Caregivers should make their health a priority | Article

DDuring National Family Caregivers and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages dementia caregivers to give their health the same priority while managing the demands and stresses of caring for others.

“As difficult as it may be, caregivers must give equal priority to their health and well-being,” said Sheila Griffith, vice president of programs and services for the National Capital Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Maintaining your health can help you be a better caregiver. No caregiver should deal with this illness alone. The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help.”

There are currently more than 342,000 caregivers – family members and friends – in Virginia who provide unpaid care to more than 164,000 people in the state suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Caring for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia presents special challenges for the caring relatives. As dementia symptoms worsen, caregivers may experience increased emotional stress, depression, anxiety, and new or worsening health problems. Additionally, caregivers’ finances are often depleted due to disruptions in employment and payment for health care or other services.

“Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s is longer, more personal and more extensive than most other diseases, and places a high burden on the health of the caregivers themselves,” Griffith said. “As the disease progresses, the care tasks increase and become more intensive. As a result, many dementia carers neglect their own healthcare needs and this can lead to a crisis.”

Across the country, 59% of caregivers with dementia report high to very high emotional distress due to caregiving and 38% report high to very high physical distress due to caregiving. 74 percent of caregivers with dementia say they are “somewhat concerned” to “very concerned” about maintaining their own health since becoming a caregiver. In Virginia, 15.1% of caregivers report frequent poor physical health.

To help caregivers balance competing priorities while maintaining their overall health and well-being, the Alzheimer’s Association offers the following tips:

Find time for yourself. It’s normal to need a break from caregiving. Nobody can do everything alone. Consider enlisting respite care or the help of family and friends to spend time doing something you enjoy.

Become a trained nurse. Understand the disease, its progression and the associated behavioral and physical changes. Know resources in your community that can help you.

Build a support network. Organize friends and family to help provide care and support. Access local caregiver support groups or online communities like ALZConnected to connect with other caregivers. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.

Take care. Eat well, exercise and get enough rest. When you are healthy, you can be a better caregiver.

Avoid caregiver burnout. Prolonged caregiver stress can lead to caregiver burnout – a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a Caregiver Stress Check to help caregivers identify and prevent caregiver burnout.

Accept changes. Over time, your loved one will require more intensive care. Find out about care options now so you can be prepared for the changes.

Know that you are doing your best. It’s normal to sometimes lose patience or feel like your care is inadequate. You do your best. If you need support and encouragement, you can join an online or in-person support group.

“It is important that dementia carers do not isolate themselves,” Mr Griffith says. “Connecting with other caregivers and support organizations can help you find the information, resources and emotional support you need to stay physically and emotionally strong so you can care for yourself while caring for others. In the end, taking care of yourself to be a better caregiver is truly a gift to the person you are caring for.”

The Alzheimer’s Association provides local support and programs for families suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The 24-hour hotline is staffed by master’s-level physicians and specialists who are available 365 days a year and can help families manage a variety of illness-related issues. Call 800-272-3900.