Hello,
Caregiving is hard – and can lead to feelings of stress, guilt, anger, sadness, isolation – and depression. These feelings affect different people in different ways and at different times. For example, someone may experience depression right after their family member has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Other caregivers may experience it as Alzheimer’s progresses and the cognitive abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s diminish. Caregivers need to be aware of how they are feeling just as much as their patient and take steps to maintain their physical and emotional health.
Plan Your Support System
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Ask for help. It’s important to reach out to other family members, friends, or volunteer organizations to help with the daily burden of caregiving. |
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Learn or update caregiving skills. There are books, workshops, and online training resources that can teach you the skills you need. |
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Join a support group. You’ll find that you’re not alone, and you’ll be able to learn from the experiences of others who have faced the same challenges. |
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Learn how to manage stress. 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. |
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Plan for your own care. Visit your doctor for regular checkups and pay attention to the signs and symptoms of excessive stress. |
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Make use of available resources. There is a wealth of community and online resources to help you prioritize your efforts and provide effective care. |
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Visit the Fisher Center’s new and improved ALZTalk, a free and easy way to make new friends and stay connected with those in the Alzheimer’s community. |
To learn more about recent studies related to the demand placed on caregivers and the precautions they should take, read these expert-reviewed articles.
Your ALZinfo Team
