Dementia Caregivers | Seven Ways to Take Care of Yourself

Author

Atrium at Liberty Park

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Atrium at Liberty Park

Posted on

Jul 18, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

Share This

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia impacts every aspect of your daily life. As an Alzheimer’s patient loses one ability after another, a caregiver faces tests of stamina, problem solving, and resiliency. Maintaining your emotional and physical fitness is crucial, not just for you, but also for the person you’re caring for. Preparing yourself, understanding your loved one’s experience, and seeking support from others can help you succeed on the caregiving journey.

Caregiving can become all-consuming. As your loved one’s cognitive, physical, and functional abilities diminish over a period of years, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and neglect your own health and well-being.  Nearly all Alzheimer’s or dementia caregivers will at some time experience sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and exhaustion. Seeking help and support along the way is not a luxury for caregivers; it’s a necessity.

Just as each person with Alzheimer’s disease progresses differently, so too can the caregiving experience vary widely from person to person. However, there are strategies that can help make the caregiving journey as rewarding as it is challenging. Learning all you can about what is happening and what to expect on the Alzheimer’s journey will not only help your loved one but is also the first step towards protecting your own mental and physical health.

Here are Seven Strategies to Take Care of Yourself:

  1. Ask for help
    Create a resource list of those who can help such as family members, friends and meet new friends at support groups and educational classes.
     
  2. Learn or update caregiving skills
    Classes through local organizations are often free and sometimes offer adult day care during the class.
     
  3. Make use of available resources
    Check websites for the Alzheimer’s Association and organizations for the aging for resource lists including professional caregivers who can give you a short-term break. Upload and access the Alzheimer’s Association Science Hub app.  It is a free app that delivers the latest news, information, and expert assessments about Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Attend free workshops for families and caregivers hosted by select Meridian Senior Living communities to get support and learn strategies to cope with the challenges Alzheimer's caregiving presents.
     
  4. Plan for your own care
    Write it down in your daily planner treat and it with the same priority you would a physician’s appointment for your loved one. Plan a movie, dinner with a friend, a weekly tee time if you golf, garden, or exercise. Take time for yourself.
     
  5. Learn how to manage stress
    Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can be one of the most stressful tasks you’ll undertake in life. To combat this stress, you need to activate your body’s natural relaxation response through techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, rhythmic exercise, or yoga. Fitting these activities into your life can help reduce the stress of caregiving and boost your mood and energy levels.
     
  6. Eat nutritious meals
    A healthy diet is important for both of you. Take the time to make sure you are eating nutrient-rich foods.
     
  7. Get quality sleep
    Plan ahead of time to ensure you are getting the rest you need. As adults we are not typically planning for rest periods; however, caregivers must get enough sleep for your own health and to provide patient and thoughtful care to your loved one. The task is monumental.

Caregiving can be both rewarding and overwhelming. With all the resources available, rest assured you are not alone and there is relief within reach.

Want to learn more about ways you can take care of yourself while taking care of your loved one with Alzheimer’s? Contact us today. We’re here for you.

Other Articles You May Like

HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX Shines Our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!

This month, we shine our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!Jerry is a senior living professional with over 35 years of sales, marketing, operations, and management experience. He is a servant-driven leader focused on helping his clients live their best lives by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.Jerry most recently worked in Senior Living as a Community Sales Director and Executive Director for many years before joining HomeWell Care Services in June of 2022 as the Community Relations Manager serving the North Dallas area.His responsibilities include creating positive brand awareness, networking with professional organizations, building relationships with senior living communities, churches, rehabilitation centers, adult senior centers, hospitals, and more that will result in long-lasting community partnerships, and keeping our home care services top of mind within the community we serve.Thank you, Jerry, for being an amazing professional. You are an asset to our companys continuing growth and make a difference in the lives of your clients and HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX! If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today!Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.

Talking To Your Parents About Senior Living: Why Choose Sooner Rather Than Later?

Transitioning to senior living can be an intimidating prospect for many seniors. If you are a family member or friend of a senior, it can be difficult to know how to approach the subject and begin talking about the next steps. But, starting the conversation sooner rather than later is important so that seniors have time to make decisions and prepare for their transition in a way that feels comfortable. Here are some tips on how to start talking to your loved ones about senior living and why it is an important conversation to have and earlier than you think.Do Your Research First When it comes to transitioning into senior living, knowledge is power. Knowing what types of options are available and what services different facilities provide can help ease any anxiety around the conversation and give you both some context for your discussion.Doing research ahead of time is crucial for starting the conversation on the right foot. It will help you gain a better understanding of how senior living works and what your loved ones individual needs might be. Its also important to remember that each senior living community is unique in its own way; some offer more amenities than others, while some focus on particular health issues or dietary concerns within their care plan. By doing thorough research ahead of time, you can identify which communities best fit your loved ones needs.Doing your research first when talking to your loved ones about senior living options will also help you find out which type of senior living would best fit your loved ones needs and preferences from independent living facilities with limited assistance to full-service care homes with round-the-clock medical attention so that you can have a meaningful discussion about their specific wants and needs.Maintain Open Communication & Let It Be an Ongoing Process Above all else, open communication is key when discussing this type of transition with your loved one. Its essential that they feel listened to and respected during each step of this process from researching options together to visiting different facilities to making final decisions about where they want to live in their golden years. Some facilities even offer various amenities and benefits to increase the comfort of their residents, including in-house catering for improved nutrition, event calendars for increased social interaction, and advanced security for increased peace of mind. When talking to your parents about senior living, listen to which amenities and services your family would love the most, and ensure you communicate these benefits to them.Secondly, rather than having one large discussion about moving into a senior living community, try having several small conversations over time instead. The goal should ultimately be finding a solution that meets your loved ones needs while still allowing them the freedom and dignity they deserve so dont rush anything or expect an immediate answer. Allow plenty of time for reflection so your loved one can process everything theyre hearing before making a final decision.  Additionally, keep in mind that if they feel overwhelmed by the idea of transitioning into senior living, they may not be ready yet and thats okay! Take it slow and allow them as much time as necessary before proceeding further down the path toward finding them a home.Talk in Person With Empathy and PositivityAbove all else, when talking to your parents about senior living options, its important to remember that this is not just about them moving out of their home its also about providing them with quality care in a safe environment where theyll continue to enjoy their retirement years without worry or stress. Approach the subject from an empathetic perspective one that acknowledges their fears but also encourages them by highlighting all the wonderful benefits senior living has to offer! When done correctly and respectfully, talking about senior living can ultimately lead to a positive outcome for everyone involved and hopefully bring peace of mind for both parties as well.Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, Colorado: How We Can HelpStarting the conversation about transitioning into senior living can be daunting at first, but having an informed discussion sooner rather than later allows seniors more time to weigh their options and make decisions that feel comfortable for them while also giving families peace of mind knowing they have explored all available resources together. With patience, respect, understanding, and access to helpful resources like Grace Pointes Senior Care Resources, beginning these conversations doesnt have to be overwhelming or stressful instead, it can be reassuring and informative!At Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, Colorado, our approach to care is customized to help when talking to your parents about senior living options available to them.  Our assisted living team is available to discuss care options in order to design a care plan that is best for you or your family member.We hope this article helped supply you with the information to make a confident and informed decision for you and your loved ones. However, if youre still not sure how to address this difficult but necessary conversation with your loved ones, we can help! We have numerous resources to help you make the right decision for your family, including our Complete Guide to Assisted Living in Greeley, Colorado. Also, feel free to take our Continuum of Care Quiz and let the expert team at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community match you with recommended services based on your answers.

Crafting Comfort: Senior Organizing Solutions Unveiled

In the realm of crafting comfort and promoting a sense of order, A Call to Order Professional Organizer stands out as a beacon of expertise, specializing in Senior Organizing Solutions. Our mission is to unveil the potential for tranquility and ease in the lives of seniors by meticulously organizing their living spaces. Our guiding principle is rooted in compassion and practicality, recognizing the unique needs of seniors and tailoring our services to create personalized, efficient solutions.As you embark on the journey of senior organizing, consider the following tips to enhance the process. Firstly, prioritize sentimental items and incorporate them into the organization plan, ensuring a balance between functionality and emotional connection. Secondly, make use of accessible storage solutions to simplify daily routines. A Call to Order emphasizes a gentle and collaborative approach, ensuring that the organizing process is not only effective but also a positive experience for seniors. Crafting comfort through thoughtful organization is not just a service; it's a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our cherished seniors. A Call to Order Professional Organizer: Crafting Comfort: Senior Organizing Solutions Unveiled - because every moment deserves the tranquility of order.

Local Services By This Author

Atrium at Liberty Park

Independent Living 1321 NE 24th Ave., Cape Coral, Florida, 33909

Our Supportive Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Cape Coral, Florida, ensures that life here is exciting, from well-designed apartment homes with convenient features to delicious dining and enriching activity offerings. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, our friendly staff is here to provide you with all the resources needed to make life easier, more comfortable and more joyful. Gather friends together for an afternoon of fun in the game room. Treat yourself to a movie night. Go for a quiet stroll around our picturesque grounds. Maintenance-free living allows you to spend your time how you wish set free from the task of daily chores and empowered to live extraordinarily. Interested in Atrium at Liberty Park for a loved one? We are here for you as you research options for your loved one.

Atrium at Liberty Park

Memory Care 1321 NE 24th Ave., Cape Coral, Florida, 33909

Our Supportive Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Cape Coral, Florida, ensures that life here is exciting, from well-designed apartment homes with convenient features to delicious dining and enriching activity offerings. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, our friendly staff is here to provide you with all the resources needed to make life easier, more comfortable and more joyful. Gather friends together for an afternoon of fun in the game room. Treat yourself to a movie night. Go for a quiet stroll around our picturesque grounds. Maintenance-free living allows you to spend your time how you wish set free from the task of daily chores and empowered to live extraordinarily .Interested in Atrium at Liberty Park for a loved one? We are here for you as you research options for your loved one.

Atrium at Liberty Park

Assisted Living 1321 NE 24th Ave., Cape Coral, Florida, 33909

Our Supportive Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Cape Coral, Florida, ensures that life here is exciting, from well-designed apartment homes with convenient features to delicious dining and enriching activity offerings. Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, our friendly staff is here to provide you with all the resources needed to make life easier, more comfortable and more joyful. Gather friends together for an afternoon of fun in the game room. Treat yourself to a movie night. Go for a quiet stroll around our picturesque grounds. Maintenance-free living allows you to spend your time how you wish set free from the task of daily chores and empowered to live extraordinarily .Interested in Atrium at Liberty Park for a loved one? We are here for you as you research options for your loved one.