5 Self-Care Tips for Dementia Caregivers

November is National Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Do you ever feel overwhelmed from caregiving? Do you sometimes feel like you are running on empty?

Dementia caregiving can be stressful and has a great impact on your overall health & well-being. This month, let’s remember to recognize the signs of caregiver stress.

Common Signs of Caregiver Stress

• Denial— “I know Mom is going to get better”
• Anger– “He knows how to get dressed– he’s just being stubborn”
• Social Withdrawal—”I don’t care about visiting with the neighbors anymore”
• Anxiety—”What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?”
• Depression– “I just don’t care anymore.”
• Exhaustion—“I’m too tired for this”
• Sleeplessness—“What if she wanders out of the house?”
• Irritability— “Leave me alone!”
• Lack of Concentration— “I cant remember the last time I felt good”

(Source—Alzheimer’s Association)

5 Self-Care Tips

Once you’ve recognized your stressors and you’re looking for ways to implement self-care, consider the following tips below.

Asking for Help

It is okay to ask for help. It is a sign of strength when you are able to know your boundaries and secure the appropriate resources to assist you.

You do not have to do it all alone! Try asking people to help out in specific ways (like making a meal, visiting for 1-2 hrs, sending a gift card for gas, etc.)

When informal supports are not available, look further into community resources, support groups, and programs that provide assistance.

And with November being National Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Month, it is only fitting that you put yourself first, practice self-care, and celebrate you!