Part I of this Alzheimer’s series consisted of a general overview, while part II was a blog about tools to help a person suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Today’s will concentrate on caregivers and preventing caregiver burden.
In January, I wrote a general blog about preventing caregiver burden and the following are more to add to the list.
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acknowledge your feelings
As in any difficult situation, many feelings can come up. Some caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients have felt the following:
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guilt that your loved one is in this situation
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embarrassment – if your loved one causes a scene
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fear- watching loved one lose memory
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anger and resentment- feelings of why me? can come up
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get help from friends and family
It is hard to do everything on your own. These can be the times to rely on some of your family members or close friends to help you even with a little portion of caregiving duties.
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stay healthy
When you are engrossed in caring for your loved one, it can be easy to neglect yourself. However, it is extremely important to care for yourself by eating healthy, exercising, and getting plenty of rest.
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learn from the internet, books, and articles
It is important to get as much information as possible to help you through the process. Modern technology has provided easy access to information.
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ask questions to health care providers, social workers, counselors, and doctors
Asking professionals is also a great means of acquiring information and helping you through the difficult process of caregiving.
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join a support group
Sometimes being around people going through the same situation as you can bring an extra layer of strength and support.
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manage stress
It can be extremely stressful caring for someone no matter how much you love them. Finding ways to reduce stress that work for you can prevent caregiver burden. Some stress reducing techniques include meditation, taking a break, exercising, and taking in nature.
Resources:
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Healthlink talks about what happens when caring for someone, including the warnings of caregiver stress.
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The American Geriatrics Society answers frequently asked questions such as are caregiver support services helpful and where do I go for information.
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National Institute on Aging has a resource pages for caregivers and patients of Alzheimer’s Disease.
