Incontinence, wandering and sleep disturbances are the most common problems associated with nursing home care. These same problems confront caregivers at home and often result in the caregiver not being able to manage alone or becoming ill. Consider using family members, friends, neighbors, fraternal and church associates, or college and nursing students for help and to get a break from caregiving. Taking a break generally requires frankness. Family members and others not directly involved in the care of the dementia patient may not realize the demands the caregiver faces.
Many communities have adult day care or in-home respite care services.
Some residential programs also may offer adult day care and short stays for elders. Ideally, a respite care provider who comes to the home should make one or two get-acquainted visits while the permanent caregiver is there, too. Special instructions to care for the impaired person and to manage difficult behavior. Maintain Important Relationships Caregivers can easily become isolated because of their responsibilities. It's important to build and fortify relationships early in the disease.