According to an unprecedented national survey carried out by Ipsos BVA, nearly 9 out of 10 patients (88 %) benefit from the support of a caregiver. A figure that climbs to 91 % when the diagnosis is established.
In the majority of cases (77 %), it is a family member. A child, almost once in two, or the spouse, in a third of the cases.
What is the typical profile of the caregiver?
In general, behind this role is mainly hidden from women (57 %), an average of 56 years, six in ten of which are still in professional activity.
They must therefore juggle between their work, their family life and the accompaniment of their loved one.
“”Caregivers are most often girls or wives. Their commitment is added to their personal and professional responsibilities“Confirms Dr. Rémy Genthon, medical director of the Alzheimer Research Foundation, requested by True Medical.
A daily life marked by proximity
Half of the caregivers live less than an hour from the sick person, and almost a quarter share the same home. When the caregiver is the spouse, this proportion reaches 59 %.
The time devoted varies according to the family bond: 65 % of children help less than 10 hours per week. While 54 % of spouses exceed this threshold, especially for the essential gestures of everyday life.
“”This is also what we see on our scale“Press Rémy Genthon again.”The nearest child geographically, is in fact also the most involved with his sick parent“.
Moral support, pillar of support
If spouses assume the majority of domestic care and tasks, the survey reveals that moral support remains the most frequent help, in more than half of the cases.
Crucial support to preserve the well-being and dignity of the sick. “”This is all the more difficult in Alzheimer’s disease, because very often, patients, at a certain stage of the disease, are not aware of their state and are reluctant to receive help “.
In addition, the distribution of roles within families remains very gendered: the wires take care of administrative procedures and coordination, while girls take care of races and meals.
Caregivers themselves in search of support
Caregivers also assume support during trips, coordination with doctors, or administrative and financial procedures. But they are rarely relayed. “It is essential that they do not remain alone, that they dare to ask for help and approach support structures“Insists Rémy Genthon.
“”Unfortunately, in fact it is sometimes difficult to find someone to assist them, so they often take care of themselves. The message to convey is not to isolate yourself or to fear the disease or the stigma“.
Because beyond their essential role, caregivers also need respite: time to breathe, share their experience with others and preserve their own balance.