An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be hard on the whole family. However, caregivers often carry the heaviest weight. If your spouse, parent, or other loved one is living with Alzheimer’s, it can be challenging to care for your well being. The following guide will help you prioritize your loved one’s Alzheimer’s care, as well as your mental and emotional health.

Coping With Alzheimer’s: Strategies For Caregivers

What Challenges Do Caregivers Often Face?

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be emotional. Over time, you might experience caregiver burnout. Signs of this type of burnout include anxiety, irritability, anger, trouble with sleep, and fatigue. You might find that your own physical health is declining as you continue to focus on your loved one. This can become worse as your loved one’s condition advances. 

Some caregivers can also experience feelings of loneliness and social isolation since they’re devoting most of their time to their loved one. By recognizing caregiver burnout and your challenges, you can start taking steps to better cope with your emotions and physical wellness, and eventually find balance in your role. 

What Are Some Coping Strategies for Caregivers?

While there is no one perfect formula for coping as a caregiver, there are some key strategies that can help you improve your mental and emotional state. As a caregiver, it’s essential to communicate with friends and family. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your loved one’s Alzheimer’s care. You should also work closely with your loved one’s doctor, so you can better interpret your loved one’s behavior. Support from a therapist can also be critical, helping you maintain your own mental health.

You should also remember that you don’t need to handle Alzheimer’s care all on your own. Consider hiring a home health aide to either take over the bulk of your loved one’s care or provide occasional support. There care professionals can take care of daily tasks and free up your time, so you can focus on bonding with your loved one and enjoying time with your family.

If you’re looking for assistance with Alzheimer’s care, the team at Total Life Care provides compassionate in-home care for your loved one. Located in Sanford, NC, this team serves area families and offers a variety of services, including transportation, personal care, meal prep, and light housekeeping. This team also emphasizes companionship, so you know that your loved one is getting essential social time. To view a full list of their services, visit them online or call (919) 776-0352 to schedule a consultation.