A GUIDE FOR ALZHEIMER'S CARERS - Defining the Problem

COPING STRATEGIES
DEFINING THE PROBLEM

Before you can deal with a problem, you have to be clear about what the problem is. Take some time to analyse the source of any difficulty and your reaction to it. Gather information. Make careful observations. Try to clarify the details. An emotional response - especially if it involves feelings of guilt or helplessness - can be bad for carer health, and does little to alter the situation.

It can be helpful to keep a daily log or a record describing the problems or situations as they arise. You might note

What happened - immediately before, during and after?

When did it happen?

Who was actively involved and who was affected?

How did those involved react?

Such a log can be helpful in identifying a pattern in terms of the time of day or some triggering event. Angry outbursts, for example, may occur at certain times during the day when the person is tired or over-stimulated.