What is Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease, is the most common cause of dementia and characterized clinically by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declin...
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Can I take a caregiver position?
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There is a caregiver position for an elderly lady, who has Alzheimers diease. I have been reading about the diease, I don't know much about it, have not been a care taker before, other than the live in house cleaning position I did, starting in august last year. I do have house cleaning experience.
From the job description it does not sound like much, but thinking about it it does e.g. close supervision, personal care, cooking and cleaning. They pay $2000/ month, plus free room. I signed up to the support group in this site, and reading over the posts, this disease is very emotionally draining for the relatives. I wonder how draining it can be for the caregiver? would the lady wander too much? Would she be angry with me? I am reallly confused whehter this is the step I want to take, if it is a live-in position, that means that I would be keeping myself busy keeping her best interest in mind, who needs my help, but would I put myself in a situation, where my needs would be neglected? would I have time to spend with my boyfriend or some time off for myself? I will call to inquire, but I hope it does not deprive me of some free time to put myself together, because I will need to do for myself to be okay and have the enrgies to go on the next day..we'll see what happens and what are God's plans for me... I called regarding the position and sent some info via email...however, I have been reading on the disease here in the DS support group for caregivers of people suffering from Alzheimer's and I don't know if I can handle such a emotionally and draining position, because this lady, will die from the diease, not sure when, but its progressive. I also read some of the things that people with Alzheimers go through e.g. forget that they did not shower, its difficulty to get them to shower (they may be afraid of water, get agitated), forget they have not eaten (won't eat what u prepare them sometimes, thinking you'll harm them). However, they'll take foood they make themselves even if its from the microwave, take drinks such as slim fast or ensure, as food supplements or baby food. I also read that they can repeat some questions over and over again, and have seperation anxiety (follow their cargiver). Two interesting things I learned is that forgetting about their past e.g. childhood, is the last one to go, so they can forget the present, but still remember the past and talk about it. Also, they say its best not to argue with them, because they cannot reason things out and its useless...IT really breaks my heart reading over people's frustrations, pain, suffering...I know that I am powerless over this disease same as alcoholism or any other disease, and only Pray to God for those going through this disease as well as their loved ones...I just hope that if the guy calls me, that God will let me know what the right decision will be.....I really feel very indecisive...unsure of what the right step would be, if I am considered for the position of caregiver...I want to help, but don't want to put myself in a situation where I will hurt more then what I need, especially if I am not emotionally strong to take this step on... Posted on 08/11/09, 06:08 pm |
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I would like to apologize in advance if any of you find my post offensive, I am still deciding if this would be a good fit for me, but also for the family that needs help... 
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I don't lmow how to start this but here goes. i cam my moms care giver when her bout with alzhimers came full vew. I can tell you it is a very exahusting and draining postion. here is some of the things i was accused of by my mom during her bout with this disease, i was accused of hitting her, stealing her money which was safely in the band, when i tried to give her, her medicine she said i was trying to poision her, that was just a few things that happened i could go on forever with storiesbut i'll try to answer your question. let me ask you this since this is an apparent live in postion is there a clause for you to have some time off? youu'll need it believe me. you won't have much time for your boyfriend with out it. in my opinion i would not do it. i truly hope i don't have to go through this again. if your seious about doing this go to a local nursing home that has a spot for alzhiemers patients and ask if you can view some of the patients explain to the nurses what you are pplaining to do and ask them for advice. if you do, do this god bless you. good luck peskygnat
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My advice is don't do it. I'm surprised they would even want someone in who does not have at least some CNA training in case of emergencies but besides that item this is a very difficult disease, it would be very much like taking care of a full grown infant (depending on what stage of the disease the person is in) or like someone at the terrible twos stage only again a full grown person who may be angry, resistent to doing what you want them to and who might need totaly constant attention to keep them safe.
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I have been taking care of my husband for 13 years and it was all on the job learning. Don't even consider taking that job without some training. You have to learn how to talk to them, redirect them and how to react in completely unreasonable situations. Without training you could place yourself and the women in a dangerous situation depending on her mental status which can change daily.
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I wan to thank each one of you for your responses, I really appreciate your feedback. I agree with each one of you, and honestly I would really do a disservice to this lady and put myself and her in a situation that is not safe...I was thinking about your responses last night and recalled something I learned in one of my college courses, the topic was ethics. Off course ethics is doing what is right, always keeping in mind the interest of our clients, first and most important...
So, my professor once said that claiming to know how to do something and not having the proper training is basically unethical. So, in my case, I was upfront with the lady's son letting him know that I did not have the proper training to take care of her and with this particular disease. However, trying to do a job, where I know that I don't know how I would handle a particular situation, especially a stressful, would be as unethical to me...Also, if I were in this woman's situation, I would definitely want someone who has the qualifications, training and knowledge of this nasty disease, and I lack that.... So, thank you all for your advice, because I won't take the position....
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