Caregivers suffer from Alzheimer’s too. In Episode 13 of Alz In The Fam, the four Fair siblings discuss how their mom’s Alzheimer’s disease affects each of them.
Following a resource from the Alzheimer’s Association, the siblings dive into the stages of grief that caregivers often face - denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance. At each stage of grief, the siblings share their experiences with the emotion and how, or if they have overcome it.
A major stage for all four siblings was guilt. They feel guilty about not being able to do enough for their mom, not being able to spend enough time with their mom, for their anger and frustration with the disease, and much more.
COVID-19 has also put a wrench in the Fair family’s care for their mom, as it has for many families. The effects of COVID-19 have definitely increased the feeling of anger and sadness that each sibling feels.
Ultimately, all four siblings are moving towards acceptance. While it is hard to accept the fate of Alzheimer’s, acceptance has helped the Fair family move forward and keep fighting for their mom.
One thing for the Fair family is certain – every day is the best it’s ever going to be. Each day may get harder than the last, but the family is in It together. Allan, Poli, Trissi and Boni are grateful every day to have siblings who are there to support them.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is very emotionally taxing, but the emotional health of caregivers is not often considered. If you know of any caregivers, remember to check in on them.
If you are a caregiver, check out Alzheimer’s Association’s resources on caregiver health, such as the article referenced in this show: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/grief-loss-as-alzheimers-progresses
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