The Herkimer County Office for the Aging recognizes that those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s sometimes experience stress.
Support services are available through the Office for the Aging for anyone who may be suffering from the following 10 Signs of Caregiver Stress which have been identified by the Alzheimer’s Association:
1. Denial: about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed.
2. Anger: at the person with the disease or at others that no effective treatments or cures currently exist and that other people don’t understand what’s going on.
3. Social Withdrawal: from friends and activities that once brought pleasure.
4. Anxiety: about facing another day and what the future holds.
5. Depression: begins to affect the ability to cope.
6. Exhaustion: makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.
7. Sleeplessness: caused by a never ending list of concerns.
8. Irritability: leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and reactions.
9. Lack of Concentration: makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
10. Health Problems: begin to take their toll both mentally and physically.
More information on Alzheimer’s and supportive services are available at www.alz.org, 1-800- 272-3900, by calling Melissa at the Herkimer County Office for the Aging/ NY Connects at (315) 867-1415 or at www.herkimercounty.org.
