Caring for Relatives

Having to help a loved one who is affected by Alzheimer's is never easy. The Latino culture has a high respect for la familia and elders. Because of this belief, Latinos are more likely to care for their family members at home instead of placing them in a nursing home.

Being Careful

Caregiving presents a challenge that many people have not yet encountered. You must understand that Alzheimer's patients will show odd behaviors and mood swings. They will need day to day care and the amount of care will increase as the disease progresses. It is common for caregivers to experience depression, physical illness, social isolation, and sleep problems. Remember to visit your doctor regularly; they can identify problems easier than you can.

Helping Out

An easy way to overcome a problem is in three easy steps.

1. Determine what went wrong: Try to think what changed that may have caused the outburst or mood swing.
2. Figure out a solution: See if the person needs or wants a certain item or if there is something you can do to change the things around him or her.
3. Is it working?: If your solution does not work, try something new and creative. Most importantly, remember to remain calm and supportive.