Invisible Support from Family & Friends

How might symptoms of memory loss, paranoia, and verbal and physical aggression be particularly hard for the caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients?

These symptoms might be hard for the caregiver as he or she is human and they might take it personally especially when it comes to physical and verbal aggression. When the patient with Alzheimer's disease becomes aggressive towards the caregiver, the caregiver might feel overwhelmed, sad, and isolated. These feelings are normal as the situation the caregiver finds him or herself in is what is causing those feelings. Memory loss from the patient might result in the patient not recalling some of the basic things and this might frustrate the caregiver as he or she will have to keep repeating or reminding the patient. Naturally, the caregiver will get frustrated and they might lash out too. However, it is vital that the caregiver does himself or herself a favor and speaks to someone else about what she is undergoing. By taking good care of himself or herself, they can take better care of the patient.

“Invisible Support” in your textbook is defined as support by a practitioner. Yet, family and friends give invisible support as well. Discuss why chronically ill family members or friends may not notice/visibly appreciate work done by their caregivers.

The reason chronically ill family members or friends might not notice the work done by the caregiver is because they do not interpret the act being performed as being a supportive exchange. This means the recipient of the act is aware there is an act taking place, but they do not interpret it as a supportive exchange. There are many reasons why the recipient does not see it as a supportive exchange and this could be influenced by their chronic illness. Another form of invisible support is where a family member or friend does something for the chronically ill patient without letting them know. For example, cleaning their room or tidying up the room when the recipient is not in the room. This could be done as a way of caring for the ill person since they cannot do it themself. The recipient will not be aware of the act and they will not be able to appreciate the work done by the caregiver.