Caregiver Support
As the caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you want to provide the best memory care possible, but it can be a challenge. You need to learn about memory care, how dementia is affecting your loved one, and the medical support you need.
Sometimes, being the caregiver to someone living with dementia means you start to lose a sense of yourself. Your time isn’t your own, your finances may suffer, you may have family members resistant to helping you, and there is a lot of pressure. Plus, watching your loved one struggling with Alzheimer’s can be heartbreaking and hard to accept.
Caregiver stress is real and must be taken seriously. If it isn’t, your physical and emotional health can suffer, and you will be unable to provide the care your loved one living with Alzheimer’s needs.
Signs you may be experiencing Caregiver Stress:
- Feeling overwhelmed, having problems making decisions and getting things done
- Having sleep problems
- Having panic or anxiety attacks
- Feeling tired all the time
- Getting emotional and have mood swings like sadness, irritability, and anger
- Using or abusing alcohol and drugs (including any prescription)
- Feeling unwell with aches, pains, headaches, or other ailments
- Experiencing weight issues
- Losing the ability to enjoy yourself and your social life and feeling isolated
- Feeling helpless and hopeless with no sense of control
If you are experiencing any of these signs, caregiver support is available so you can handle your role as a caregiver to someone living with dementia.
- Ask for help and take it! – Tell friends and family your loved one needs dementia care and you need caregiver support, and accept help! If possible, hire people for tasks like shopping, housework, etc.
- Be kind to yourself – When living with Alzheimer’s disease, not every day is perfect – it’s ok if you don’t get everything right. No need for guilt or negative feelings.
- Exercise – Everyday. 15-20 minutes is fine.
- Stay connected and stay social – Schedule calls with friends, join a caregiver support group. Avoid becoming isolated.
- Use Respite Care – Connect with a dementia residential care home, or a memory care day care facility that offers respite care so you can take a break while keeping your loved one safe. Dementia care homes provide adult day care, weekend stays, and short-term residencies.
- Get medical support – Maintain your physical and emotional health. Virtual doctor appointments are available.
As a caregiver to someone living with Alzheimer’s disease, you need to manage your stress level. Knowing the signs of stress, understanding the steps to address these issues, and finding caregiver support means you will be able to stay healthy and take provide the best care possible to your loved one.