How Can A Caregiver Care For An Older Adult, With Alzheimer’s, And Care For Themselves?

As a caregiver, you have a big responsibility, taking care of another individual. With that responsibility can come stress, exhaustion, frustration, and overwhelming emotions you weren’t anticipating. Individuals who are caregivers for loved ones or friends, may feel a sense of responsibility to their loved one and place their own needs on the backburner. It is very important, as a caregiver, to not only take care of the individual with Alzheimer’s, but to take care of themselves!

Caregiving for older adults with Alzheimer’s, includes many different pieces. Adults with Alzheimer’s may not require much assistance in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, but providing support, companionship, and plans for the future are all areas a caregiver may be needed in the early stages. In the late stages of Alzheimer’s, caregivers are needed for several weeks up to several years, depending on the progression of the disease. Usually late stages of the disease require 24/7 care. (Alzheimer’s Association, n.d.) Being patient and flexible, through the process of this disease, are key factors. 

80% of care provided for individuals with Alzheimer’s, is provided by family members! A lot of caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer’s are spouses of the individual and the caregiver themselves is an older adult. Due to the caregivers being older, they have increased risk of injury or medical illness. (Varela et al., 2013)

As an older adult ages, their Alzheimer’s will continue to progress, which will increase a caregiver’s responsibilities. To help reduce stress and challenges, try implementing these tools:

• As a caregiver, let the individual with Alzheimer’s participate as much as possible in the daily routine

• Make a daily routine. Also allow for flexibility on more difficult days

• Schedule more time for tasks, as it make take more time than normal

• Provide a couple choices for the individual you are caregiving for

• Avoid long or multiple naps during the day. This will help decrease confusion for the older adult with Alzheimer’s, when it comes to days and nights

• Limit distractions to decrease confusion

• Use simple instructions

(Mayo Clinic, 2021)

To increase self care, here are additional tips:

• Spend time with friends

• Ask for help

• Continue to participate in your hobbies and interests

• Exercise

• Join a Caregiver support group

• Schedule regular doctor appointments

(National Institute on Aging, n.d.)

For additional caregiver resources, visit https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/resources-caregivers

Resources Utilized:

1. Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Caregiving. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving 

2. Varela, G., Varona, L., Anderson, K., & Sansoni, J. (2013). Alzheimer’s Care at Home: A focus on caregivers strain. National Library of Medicine, 64(2), 113–117  (Varela et al., 2013)

3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, May 25). Alzheimer’s and dementia care: Tips for daily tasks. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers-caregiver/art-20047577 

4. Alzheimer’s caregiving. National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers/caregivingIf you run a website, chances are you already have a blog. And if you don’t, maybe you should start one. A blog can boost your brand awareness, increase conversions, and improve customer service.