Yup- we had to do that when taking care of alzheimers patient- it’s so overwhelming and physically drain9ng that we had to have someone come in once in awhile and give us a few hours relief. The professional caretakers get to go home after 8 hour shift, but when the patient lives at home, there are no breaks as the patient can be up and moving around at all hours
Note to folks taking care of alzheimers patients- I stall locks up high on doors in addition to the regular lock by handle. The patient may be able to undo the handle lock because theyve done that their whole lives, but won’t realize that there is another lock. It is for their own safety and your peace of mind as you try to sleep.
“The professional caretakers get to go home after 8 hour shift, but when the patient lives at home, there are no breaks as the patient can be up and moving around at all hours.”
Yes, that was the case with my Father. Because of his mental state he DID NOT SLEEP once or stop trying to escape for the last two months... Honestly, it was very hard to stay patient and live through the 24-7 yourself. Like I say, even ducking off to the kitchen for a bite to eat real quick was almost impossible or he would slither around the side rail onto the floor at the foot of the bed, or jerk his Foley out (he already did that twice). It is a constant mental regiment of “He doesn’t know he is doing it” in your mind 24-7. It can be extremely rough physically, mentally, and emotionally on the caretakers. So they need to find the time to care for themselves too or they will die before their loved one does. Depending on circumstances it can be a serious thing. Emotions, sleep deprivation, and lack of sustenance can send YOU to the hospital and then you are no good to them at all.