Visory Veteran Caregivers Series:

Caring for a Veteran with Alzheimer’s Disease

In this month’s blog, I want to begin a series of discussions about our Veteran Caregiver Community and the Veteran’s they care for.

Who Is A Caregiver

A Veteran Caregiver is an unpaid individual (spouse, partner, family member, friend, or neighbor) involved in assisting a Veteran with activities of daily living and/or medical tasks.

5 million Veteran caregivers
96% of Veteran caregivers are women
70% of Veteran caregivers provide care to a spouse or partner
Veteran caregivers provide care for an average of 10 years (va.gov)

**The following information is shared directly from the VA Caregiver Support Program

What is Alzheimer’s Disease

A disease that affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, and is the most common form of dementia.
Dementia is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.
There is no cure, but medications, along with other treatments and strategies, will help you and your Veteran enjoy a better quality of life.
Treatments may include medications that may help symptoms, but currently there is no treatment to stop or reverse Alzheimer’s disease.

Physical and Mental Changes to Expect in Alzheimer’s Patients

Each Veteran with Alzheimer’s or dementia will have a different experience, which may be unpredictable.
As the disease progresses, symptoms are more easily noticeable.

Physical Changes Associated with Alzheimer’s May Include

Personal hygiene changes: forgetting to brush your teeth or combing hair
Inability to control bowel or bladder
Changes in eating habits
Trouble speaking, understanding, reading or writing

Emotional Changes Associated with Alzheimer’s May Include

Anxiety
Depression
Sundowning: a condition where the Veteran may suffer extreme agitation and confusion during the late afternoon or early evening hours

Tips for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Be supportive as possible as your Veteran faces the struggles of this disease
The life of the Veteran may change dramatically depending on the severity of symptoms and increasing care needs; you may feel overwhelmed and that is normal
Caregiving is demanding-remember you are not alone; don’t feel guilty or like you failed if you need help. If you need help, contact the VA’s Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
Give your Veteran short, simple instructions to minimize confusion
Stick to a regular routine whenever possible
If experiencing restlessness, keep your Veteran active during the day with simple tasks to occupy his/her time– may decrease restlessness
If your Veteran is having difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function, don’t scold or blame. Provide support and reassurance, as these events are often embarrassing and uncomfortable
Modify your home to ensure your Veteran is safe and provide an identity bracelet if he/she wanders away from the home
Choose clothes that are easy to care for and use Velcro instead of zippers and buttons when possible
Your Veteran will have good and bad days, but emotionally and physically can be hard on you as the caregiver. If you become frustrated, get help for a little while to allow you to take a break
Take care of Yourself: visit your doctor regularly to ensure you are healthy
Optimize your sleep and get as much rest as possible
Your health is essential for you and the Veteran you care for

We Are Here To Support Veteran Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Caring for a loved one and Veteran with Alzheimer’s Disease can be a challenging and confusing time. This series is meant to help you understand more about Alzheimer’s Disease, how to provide care for both you and your Veteran and provide additional resources that may be helpful.

Each blog will provide additional information and tips in the Veteran Caregiver Series.

At Visory Health, we see you and we hear you. One way we are here to support you is by helping you save money at the pharmacy so you and your loved ones can stay healthy by taking medications as prescribed. The Visory Health Discount Prescription Card can provide access to affordable prescription medications for both you and the Veteran you care for.