Balancing caregiving with work and other family obligations can be stressful. Don’t overlook the stressful impacts of caregiving. It is important to reassess your loved one’s needs periodically – and your ability to provide care. It is important to get help and relief from the stress of caregiving. These tips can help you find the support you need:
1. Ask for help: a) make a list of ways others can help, b) ask a friend or relative to help out for an hour each week, and c) don’t wait for a crisis, ask for and accept help on a regular basis.
2. Take time for yourself: a) consider using respite care, homecare, or adult day care, b) schedule regular time for yourself, and c) plan to spend an hour each day or an afternoon once a week away from caregiving.
3. Express your feelings and avoid isolation: a) recognize that feelings of frustration, sadness, anger, and depression are common under the circumstances and b) join a caregiver support group.
4. Take care of your health: a) make sure to eat and rest, b) get moving, even 10 minutes of exercise a day can help, c) learn and use stress reduction techniques (visualization, meditation, breathing exercises), and d) don’t put off your own medical care.
5. Learn about the condition: a) find out about different forms and stages of dementia so that you are not taken by surprise when new behaviors occur and b) if you can, provide information to family and friends so they will know how best to support you.
6. Look for signs of burnout: Not taking care of your own health? Feeling lonely? Crying or losing your temper more than usual? These are all signs that you may need help.
Remember, you will be better able to care for another if you don’t take time for yourself. No one can do it all. You have to be your first priority.
Additional information and resources for caregivers:
- Community Resource Finder
- Ways to Manage Stress & Be a Healthier Caregiver
- Caregiving for Dementia: What to Expect
- Caregiver Education & Training Videos
- Caregiver’s Guide to Managing Challenging Dementia Behavior
- Family Caregiving Guide
- Relaxation Techniques: Steps to Reduce Stress
Michelle Blose, PsyD
Neuropsychology, Post-Doctoral Fellow
NJ Permit: TP# 203-032