If you’re a caregiver taking care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s you may be overwhelmed by some of the responsibilities of taking care of a senior with Alzheimer’s. That’s understandable and expected. As Alzheimer’s progresses it’s more and more difficult to make sure that your senior parent is getting all of the care they need. And if you’re trying to do it alone it can be overwhelming. It may even feel impossible some days. Hire Alzheimer’s care providers so you don’t have to do it alone and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Do these four things to make caregiving less overwhelming:
Get Alzheimer’s Care
Alzheimer’s care is specialized care for seniors in all stages of Alzheimer’s. This type of care for your senior parent will allow you to take time off when you need it. When you need a break for a few days or want to go on a vacation with your family a caregiver will be there to take care of a senior parent. If you need a few hours off to get your nails done or go grocery shopping a caregiver can cover for you then too. Schedule regular caregivers so that you have the time you need to take care of other responsibilities.
Get Some Support
You should think about joining a support group for family caregivers, either an online group or a local group. There is so much about taking care of a parent with Alzheimer’s that can only be understood by other people going through the same thing that you really need to talk to others like you. Getting that support and knowing you’re not alone in this experience can be very helpful, especially on hard days.
Be Gentle With Yourself
There are going to be bad days. There will be days when it seems overwhelming and just too hard. There are days when you will be sad and find it difficult to keep going. And that’s ok. It’s temporary. On the days when things seem like they’re piling up and it’s just all too hard be gentle with yourself. Remind yourself that it’s just temporary. Go to a support group meeting. Talk to a sibling. Know that tomorrow will be better. You can handle this. And what you’re doing is making a huge difference for your senior parent. Even when they don’t know who you are they know they’re loved, and that matters.
Get Some Rest
Most caregivers are overextended and living in a constant state of exhaustion. When you get Alzheimer’s care for your senior parent take some extra time for yourself and get some rest. Whether it’s just a few extra hours of sleep or taking a mini-vacation where you can sleep without worrying about your senior parent, do it. Your rest and your peace matters too. You must keep up your own strength and vitality so that you can take care of your senior parent. And you don’t have to do it all alone. Alzheimer’s care is available to help right now.
