Is it normal to distance yourself when caring for parent with Alzheimer's?

Sometimes I feel I'm being cold to what she wants( not needs) during her spells of depression. Sometimes just plain don't know how to act or what to say. I can't make other people do anything to sooth her(family) so I kind of have to be cold but doesn't make me feel right about it. What should I be doing?


She lives with me and my husband.Is it normal to distance yourself when caring for parent with Alzheimer's?
I think this is a self preservation mechanism. It's not that you are cold and uncaring, but dealing with a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer's can be very difficult and frustrating. Especially in the times when the person can be quite lucid and know their surroundings and other times there is no recognition at all. There is no set of written rules to help you know what to say or how to act. I am sure you are doing your best to cope in this very difficult situation. Of course there are help groups available for families of people who suffer this problem. I am sure if you looked it up on the net you could probably find one in your area or contact your the social worker involved in the case of your relative. It may in fact come the time when you will not be able to look after her and she may have to go into care and that is something one also needs to consider, at what point to do you realize that keeping her at home may not be the best thing for her or for you and your husband. I hope everything goes well for you.Is it normal to distance yourself when caring for parent with Alzheimer's?
Don't matter how much you do or how much you care, you'll


feel guilty -- what's normal ? maintaining your sanity. Spent


five years with a parent in the latter phases of alzheimer's


and am lucky to still be married after the strain put on the


wife as well as myself. It's a terrible disease. Try to shake


the unwarranted guilt. May God give you the strength.
Turning off the emotional connection is self-preservation. If caregivers care too deeply, then every setback and loss can be devestating.





Do the best you can, forbid guilt for not doing even more, and make sure you get a respite when you need one.
yes, its the way you are coping with everything that is going on, many people do this so not to feel hurt as they get more ill, for me my father has Parkinson's disease and I understand the pain and the protective wall you are putting up around yourself. How long ago did it start? if its a more new thing you are simply coming to terms with it all. take care good luck
You are dealing with so much and just feel like you need a break. Why won't someone else help deal with her are the questions your asking yourself. I understand its hard and that's just how some people deal with it is to distance themselves its not a deliberate or wrong act its a coping mechanism. I can't imagine watching some one you love so dearly deteriorate so much as Alzheimer's does to its victims. Thank God my grandparents were well when they passed and my parents are still relatively young but I know it can affect us to and I pray that if or when it does that we have your strength. you may not feel strong but you are God Bless