This is a story about my mom's journey with Alzheimer's and my role as a caregiver. Although I graduated from nursing school and became a nurse practitioner, nothing prepared me for this role!
We had many challenges and struggles along the way. Not just my mom, but also me! I have written the story but also have added special sections for caregivers to learn along the way. It offers tips on providing care for various issues such as behavior issues, sleeping issues, eating problems, depression, taking care of bed-bound parents, etc., and also taking care of yourself while caregiving. Caregiving is very hard work! Women who care for Alzheimer's patients are at an increased risk for developing Alzheimer's themselves. Two-thirds of Alzheimer's patients are women! If a wife's husband gets Alzheimer's and she takes care of him, she is at a six times greater risk to develop Alzheimer's herself. I have also included resources for caregivers to find help.