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CAREGIVER WELL-BEING
Caregiving for someone with a dementia type illness is very demanding. It typically involves devoting a tremendous amount of time and energy to this endeavor. In fact, all too often caregivers neglect themselves and their own personal needs. When this happens, the well-being of both the caregiver and the person with dementia is affected and the overall care being provided suffers.
Here are some signs that caregivers might be on "overload"
- Believing, despite all evidence to the contrary, that they can handle everything themselves.
- Believing that if they ask for help with the caregiving that they are not a good caregiver.
- Withdrawing from friends and activities that are pleasurable and provide relief.
- Being exhausted all the time.
- Being unable to sleep.
- Feeling sad, angry, anxious and/or irritable all the time. These feelings are perfectly normal to have as a caregiver; what is of concern is if they dominate one's life.
- Eating too much or drinking too much alcohol most of the time.
- Experiencing their own health problems (e.g. headaches, stomach or back pain).
Here are some things that caregivers can do to lessen their load
- Let go of unreasonable expectations of oneself as caregiver.
- Surround themselves with supportive relationships of friends and family.
- Ask for help from community resources; no one can do it alone.
- Live life one day at a time; that way things don't seem as overwhelming.
- Yet also, plan ahead; try to anticipate services which might be needed in the future; do the needed groundwork ahead of time.
- Make time for one's own needs and pleasures; this will be sustaining and energizing.
- Develop healthy life habits; exercise, eat well, meditate or practice other forms of stress reduction, maintain a sense of humor.
- Address one's own health concerns; keep regular doctor and dental appointments.
- Have at least one person in one's life who can really listen without judgment; being able to talk freely about one's thoughts and feelings is very important.
- Simplify one's life; eliminate unnecessary tasks and concerns. Do only what has to be done and let the rest go.
Bottom line, caregiver well-being doesn't just happen. Rather, it is the result of the many small and big ways in which caregivers choose to live their lives every day. In dealing with diseases over which one has little control, it is immensely helpful for caregivers to recognize that maintaining their own well-being IS something which they CAN control.
Please contact Clare Kirby, MSW, Program Social Worker, for further information or assistance.
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