Middle Stage Dementia - What Caregivers Should Know

The middle or moderate stage of dementia can be a very challenging time for dementia caregivers.  What are some of the typical feelings that caregivers may have and what are some of the options to assist in coping?

Remember that the person with dementia is experiencing a number of cognitive, functional and behavioral/mood changes during the middle or moderate stage of dementia including:

• problems with memory, orientation, insight, spatial ability and language
• difficulty grooming, dressing and feeding
• behaviors such as wandering, paranoia, delusions, and agitation
• emotions like frustration, fear, anxiety, and isolation

Here are some typical reactions of caregivers who are handling the middle stage of dementia with their loved one:

• "I'm sick of this - what about my life?"
• "I wish she wouldn't act up so much when we go out."
• "I would do anything to get a good night's sleep."
• "This is not the man I used to know."

Dementia caregivers are feeling resentment, depression, role reversal, guilt, exhaustion, overwhelmed and some social isolation.

Some options for coping with the middle or moderate stage of dementia might be:

• Respite care (arranging for temporary care of your loved one so you can rest)
• Assistance with behavior management
• Safety support to avoid dangerous situations:  a safety home assessment, alarms, locks
• Counseling and support group attendance
• Day care program for your loved one

If you are a dementia caregiver caring for someone in the middle to moderate stages of the illness, please share any other tips with our readers.

Next time we will discuss the caregiver's viewpoint of the later stages of dementia.

Comments

[Carol O'Dell]

Boy, does this bring back memories! I didn't know the "stages" at the time, I just knew things had taken a real shift. I'm so glad there's more information on the web, etc. for caregivers and their loved ones today.

I remember the day when I realized it wasn't just dementia or senility. Some days (and nights) were really bad.
Community resources and repite care is absolutely necessary. It's also the time to gather a list of options--care and facility options if your current situation becomes too much.
Alzheimer's can be ruthless and as a caregiver, you've got to prepare for all scenarios--and take care of yourself.
I felt like I went to the bitter edge--I'm glad I did, but in retrospect, I'd tell anyone to ask for help, get as much assistance as they can.
~Carol O'Dell
author of Mothering Mother; A Daughter's Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir, available on Amazon and in most bookstores.
www.mothering-mother.com

[Sue Lanza]

Carol: We all have a tendency to NOT ask for help and boy is this a time when help is needed!

In talking to caregivers over the years and even with my own mother's care, there is so much denial about what is coming next that caregivers need to hear valuable information multiple times to let it set in.

Carol, thanks for your comments!
Sue