"When people are dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer's, they are dealing with grief and loss, just the same as with a death. The family might become angry at first at having someone else caring for a loved one. We spend a lot of time with families to help them through this.
"It comes to a point when people are exhausted dealing with their loved one's behavior. There are behaviors that are hard to manage, whether the person is abusive or combative or if they're wandering or people have trouble with lifting the person."
There also are several programs in Southwest Michigan that help people with Alzheimer's and their families.
The Area Agency on Aging offers a variety of services, including a toll-free help line and classes.
"The classes help people know that they're not alone," says Dianne Carlson, community service director at the agency. "They also give people a chance to learn about the disease process, which is different for different people. Caregivers need to realize to not take their loved one's actions personally."
She recommends people visit the www.areagencyonaging.org website or call the 800-654-2810 toll-free information line to get information.
The Alzheimer's Association Support Group also offers advice and help.
www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2011/01/11/features/3051941.txt
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