According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer’s disease. Best Senior Care Choices believes in educating family caregivers we provide support to so they can remain strong and confident while facing this difficult disease. We know that caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease suffer high levels of stress. Severe stress that is sustained over a long period of time can take a major toll on one’s well-being. Caregivers face a high risk of burnout and may suffer from both physical and emotional problems. Prolonged stress is known to contribute to depression, a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other negative health outcomes.
Signs of Caregiver Stress
- Anger: feeling angry at inappropriate times
- Anxiety: excessive worrying
- Denial: maintaining a belief that their loved one’s illness is not serious
- Depression: feeling hopeless about the situation
- Exhaustion: feeling fatigued
- Illness: experiencing health problems
- Irritability: getting upset over little things
- Poor concentration: having difficulty focusing
- Sleep problems: not getting enough sleep or too much sleeping
- Withdrawal: no longer involved in activities or seeing friends
Recognize What You Can and Cannot Change
To relieve the stress of daily caregiving it is important to recognize the things that can be changed and to accept the things that cannot.
- Educate Yourself: Learn everything you can about Alzheimer’s disease so you will know what to expect
- Accept the Inevitable: Live in the moment, and let go of unrealistic expectations
- Lower Expectations: Don’t expect a person with Alzheimer’s disease to learn new information
- Get Help: Join a support group, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your family and friends.
- Use Validation: When the person you are caring for seems out of touch with reality or fixations on false beliefs and confusion, don’t argue or scold.
- Create a Calming Environment: Establishing a simple, regular routine and following it daily.
- Complete Legal and Financial Planning: Making these decisions as soon as possible won’t add more stress later when the person with Alzheimer’s may need more attention or when a crisis situation occurs.
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Our Mission is to support the partnership between care providers, families and residents to assist in quality care delivery through the educational and solution based programs we offer. Learn more by calling (888) 294-1488.