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Caring for Someone with Dementia

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Submitted By lynn39
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your post on your public health promotion intentions was well sorted and one of the topics of concern for public health. Understandably, caring for someone with dementia can be a long, stressful, and intensely emotional journey for both the patient and caregivers.1 As your loved ones cognitive, physical, and functional abilities diminish over a period of years, it's fairly easy to become overwhelmed and neglect your own health and well-being. The burden of caregiving can put the caregiver at an increased risk for significant health problems leading one to experience depression, high levels of stress, or burnout. After working with a few patients with dementia, one of the important things I noticed is that the caregivers and clients did not know about different resources that exist out there for them such as respite care. Respite care can take many forms, but boils down to two basic ideas which are sharing the responsibility for caregiving and getting support for you as the caregiver. Finding the right balance requires persistence, patience, and preparation. Hoping that your aim to assist these individuals and their families with gaining knowledge about their diagnosis and how to best manage it will include the benefits of respite care will be a great positive impact to these clients and their families. Also ensuring availability of adult day care and respite services is important in maintaining the health and quality of life of individuals caring for older adults with dementia.1
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Chronic Diseases. Dementia and its Implications for Public Health. http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2006/apr/05_0167.htm. Accessed April 1, 2016.

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