as cancer, ulcers, depression, and heart disease. By seeking out professional care for your loved one, you can ensure their proper care while saving yourself the burden of full-time continual care. Better still, by lightening your responsibility for their day-to-day care, you can focus again on your own health.

At a retirement community, you and your spouse can both receive the care and attention you need and deserve. In New York, The Regency at Glen Cove offers exemplary care for the elderly, including those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our family-owned continuing care retirement community offers quality amenities and services, including limo service to and from doctors’ appointments, five-star dining, spacious and comfortable accommodations, and a focus on cultural and social activities. Call (516) 674-3007 or visit us online to schedule a tour today!

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