Signs of Caregiver Distress

Fatigue · Irritability · Hostility · Depression · Change in eating habits · Guilt · Aggression
· Frustration · Isolation Anxiety · Inability to concentrate · Headaches · Lower back pain
· Insomnia · Stomach & bowel problems · Rashes· Increase in drug or alcohol use
· Increase in family discord

10 Ways to Help Reduce Caregiver Stress

Unfortunately, the demands of caring for an individual with Alzheimer's are certain to cause stress. But there are programs, services and care techniques that can help. To assist you in providing the best possible care, while maintaining your own health and well-being, the Alzheimer's Association suggests the following:

1. Get a diagnosis as early as possible
Symptoms of Alzheimer's may appear gradually, and if a person seems physically healthy, it's easy to ignore unusual behavior, or attribute it to something else. See physician, when Alzheimer warning signs are present (see Is It Alzheimer's: Ten Warning Signs, available from Alzheimer's Association). Some dementia symptoms are treatable. Once you know what you're dealing with, you'll be able to better manage the present and plan for the future.

2. Know what resources are available
For your own well-being and that of the person you are caring for, become familiar with Alzheimer care resources available in your community. Adult day care, in-home assistance, visiting nurses and Meal-on-Wheels are just some of the community services that can help. Your local Alzheimer's Association chapter is a good place to start.

3. Become an educated caregiver
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, different giving skills and capabilities are necessary. Care techniques and suggestions available from the Alzheimer's Association can help you better understand and cope with many of the challenging behaviors and personality changes that often accompany Alzheimer's disease.

 

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4. Get Help
Trying to do everything by yourself will leave you exhausted. The support of family, friends and community resources can be an enormous help. If assistance is not offered, ask for it. And if you have difficulty asking for assistance, have someone close to you advocated for you. If stress becomes over-whelming, don't be afraid to seek professional help. Alzheimer's Association support group meetings and Helplines are also a good source of comfort and reassurance.

5. Take care of yourself
Caregivers frequently devote themselves totally to those they care for, and in the process, neglect their own needs. Pay attention to yourself. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Use respite services to take time off for shopping, a movie or an uninterrupted visit with a friend. Those close to you, including your loved one with Alzheimer's, want you to take care of yourself.

6. Manage your level of stress
Stress can cause physical problems (blurred vision, stomach irritation, high blood pressure) and changes in behavior (irritability, lack of concentration, loss of appetite). Note your symptoms. Use relaxation techniques that work for you and consult a physician.

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One in 10 American adults has a relative with Alzheimer's disease.

70 percent of the 4 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease are cared for at home.

Dementia caregivers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than noncaregivers.

7. Accept changes as they occur
People with Alzheimer's change, and so do their needs. They often require care beyond what you can provide at home. A thorough investigation of available care options should make transitions easier. So will support and assistance from those who care about you and your loved one.


8. Do legal and financial planning
Consult an attorney and discuss issues related to durable power of attorney, living wills and trusts, future medical care, housing and other key considerations. Planning now will alleviate stress later. If possible and appropriate, involve the person with Alzheimer's and other family members in planning activities and decisions.

9. Be realistic
It may be difficult to see for yourself the value of your efforts, but the care you provide does make a difference. Neither you nor the person with Alzheimer's can control many of the circumstances and behaviors that will occur. Give yourself permission to grieve for the losses you experience, but focus on the positive moments as they occur and enjoy our good memories.


10. Give yourself credit, not guilt
You're only human. Occasionally, you may lose patience and at times, be unable to provide all of the care the way you'd like. Remember, you're doing the best you can, so give yourself credit. Being a devoted caregiver is not something to feel guilty about. Your loved one needs you and you are there. That's something to be proud of.