This Association also states: "...not only is it very expensive to pay for care in a nursing home, but the patient is someone you love a lot--a mother, father, spouse. Someone who has taken care of you, and so it's only natural to want to take care of them."
Alzheimer's can take a great toll on the physical and emotional well-being, not just of the patient, but of the caregiver as well.
"It's not uncommon for the caregiver to die before the patient...it's a 24/7 job and often the caregiver has no help...it's a long haul, you cannot live like that and survive."
Caregivers must be able to find some respite...a sense of themselves outside of the caregiver role.
The Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all who need assistance. Call toll-free anytime day or night at 1-800-272-3900
