Caring for Dementia Patients at End of Life ( Continued )
find that they need bereavement support up to and through the one year anniversary of their loved one ’ s death .
Bereavement counselors can make recommendations of various local support systems throughout the community , a resource that caregivers may not realize is available to them . Whether it is through direct conversations , support groups or various remembrance ceremonies , hospice professionals can help caregivers connect with the support system that ’ s right for them .
Caregiving for a friend or relative with dementia can be overwhelming . Memories of how a loved one used to be and the stress of the current demands placed on the caregiver may make the caregiver feel sad , angry or guilty . Caregiving can be socially isolating as well as mentally and emotionally stressful . People often feel intensely uncomfortable talking about death and dying and this is further intensified if the loved one is suffering from Alzheimer ’ s . The anxiety this causes may mean that the caregiver is avoided - further increasing the feeling of isolation . Well-meaning friends and acquaintances may also avoid conversation about the patient to “ protect ” their friend from further pain , or may inadvertently say insensitive things .
Ironically , the extended journey of a disease such as Alzheimer ’ s gives families the gift of preparing for , and finding meaning in , their loved one ’ s end of life . When death is slow and gradual , many caregivers are able to prepare for its intangible aspects , and to support their loved one through the unknown . Even with years of grief , others find themselves unprepared and surprised when death is imminent .
Talking with family and friends , consulting hospice services , bereavement experts and spiritual advisors can help caregivers work through these feelings and focus on the loved one . Hospice and palliative care specialists and trained volunteers are able to assist not only the dying person , but also caregivers and family members .
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer ’ s disease is a long and difficult road . Even with years of experience , caregivers often find the last stages of life uniquely challenging . A hospice team working either in a private home or nursing home setting , can provide medical , emotional and spiritual support according to the wishes and beliefs of the patient . They also offer emotional support to the patient ’ s family , caregivers , and loved ones , including grief counseling .
27 Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Spring 2017