Getting a medical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is life-altering – for the person being diagnosed, of course, but just as much for his or her loved ones. It’s important for family caregivers to allow themselves ample time to process the changes to come and to uncover a healthy way to sort out the various emotions that develop.
Because Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, one of the difficulties for caregivers is finding peace during each stage. It can be beneficial to use reflection as a tool to better manage the challenges and changes. Compassionate Care Home Health Services’ dementia care experts suggest family members try the following caregiver strategies:
- Journaling. Keep a daily diary of experiences, both positive and negative, that you encounter with your loved one, how you responded to those experiences, and what worked or didn’t work. Journaling is a fantastic way to both serve as an outlet for your feelings and to give you encouragement in the later stages of the disease.
- Relaxing. It’s so important to designate time to care for your own mental health through whatever means is most beneficial: exercise, meditation or prayer, yoga, music, spending time outdoors or with pets. Caring for yourself is a gift you give to your loved one; you can only provide the best care when you’re refreshed and strengthened.
- Empathizing. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and observe the world through their eyes. Picture struggling with regular activities that previously could be performed without a second thought. This can help reduce frustrations and allow you to accept and celebrate the successes achieved, no matter how small.
- Socializing. Though of course you are spending a great deal of time with the person you’re caring for, be sure to spend time with other people you care about outside of your caregiving role. Engage in pastimes and hobbies you enjoy, go out for lunch or coffee dates, or carve out time for any other activities with people who bring you joy and lift your spirits.
Most importantly, know that providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease necessitates a network of support, and is never a role that one person can play by themselves. Partnering with someone skilled in specialized Alzheimer’s care, like the caregiving team at Compassionate Care Home Health Services, ensures the maximum quality of care for the person with dementia by providing necessary breaks from care for family caregivers.
Contact us at 877.308.1212 for additional caregiver strategies and Alzheimer’s disease resources, and to learn more about our assistance at home. Our trusted in-home care services are available in Cadillac, Saginaw, Alpena and the surrounding communities in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.