The Importance of Self-Care for Alzheimer's Caretakers
As loved ones get older, they may develop Alzheimer’s and need extra care from close family members. If you are a new caretaker, you may often feel overwhelmed. These feelings are perfectly normal, and fortunately, there are specific things you can do to address the challenges you are facing. Good self-care habits can make the transition to this new lifestyle smoother. Here is a guide from Precious Love to help you.
Safeguard Your Physical Health
Flight attendants instruct passengers in emergency situations to put on their own oxygen masks before helping someone else, and this advice is a good metaphor for self-care in general. If you aren't eating a healthy diet or getting the exercise or sleep you need, you are more likely to be exhausted at the end of the day. Failing to meet these needs can increase your overall stress. Taking care of your physical needs not only gives you the energy to help your loved one but also boosts your immune system. You lower your own risk of getting sick every time you make good health choices.
Make small changes every day to keep your body and mind healthy. You may not feel you have time for a full exercise routine, but try walking instead of driving, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Pairing these choices with eating healthier will make a big difference.
Find Mental Health Support
It’s important to make time to care for your mental health. Consider creating a designated place in your home to meditate. Meditation is an excellent practice to help reduce your stress levels.
If you have never had a therapist before, you may not think that your personal stress warrants an appointment. However, according to psychology experts, you don't need a specific diagnosis to seek regular mental health support. Talking with a counselor or attending peer support groups are both ways to avoid the burnout commonly associated with caregiving.
For those interested in support groups, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a gateway to connect caregivers with peer- or professionally led groups in your community. Alternatively, you can connect with people online for virtual group sessions. Support groups are an excellent way to both vent your frustrations and learn ways to cope with this situation.
Outsource Errands and Chores
Caregiving requires exceptional time management skills. One way to ensure you don't overcrowd your schedule is to automate or outsource some of the things you typically do yourself. A subscription for frequently used toiletries or grocery items reduces the number of shopping trips you make for your loved one. When you make your daily to-do list, see if there is any task on it you can pay someone else to perform, leaving yourself free to focus on your loved one.
Schedule Time Off
No matter how rewarding your role as a caregiver is, you still need to take time off every once in a while to rejuvenate. This is an important part of work-life balance and could be a reason to transition to a more flexible career. Another benefit of consistently taking care of yourself physically is that you don't have to spend your day off catching up on sleep. You can actually do something fun, such as inviting a friend to try out that new coffee shop in your neighborhood or reading the latest novel from your favorite author.
However, many caregivers face guilt when they decide to take some time off, which, in turn, can prevent them from doing so. Before you schedule backup care and plan to take some time away from things, learn how to manage your guilt. Without doing so, you may ultimately derail what could otherwise be a restful getaway. Caregivers deserve breaks, too, so learn how to face these feelings and emotions so you can find ways to enjoy life.
Make Caregiving Fun
It's easy to get caught up in all the tasks you perform as part of your caregiving duties. Strengthening relational connections is an essential part of self-care. Finding ways to bond with the loved one in your care is good for both of you. Make time to pursue a mutual hobby. If possible, take walks together. Fill meal times with meaningful conversations that help you get to know one another better. There are many ways you can make your time together more special.
Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be both fulfilling and demanding. Your own physical, mental, emotional, and social needs don't go away, though. In fact, to offset the added stress that caregiving tends to bring and to ensure you have the strength to help out as needed, you must make self-care a priority. Good, consistent self-care helps you manage whatever challenges come your way.
To learn more about our work to support the families of those with Alzheimer’s disease, please visit or contact Precious Love today!
Thank you Kimberly Hayes of Public Health Alert for this write up!