Alzheimer’s harder for the carer
A new report reveals moving people with Alzheimer’s into residential care is often the most difficult, stressful and emotional time for their loved ones or carers. Alzheimer’s Australia NSW (AANSW) has called on the federal government to help ease the guilt carers feel when they take the step.
A new report reveals moving people with Alzheimer’s into residential care is often the most difficult, stressful and emotional time for their loved ones or carers.
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW (AANSW) has called on the federal government to help ease the guilt and grief carers suffer when they take the step.
“One carer (said) moving his mother into care and taking her away from her home and her cats was the most traumatic and saddest event he had ever had to cope with in his life,” said John Watkins, former deputy Labor premier and chief executive of AANSW.
According to Mr Watkins, another said coping with the change after 63 years of marriage had “not been easy”.
AANSW’s discussion paper suggested the federal government should fund a network to support sufferers of dementia and their carers.
Mr Watkins recommended sufficient pre-planning could ease the guilt and grief of carers, citing the importance of familiarity with the facility and good communication with staff.
“When it is managed the right way, it can be much smoother and less stressful than expected and can alleviate some of that grief and guilt so often associated with this time,” Mr Watkins said in a statement.
The report also found almost half of people with dementia in residential aged care moved in directly from hospital following a crisis, adding to the confusion, stress and grief felt during this time.
“We would also recommend discharge planning policy be changed for a person with dementia to provide two days’ notice as a minimum, to allow them, their family and facility staff to provide better support in the transition into residential care.”
