Your father may benefit from learning more about the effects your mother’s illness is having on changes in her memory, mood, and actions. This may help him to better understand your mother’s current abilities, care needs, and what to expect in the future. The Alzheimer’s Association ( http://www.alz.org) can give both of you some information and let you know about available support services. It can also put you in touch with other families who are caring for someone with dementia. It is possible your father might be grieving the loss of the loving relationship he and your mother once had and feel depressed. Perhaps you can encourage him to talk with his doctor about how he is feeling. He seems to have some things in common with other caregivers who experience high levels of stress. Some caregivers do not have an in-depth understanding of their partner’s condition and may resent the demands of added responsibilities. Education and support services can best help caregivers who feel this way.

For more information, visit: http://www.extension.org/pages/Caregiving_Is_Different_for_Everyone.