mimilu44
New member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2012
- Messages
- 3
- Reason
- Loved one DX
- Diagnosis
- 10/2011
- Country
- US
- State
- Florida
- City
- Palm Harbor
My uncle has recently been diagnosed with ALS. My Aunt is his sole caregiver and it is taking a toll on her. She works full time and has had to take over all of the household chores (inside and out) as well. She feels guilty when she leaves for work that he is stuck in a chair all day but a sense of relief also. She has to use all her muscles to move his legs, transport him from the commode to the chair and vice versa, wash him, shampoo etc. SHe is starting to ache all over . Besides all the physical wear and tear, he can be quite nasty to her. He belittles her and makes her feel incompetent. My Aunt is a very kind, caring woman who would do anything for her family but this is starting to beat her down.
I want to know if anyone else is going through this with their patients. Is this a normal reaction ALS patients have? What coping measures can she use? Can anyone recommend any good books on ALS caregivers?
Also, when is it time to get home care and how to approach the patient with this. My Aunt and sister have lightly touched on this subject with him and he was totally against it.
Please, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I want to know if anyone else is going through this with their patients. Is this a normal reaction ALS patients have? What coping measures can she use? Can anyone recommend any good books on ALS caregivers?
Also, when is it time to get home care and how to approach the patient with this. My Aunt and sister have lightly touched on this subject with him and he was totally against it.
Please, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.