How Caring for a Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease Leads to Your Own Decline

Senior Care is provided by Visiting Angels in Fresno, CA

Visiting Angels of Fresno, CA gives the following advice regarding how your loved one’s senior care may affect you

If you are responsible for being the sole caretaker of your loved one who has Alzheimer’s, you may start to feel as though you are completely overwhelmed. You are not alone in this and there are about 15 million Americans who provide unpaid Alzheimer’s care to loved ones. Even if you have some of the best intentions for your beloved senior, the whole process of caregiving can become taxing and stressful.

While you manage to take care of your loved one, the Visiting Angels Senior Care in Fresno, CA wants you to remember that you need to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Below, we will take a moment to look at what stress can do to you and how to recognize a burnout.

How Stress Affects You

Studies that have been performed have shown that caregiving can impact your relationships and health negatively. In fact, the stress that is experienced can increase your overall risk for illness. Visiting Angels Senior Care wants you to consider some of the following statistics about the stress that is experienced.

Increased levels of depression – Studies have indicated that approximately 40 percent of dementia caregivers will suffer from depression and emotional stress.

Increased levels of health decline – Studies have shown that about one in ten caregivers will experience a decline in their health after they start taking care of a loved one. Many of them admit to neglecting their own needs as well.

Increased levels of frustration – Studies have revealed that about one-fifth of caregivers are physically exhausted when they head home to go to bed. Many of them feel as though they are not able to handle the duties they took on.

Know the Three Rs

Visiting Angels Senior Care in Fresno, CA wants you to remember that it is important for you to take care of yourself first and foremost. We want you to keep the three Rs in mind at all times: 

• Rest
• Relax
• Recharge

Recognize a Burnout and STOP

Burnouts are common, and they do happen. There are some signs and symptoms that will present themselves as you face a burnout and when you recognize these symptoms, it is important that you STOP. 

S: Sad – Do you feel isolated, sad, or lonely?

T: Tired – Are you mentally and physically exhausted?

O: Over-Reacting – Do you find yourself angry and frustrated over the smallest things?

P: Pain – Are you in pain? Does your body feel physically fatigued and tired?

Call Visiting Angels Senior Care Today

If you would like to learn more about how the Visiting Angels Senior Care in Fresno, CA can help you avoid a burnout and minimize stress, call our office today.