Imagine waking up in an unfamiliar place, unable to remember what your name is or how you got there. It's a struggle to figure out the reality of your situation, and your memory is completely blank. Utter confusion turns into fear and anger and you lash out emotionally at the stranger who is standing by your bed. This scenario paints a bleak picture of how a mid to late stage Alzheimer's patient views the world on a regular basis. Now, imagine you're standing in front of a person you care deeply about, and that person is looking at you with no recognition at all. Your heart breaks a little bit more, but you push the pain aside and go on with your duties caring for your loved one with Alzheimer's.

Oftentimes, the care for aging parents must be taken on by their adult children. Dubbed the "Sandwich Generation," these adults have the added stress of raising children, dealing with financial burdens and limited resources, and maintaining a full-time job on top of the care.

Caregiver burnout is common when caring for Alzheimer's patients, so it is important to recognize the signs such as excessive stress and tension, debilitating depression, persistent anxiety, anger or guilt, decreased overall life satisfaction or relationship conflicts and social isolation. It is also important to take some preemptive steps to avoid burnout altogether.

Many caregivers with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia are unaware of the options available to them, such as in-home care and respite services. For more information about available options for Alzheimer's care, please contact Freedom Home Care in Dothan, Alabama at 334-803-8078 or Opelika, Alabama at 334-745-7308. Freedom Home Care also has offices in Columbus, Georgia and Montgomery, Alabama.