Caregiving changes the relationship between the caregiver and the patient. In addition to providing care, the caregiver often assumes the patient's previous responsibilities, such as balancing the checkbook, doing the taxes, handling financial and legal matters, and doing certain household chores. To be prepared to handle these additional responsibilities, it is important to locate financial and legal documents, such as life insurance policies, property deeds, and retirement accounts, soon after your loved one is diagnosed. You may need to turn to family, friends, professionals, or community resources for assistance.

Click here to access community services available in your area.

Sometimes family and friends drift away.This can be because they do not understand the behavior changes caused by the disease or are not able to accept that the person has the disease.They may be uncomfortable or distressed seeing a friend or relative change, due to the disease.They may also hesitate to spend time with you and the person with Alzheimer's because they worry about not knowing what to do or say.

To help maintain your relationships, take the initiative to contact family and friends and explain that while Alzheimer's disease has changed your lives in some ways, you value their friendship and support. Prior to having them visit, prepare them for the changes in the person with Alzheimer's - physically, emotionally, mentally, and intellectually. Provide suggestions about how to communicate more easily with the person and about what activities they might be able to do together. Click here to get helpful hints on communicating with the person with Alzheimer's and click here to see information on activities to do with a person with Alzheimer's.

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Caregiving issues can often ignite or magnify family conflicts, especially when people cope differently when faced with caregiving responsibilities. Family members may deny what is happening or resent family members who live far away or are not helping enough. There may also be disagreement about financial and care decisions. To minimize conflicts, try to acknowledge these feelings and work through them:

Have a family meeting

Talking about caregiving roles and responsibilities, problems, and feelings can help ease tensions. You may want help from a professional counselor or clergy.

Recognize differences

Some family members may be hands-on caregivers, responding immediately to issues and organizing resources. Others may be more comfortable with being told to complete specific tasks.

Share caregiving responsibilities

Make a list of tasks and include how much time, money, and effort may be involved to complete them. Divide tasks according to the family member's preferences and abilities.

Continue to communicate

Periodic family meetings or conference calls will keep the family up-to-date and involved. Discuss how things are working, reassess the needs of both the person with Alzheimer's and the caregiver, and decide if any changes in responsibilities are needed.

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