Education – for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver

In a previous post, I discussed the fact that researchers seem to feel education may play a role in whether a person becomes afflicted with Alzheimer’s.  We also can talk about education and Alzheimer’s from another viewpoint – that of educating the Alzheimer’s caregiver about the disease.

I found, when caring for Mother and Auntie, that the more I learned about their condition and how they might be feeling, the better I could understand them and care for them…and the better equipped I was able to deal with the situation personally, as far as my emotions were involved.

The nurses at the nursing home often experessed amazement because I knew so much about Alzheimer’s and continually wanted to learn more.  “Most people don’t,” they said.

I found, for me, educating myself,  was the best way to help Mother, Auntie, myself, and others.  I had to accept the fact that Mother and Auntie had Alzheimer’s.  There was no ignoring it, especially since I was their caregiver.  So how could I best help them?  By learning and understanding.