A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease affects not only the individual but also the caregiver. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is challenging. The task of caregiving often falls primarily on the shoulders of one person. The stress of this 24-hour care in addition to the feelings of despair and sadness can take a toll on the caregiver’s own health.
We have some tips to help you cope with the stress of caregiving.
Ask for Support From Other Caregivers
You are not alone. There are many individuals out there experiencing the same thing as you. Learning that others have had or are in similar experiences can be an enormous relief. An easy way to find support from other caregivers is to join a caregiver support group near you or virtually. There are a variety of support groups that offer support for various conditions as well as for different types of caregivers.
Seek Help From a Therapist
Don't be afraid to seek therapy services, whether in person or virtual. There are many options depending on your schedule. Even if you think you are feeling okay, having someone to talk to and process your feelings can be beneficial. If you need help locating a therapist within your budget, DailyCaring has compiled a list of ways to locate affordable therapy services.
Give Yourself a Break
We all need a break from time to time, and that includes caregivers! Don't be afraid to take a moment of peace for yourself. There are various ways to have respite time, including having another loved one relieve you for a few hours, utilizing an adult day center, or hiring a trusted professional for a couple of hours a month.
If funding for a respite caregiver is an issue, the Access to Respite Care and Help National Respite Network has compiled a state-by-state resource for funding sources for respite care.
Maintain Your Own Health
The good you can do for your loved one is dependent on how well you take care of your own health. If the caregiver becomes unable to provide care, their family member who has Alzheimer’s may need to be institutionalized sooner than he or she would have been had the caregiver been able to provide care.
Because of the overwhelming task of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers often suffer from depression. Caregivers should take advantage of resources available (such as counseling) and talk to their own medical providers.
As tempting as it may be, don’t skip out on your own appointments. If you do not already have someone who can relieve you while you attend your appointments, the Family Caregiver Alliance has a resource for locating respite caregivers near you.
Seek Training
The Alzheimer’s Association can provide training to novice caregivers. Education about the disease and how to care for someone at each stage can allow the person living with Alzheimer’s to remain at home for an extended period.
Let Technology Help You
Technology advances have not only helped move us forward but have also developed ways to keep an eye on a loved one when you're not around. For example, the EyeOn App alerts people designated as your loved one's check-in buddies if they fail to check in on their phone after a set period of time. In-home reminders and alarms can be set on smart home devices like Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
If you are having to administer a lot of medication, you can have all the prescriptions filled through MedMinder, and they will deliver the medicine presorted in individual compartments. MedMinder’s smart medicine dispenser will tell your loved one when to take their medicine and what compartment to open. Every little bit helps!
Plan Early
Caregivers should begin to plan early for the present and future needs of any person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is most important to meet with an Elder Law attorney experienced in planning for those with Alzheimer’s (and other related dementias). They should also visit assisted living facilities and nursing homes to obtain a good idea of where their loved ones could be placed in the event care outside the home is needed.
Give Yourself a Pat on the Back
When you are in the midst of a stressful situation, it can be hard to take a step back and give yourself credit for the work you are doing. Being a caregiver is NOT easy, and it's important to remind yourself that you are doing a great job in a tough situation.
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Caregivers who are knowledgeable and supportive, and who care for themselves, can ultimately provide the best care to their loved one.
Free Caregiver’s Guide:
Solid legal and financial planning is critical for a loved one with long-term care needs. Download our free Caregiver’s Guide to learn the critical information you need to know about caring for your loved one.
Call us at 919-443-3035. One of our friendly Client Welcome Specialists will be happy to tell you more about The Alzheimer’s Planning Center and our unique Memory Safeguard Planning, to help you determine the best path forward, and to help you take the next steps toward a more secure future and a better life.
