Dementia is not just an individual’s disease. In fact, it’s estimated that it requires two-and-a-half loved ones to care for someone with dementia. And caregiving is a 24/7 job.

Unfortunately, caregivers often neglect their own needs to care for a loved one with dementia. They will delay their own appointments and engagements while enduring the mental, emotional and physical toll of caregiving – which can even leave them in a worse state than those with dementia!

Strategies to manage stress are pivotal. Megan Rowe, Senior Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Dallas and Northeast Chapter, joins Senior Living Expert Lori Williams to discuss the 10 symptoms of caregiver stress. Not only that, she’ll discuss ways to alleviate stress and prevent caregiver burnout.

Too much stress can be harmful to both a person with dementia and the caregiver. Often at the beginning, caregivers experience denial about the disease and the impact it’s having on them and their loved one. This leads to them putting off the help their loved one needs as dementia progresses.

Also, caregivers often wonder how they’ll handle it all and experience anxiety as a result. This may be paired with depression, which is often demonstrated through apathy, or giving up due to the burnout and stress. Irritability is also common as a sign someone is exhausted and overwhelmed.

It’s important to get connected with dementia-friendly services in the community to provide support for the caregiver and provide meaningful engagement for the one with dementia. It’s also helpful to prepare for the future, before the situation gets worse. Self-care every step of the way is critical.

Topics discussed:

- Dementia caregiving

- 10 signs of caregiver stress

- Dementia and Alzheimer’s

- Caregiver burnout

- Dementia / caregiver support groups

- Self-care techniques

- Preparing for memory care

Takeaways from this episode:

- Visit caregiver support groups or connect with the Alzheimer’s Association for crisis intervention and helpful resources.

- If your loved one’s behavior is deviating from the norm – maybe they always went to church and now they don’t – that’s a big sign of dementia.

- If you’re over 40 and care for someone over 65, you may qualify for support services, and potentially respite vouchers.

- Churches and other faith-based organizations may offer adult day stay programs to use for a few hours or all day so caregivers can get much-needed time back in their day.

- Use your breaks however you need. If you want a bubble bath, take one! Self-care and recharging is important, and you have permission to do what you love and enjoy.

- Try breathing and meditation apps and YouTube videos to use for as little as 15 seconds, as well as physical activity to help reduce stress and help overall wellbeing. (Even better if you can get your loved one to join!)

-There’s a lot to do to prepare for memory care, including paperwork, so don’t wait until an emergency strikes to research memory care assistance.

- Keep your doctors’ appointments in addition to your loved ones’. Maintaining your health is best for everyone involved.

Resources discussed:

Contact the Alzheimer’s Association free 24/7 helpline:

(800) 272-3900

Learn more about caregiving resources at:

https://www.alz.org/care

For Texas residents:

Contact the Department of Aging and Disability Services in Texas to ask about getting compensated for caregiving:

https://ctadvrc.org/blog/projects/texas-department-of-aging-and-disability-services/

Calm app to help you meditate:

https://www.calm.com/

Contact someone in senior services like Lori to learn about community resources and to plan in advance for memory care options (there may be a waiting list):

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/

087. How every community can be Dementia Friendly

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/4e5ff26c/087-how-every-community-can-be-dementia-friendly

039. Getting Organized! Creating a Binder Of Essential Documents for Aging Parents

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7907ae1f/039-getting-organized-creating-a-binder-of-essential-documents-for-aging-parents