Professional paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2019.405

Difficulties of Caregivers of Individuals Suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease

Jelena Sušac ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče
Ivana Todorić Laidlaw ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče
Miroslav Herceg ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Andrea Jambrošić Sakoman ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče
Krešimir Puljić ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče
Ninoslav Mimica ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

In modern society, the number of elderly individuals is higher and so is the statistical significance of people living with Alzheimer’s disease. This trend results in a higher demand for adequate care for such patients. Along with formal care (provided by social workers and other health care professionals), informal care has become a significant resource in the nursing of individuals with dementia. Informal caregivers are individuals who voluntarily attend to the needs of a family member or a frend living with illness, handicap, or any other condition that requires special needs. Considering the course and duration of Alzheimer’s disease, the nursing of patients can also be lengthy and exhausting. Moreover, all aspects of a caregiver’s job must be taken into consideration starting the mental, emotional, and physical health to nursing expences. Although there are positive aspects, nursing an individual with dementia is extremely stressful and significantly affect the health and wellbeing of the caregiver, and therefore it is necessary to take into consideration all difficulties and problems caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease may encounter.

Keywords

Alzheimer’s Disease; Caregiver; Burden

Hrčak ID:

232524

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/232524

Publication date:

12.11.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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