Class gives support to Alzheimer’s caregivers
With more than 38,000 New Mexicans affected, the challenges are many
Alzheimer’s is more than 5 million people, including 38,000 in New Mexico, currently living with a devastating disease that wears down those who cope with the daily challenges of caring for their loved ones. Savvy Caregiver, a free seven-week course presented by the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association New Mexico Chapter is designed to give caregivers tools to cope with those challenges.
The course, offered several times a year in locations throughout the state, provides information about the disease, practical advice on coping with daily challenges and a supportive opportunity to network with other caregivers. The next course in Albuquerque starts Nov. 7.
“People often come to the class when they have first gotten a diagnosis,” said Programs Director Tina de la Luz, “At that time, you’re kind of in shock mode trying to find out all the support systems out there.”
The course begins with an introduction to the disease; explaining what is happening with the brain, where the disease starts and how it progresses. De la Luz said she tries to focus on the positives. In the two-hour sessions, caregivers learn about what abilities and skills a person with Alzheimer’s retains during the various stages of the disease. They will participate in group discussions and do exercises that simulate some of the typical challenges they may face such as what to do if a parent with Alzheimer’s refuses to get dressed.
De la Luz said Alzheimer’s patients are not trying to be uncooperative or frustrate their caregiver. It’s that the task seems too complicated for them and they can’t communicate that other than through body language.
“We teach caregivers to look behind the behaviors to find out why (the person with Alzheimer’s) is angry or frustrated,” de la Luz said.
She said when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, some people feel relieved to know what they are dealing with, while others feel angry, frustrated or sad.
“By the end of the class that has often shifted,”she said, “People feel more at ease when they have some tools to work with. They don’t feel so alone. They can be more patient with a loved one now (that) they understand what they’re going through.”
Albuquerque resident Edna Montaño took the class when her 71-year-old husband developed early onset dementia after he had West Nile virus.
“It’s just been a rough road,” Montaño said, “It’s been overwhelming.”
A year ago, the couple, who have been married 52 years, were going on cruises together. Now, she has to bathe and shave her husband and make sure he doesn’t fall because he has balance problems and seizures.
“Being able to go to this class weekly has really helped me,” Montaño said. “At least I know what I’m up against. The knowledge I gained from that class will help me in future.”
De la Luz said the class is designed for those who are caring for a loved one at home. Often several members of the same family will attend or will share the information with each other so they can help support the primary caregiver. A similar course, Cuidando Con Respeto, is available in Spanish.
The Alzheimer’s Association also provides ongoing support through free care consultations for caregivers and $300 annual respite allowances to caregivers to hire someone to look after their loved one so they can take a break. The money comes from the association’s ongoing fundraising efforts.