Important Ways Dementia Caregivers Can Be Healthy Caregivers
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia can be overwhelming. As a caregiver you may find yourself with so many responsibilities that you neglect taking good care of yourself. Practicing self-care is one of the best things you can do for the person for whom you care. Here are some ways you can be a healthy caregiver:
See your doctor regularly (or at least annually) and listen to what your body is telling you. Stress, exhaustion and/or changes in appetite or behavior should not be ignored.
Get some exercise. Take family and friends up on their offers to help so you can make the time. Start small, find an activity you enjoy and get moving!
Eat well and get enough sleep to maintain optimal physical and cognitive health.
Manage your stress level by noting physical symptoms, talking about them with your doctor and finding a relaxation technique that works for you.
Seek help from the Alzheimer’s Association
You are not alone. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a variety of resources to help you practice self-care while empowering you to be the best possible caregiver.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT GROUPS
Take advantage of nocost education programs that offer helpful information and hands-on care tips and best practices. Attend a support group to be helped by others on the caregiver journey. And because health is our first priority during the pandemic, all programs and support groups are offered online and can be participated in by phone or computer from the comfort and safety of home. For more information and to register, visit alz.org/crf or call 800.272.3900.
Register to attend our next half-day virtual symposium focused on selfcare, featuring six short presentations on these topics: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body; Mediterranean Diet; Prepare to Care; Attitude of Gratitude; The Impact of Physical, Cognitive and Social Interventions on Brain Health; and Alzheimer’s Association Resources, Research and Ways to Connect.
Virtual Dementia Symposium: Balancing Health & Wellness Thursday, March 25, 2021 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hosted through Zoom – Register at 800.272.3900.
ONLINE COMMUNITY
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts ALZConnected®, a free online community / message board for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s
or another dementia. Visit alz.org/alzconnected to ask questions, get advice and find support.
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION 24⁄7 HELPLINE
The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272. 3900) is available around the clock, 365 days a year in more than 200 languages. Through this free service, specialists and master’slevel clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public.
Taking care of yourself as you travel your caregiving journey is important for both you and your loved one. Let us help you practice self-care, and be well!
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Delaware Valley Chapter serves 18 counties in South Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, providing programs and services to more than 294,000 individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, programs and services and resources, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/delval.
If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, consider trying meditation. It’s been practiced for thousands of years and was originally meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, it’s more often used for stress reduction and relaxation. As more people, especially seniors, discover the benefits, its popularity is increasing.
Mindfulness meditation is the most widely used form of meditation in the U.S. Practicing is very simple. You pay attention to your breath, and when your attention wanders, return. You focus on what you experience during meditation, such as the flow of your breath. You can observe your thoughts and emotions but let them pass without judgment. You can do it all sitting in a chair, regardless of mobility or ability. You can also do it walking, standing in line with a walker or cane, or lying down.
When you meditate, you’re breathing and heart rate slow down and your blood pressure decreases.
For these reasons, mindfulness meditation can be beneficial for our physical and mental well-being. Especially for seniors, meditation offers a great way to cope with the issues that arise as we advance in age. It can help older adults better accept their changing bodies or chronic pain. It puts them more in control of their lives. While the idea of meditating may seem strange to many older Americans, once they understand the benefits, they’re often convinced it’s worth a look.
Zoom classes are Wednesdays at 2:00. Contact Jolene for logon information. Jolene@TriCountyaac.org