Taking care of a relative suffering from Alzheimer’s can be trying, stressful and emotional as the disease progresses.
Yet many families want to keep their relative close, and provide the best care they can from home. It’s important to remember, however, that you can’t care for someone else if you get too run down yourself.
Here are some Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers that can help keep caretakers healthy and better able to provide the patience and understanding necessary to the care of their loved one.
- Share the responsibility. Being the sole person responsible for your loved one’s care can be too much. When you’re run down, stressed out or frustrated you won’t be a good caretaker, nor will you be doing yourself any favors. Going on too long without a break can lead to emotional and physical health deterioration in your health as well. Get other family members or outside help if necessary so you have time to yourself as well.
- Take time for yourself and the rest of your family. Whether you enjoy taking long relaxing baths, going for walks or playing golf make time for these activities at least once a week. Lowering your stress levels will reduce your risk of numerous other illnesses and make you feel mentally better as well. You also want to make sure that you’re nurturing your relationship with your children, spouse or significant other. Caring for a loved one takes a lot of time, but you need to spend some time with others as well.
- Don’t blame yourself. When caring for someone with a mentally debilitating disease like Alzheimer’s, accidents will inevitably happen now and again no matter how careful or watchful you are. Don’t put all the blame on yourself and further stress yourself out. If you’re doing the best you can, ease up on yourself and understand that you cannot plan for or prevent every possibility. Learning to relax a little and step back will give you some perspective and lower your stress levels.
- Find a support group. There is no reason you have to go through the stress of caring for a loved one alone. Caretakers can find support groups in their communities or online. There are numerous websites and blogs dedicated to providing advice, support and even offering a few laughs to lighten the mood. Finding emotional support can be key to keeping yourself mentally healthy and able to care for your loved one.
- Take a break. If you feel yourself snapping at every little thing, feeling overly tired, depressed or just plain burnt out, it’s time to take a break. Ask another relative to help out or find out about getting nursing care for a few days so you can get away. You’re not doing anyone any favors when you keep running yourself down, so take a break when you need it.
While being a caretaker can sometimes feel like an all-consuming task, it’s important to pull out a few moments each day to think about yourself and your health. A happier, healthier you will be much better able to provide care and take care of everything else in your life as well.
Find out more about the Dodge Park Rest Home FREE monthly Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group.
