How caring for a person with dementia affects you

You remember seeing the warning signs. Little things tended to slip her mind. But soon, the little things progressively got larger and undeniable. When the doctor’s diagnosis came back as Alzheimer’s disease or another related dementia, you were stunned and shaken.

The task at hand now is caring for your loved one as they accept the diagnosis and learn to live with the disease. Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss will affect not only the person diagnosed — but rather everyone in that person’s life. It can be especially difficult for the primary caregiver.

“Caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be both rewarding and challenging,” Susan Faltermeyer Director of Community Relations for Creekside Inn Memory Care explains. “The needs of the person may often come before your own, and this can mean that you struggle to manage everything.”

This can mean that the caregiver must learn healthy ways to cope and remember to take care of themselves, too. Many that are new to caring for a loved one that is suffering from memory loss will feel a range of emotions. There are good days that are filled with hope. Unfortunately, there are also not so good days that can be racked with guilt.

“Caregiving affects all aspects of your life and can lead to increased isolation, stress, conflicting emotions and sometimes depression,” Faltermeyer states.

Perhaps the easiest method is simply taking a break. Go for a walk, drink your coffee at the coffee shop or even take a weekend entirely for yourself. Little breaks and occasional longer breaks will help renew and refresh your outlook.

“It can be difficult to find time for yourself when you are caring for a person with dementia. When you do manage to get time to yourself, you may want to use it to catch up with other tasks such as housework or managing finances.” Faltermeyer explains. “However, it is important to take breaks and continue to do things that you enjoy so that you don't become overwhelmed.”

Taking breaks will also encourage you to lean on others for support. That may mean asking family members or friends to help assist or finding a senior care community that provides respite stays or support groups. Either way, it will reinforce the fact that you are not alone in this journey.

It is also important to look after your health during this time. Many caregivers will focus solely on their loved one’s needs and ignore their well-being. To properly care for your loved one, you also need to be physically and mentally healthy.

Eating healthy, balanced meals can have many positive effects on you and your loved one. As well as regular exercise. This can be as easy walking the dog each day or signing up for a local yoga class.

Taking breaks and reinforcing a healthy lifestyle are great steps in creating a positive and encouraging environment. But you may need additional support. This is where support groups come in. Here you will meet others that are facing similar challenges.

Creekside Inn offers a monthly group, you can call (208) 665-2444 to find out when and where we meet. In addition, our local Alzheimer’s Association chapter offers seminars throughout the year they offer support, education and resources for your self-care as well as the care of your loved one.

You can learn more about this resource by going to http://www.alz.org/Idaho or by calling (800) 272-3900.