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Common Negative Feelings Experienced by Caregiver Families

  • Anger…
    • At the family member with Alzheimer's disease
    • At themselves, the caregivers
    • At other family members and friends
    • At health care professionals
    • At God
  • Denial…
    • Of the disease itself
    • Of the need for assistance
  • Depression…
    • Over the lost relationship with the Alzheimer's person
    • Over the loss of family continuity
  • Fear…
    • Of the genetic consequences
    • Of the future
  • Guilt…
    • Over past experiences that may have caused the person's condition
    • Over the caregiver's own ability to still enjoy life
    • Over anger with other family members because they live far away, criticize, or prefer to remain uninvolved in caregiving
    • Over negative feelings and/or problems experienced with the Alzheimer's Individual
    • Over the ability or inability to provide adequate care
  • Indecision…
    • About financial and legal issues
    • About medical care
    • About living arrangements
  • Self-pity…
    • Over the unfair circumstances in life
  • Shame and embarrassment…
    • Over the challenging behaviors exhibited by the Alzheimer's person
Sources: Oliver, R. and F. Bock 1987. "Coping with Alzheimer's: A Caregiver's Emotional Survival Guide." New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, Inc. "Just the Facts and More: Grief, Mourning and Guilt." 1992. Chicago: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc.

Compiled by the Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1999.
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Posted August 3rd, 2007

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