Kudos to Caregivers

By: Michelle Remold

I was just reflecting on the many caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It seems that caregivers come in many different forms. Caregivers can be spouses, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends, and other relatives. Caregivers can be found in assisted living facilities and nursing homes as well.

All of these people deserve ‘kudos’ for the care they provide. They often provide care 24/7 with no concern for themselves, but rather immense concern for the other person. They seem to display unending patience and love for the person with Alzheimer’s or dementia. They listen to the same questions and comments repeatedly and watch with patience as the person with Alzheimer’s or dementia displays the same repetitive behavior.

While some days are more challenging than others, caregivers simply answer the same questions multiple times or address the same behaviors many times as well. Some days are a little easier to keep your cool and others are much more difficult. Caregivers do the best they can under the circumstances and that is all that can be asked of them.

It doesn’t matter if you are the neighbor who brings over meals a couple times a week; the friend who sits with the person with Alzheimer’s or dementia while their spouse goes grocery shopping; the grandchild who sits with your grandparent during summer days; or the child who stops by during lunch to check in, your role is important and greatly appreciated. I would like to offer up kudos to every caregiver; you are important to the lives of your loved ones and are appreciated.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Michelle graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with her Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology: Social Sciences and a minor in Family Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Aging Studies and Nursing Home Administration from Minnesota State University Mankato.