Becoming a caregiver for someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can be emotionally challenging. It may require long hours of assisting a loved one, in addition to balancing the demands of your own everyday life. As a provider of free caregiver support services in St. Louis, MO, Memory Care Home Solutions offers caregiver training and memory loss resources for those in need. Here, they share some tips for navigating the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.

5 Caregiver Support Tips to Stay Strong

1. Care for Yourself, Too

It’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner when someone else needs your help. If you fail to get ample sleep, eat well, or practice self-care, you could risk becoming too exhausted to provide the quality of care your loved one needs. Care for yourself by nourishing yourself physically, as well as socially by taking time to maintain friendships and personal relationships.

2. Know When to Ask for Help

There may come a time where you need to enlist professional help to care for a loved one. If you need respite care, whether it’s for travel plans or simply to attend to needs in your life, know that it’s okay to take a break. Your loved one will still receive quality care in your absence.

3. Find a Healthy Stress Outlet

Watching someone struggle with memory loss can be stressful and depressing. To ensure you’re managing stressors in a healthy way, explore some physical outlets. Yoga, meditation, and outdoor walks can all have positive mental benefits.

4. Establish a Support Network

Many caregivers take comfort in sharing their thoughts and feelings with others. Whether you visit a mental health professional or join a community for caregivers online, there are many ways you can reach out to others for support. Some individuals find relief by simply talking to friends or family members.

5. Pursue Education

One of the best ways to make your role as a caregiver as manageable as possible is to arm yourself with training and education. Most individuals who are caring for their loved ones have never had any formal guidance on helping someone with dementia. By exploring available resources, you can learn about recommended practices and tips for providing effective care.

The team at Memory Care Home Solutions understands Alzheimer’s care can be daunting for family members. Through their memory loss training and caregiver support, they provide individuals with the resources to help Alzheimer’s patients enjoy the best quality of life for as long as possible. Learn more about their free training online, or call (314) 645-6247 for additional information.