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[Please
note that the material on this page was current when
it was first posted. For up-to-date information on this
topic, visit the Alzheimer
Care section.]
10
Signs of Caregiver Stress Media Kit
Jan.
4, 1999
Brochure
Reducing
Caregiver Stress -- Finding Ways to Feel Better
Taking
care of someone with Alzheimer's disease can be a demanding
task. It requires time and energy. Even looking after
someone you love can be difficult. Even with youth and
good health on your side, caregiving can be hard. To
continue giving care, it is essential that you look after
yourself.
Knowing
and recognizing the signs of stress in yourself or someone
you care about is the first step in taking action. Finding
ways to reduce the stress will help to lessen the long-term
emotional and physical toll of caregiving. As a caregiver
should take care of yourself; you are the most important
person in the life of someone with Alzheimer's disease.
There
are things that can be done to help you maintain your
health and well being.
The
following are some suggestions that might relieve some
stress. Try different methods; you may find other ways
that help you more.
1.
Learn about the disease and giving care…then pass
it on
Knowing
as much as you can about the disease and care strategies
will prepare you for the Alzheimer journey. Understanding
how the disease affects the individual will help you
to stay connected to the person and adapt to the changes.
Sharing this information with family and friends will
enable them to understand what is happening and better
prepare them to provide you with the help and support
you need.
2.
Be realistic...about the disease
It
is important, though difficult, to be realistic about
the disease and its effects. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive
disease: gradually the person you are caring for will
get worse. Once you are realistic, it will be easier
for you to adjust what you expect of him/her.
3.
Be realistic…about yourself
It
is important to realize that caring for someone takes
time and energy. There will be limits to what you can
do. You will have to decide what is most important to
you. What do you value most? A walk with the person you
are caring for, time by yourself or a tidy house? There
is no "right" answer; only you know what matters
most to you at any particular time.
Besides
making choices, you will have to set limits on what you
can do in a day. It may be difficult to admit you can't
do everything. It is not easy to say "no." Be
realistic and think carefully about how much you can
do and where you need help.
4.
Accept your feelings
When
caring for someone, you will have many mixed feelings.
In just one day, you may feel contented, angry, guilty,
happy, sad, embarrassed, afraid and helpless. These feelings
may be confusing and difficult to handle. However, they
are neither good nor bad; they are normal. Negative feelings
do not mean that you are not a good caregiver; they mean
you are human. Recognize that you are doing the best
you can.
5.
Share your feelings
It
is important to share your feelings with others. Find
someone you are comfortable with, then talk about how
you feel or what is troubling you. This person may be
a close friend or family member, someone you met at an
Alzheimer support group, a member of your religious community
or a health-care professional.
6.
Look for good things
Your
attitude can make a big difference to the way you feel.
Try to look at the positive side of things. Look at what
the person can still do. Try to make every day count.
There can still be times that are special and worthwhile.
7.
Take care of yourself
Your
own health is important. Do not ignore it. Eat proper
meals and try to exercise regularly. Find ways to relax
and make sure you get the rest you need. Make regular
appointments with your doctor for check-ups. These things
will help you deal with stress and allow you to continue
to give good care.
As
well, you need regular breaks so you can have interests
outside of caregiving. Do not wait until you are too
exhausted to plan this. Take time to keep up with things
that are important to you. This will give you strength
and help prevent you from feeling lonely and isolated.
8.
Look for humour
Alzheimer's disease is serious, but you do not have to take yourself
seriously all of the time. Seeing humour in situations
does not lessen the sincerity of your care.
9.
Get help
Support…you
will need the support that comes from sharing thoughts
and feeling with others. Find a way that you are comfortable
with, individually with a professional or as part of
an Alzheimer support group.
Practical
help…it is hard to ask for and accept help.
It is important to know that asking for help is not
a sign of poor caregiving. You need to realize that
you cannot care for a person with Alzheimer's disease
alone.
Ask
family and friends for help; most people are only too
willing to help. There are programs to provide you with
relief or assistance with household chores and caregiving
tasks.
Determine
what kind of help you need and let people know.
10.
Plan for the future
Planning
for the future can help in relieving stress. When the
person with Alzheimer's disease is able, review his/her
financial situation and plan accordingly. Choices related
to future health and personal care decisions should be
considered and, when necessary, recorded. Consider, as
well, an alternate caregiving plan should you be unable
to continue giving care.
Living
with someone with Alzheimer's disease can be challenging.
We have learned that by:
- understanding
the disease and its effects
- learning
more about how to give care
- taking
care of yourself
- asking
for help
- accepting
help
- being
creative, patient and realistic
- planning
for the future
…life
can be easier
The
Alzheimer Society has information and support programs.
Find the Society nearest
you and give them a call. We are here to help. You
are not alone.
Adapted
with permission from the Alzheimer's Association, U.S.
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