VISITING ANGELS ST LOUIS PARK, MN 952-935-0789
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The Importance of Self-Care when Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer's

If you’ve ever cared for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you know how mentally and physically draining it can be. It’s difficult to see a loved one slowly lose their independence and being available to help them navigate Alzheimer’s can be a full-time job. It’s natural to want to provide the best care for them, but in order to help them, you must first take care of yourself. 

The Importance of Self-Care Woman reading a book

Caretakers must remember to take care of themselves in addition to taking care of their loved ones. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, primary caregivers in the United States spend an average of 20 hours a week caring for a loved one. When care-taking for a family member with Alzheimer’s, those hours can be significantly more because Alzheimer’s patients tend to need more hands-on care. For many family caregivers, caring for a loved one is in addition to managing a career and juggling other family responsibilities which can cause extreme levels of stress, depression and a general decrease in subjective well-being. Having self-care techniques and scheduled time for yourself can help to alleviate the added stress and depression that often comes along with caring for a sick loved one.

Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

Understand that self-care is not selfish. Maintaining your own physical and mental well-being means you’ll be your best self to care for your loved one. Whether you’ve been a caregiver for years, or you’re just being your caretaker journey, you can use these tips to put yourself in the best position to help your loved one with Alzheimer’s. 

  • Focus on the rewards of caregiving. There are a lot of challenges that come with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, but there are also a lot of rewards. Because your loved one will depend on you as a caregiver, you’ll be spending a lot of quality time together. While the time you spend together may be different than what you’re used to, remember your loved one is still the same person. Try to cherish the time you have together and live in the moment. You may even learn something new or begin to appreciate them in a new way.
  • Join a support group. Joining a support group allows you to interact with others who are going through the same ups and downs with their loved ones. It’s a great place to connect and get a new perspective on your situation with your loved one. It’ll also give you access to additional resources such as educational texts and trained professionals who can give guidance on how to best care for your loved one and yourself. 
  • Speak with a professional about your emotions. Talking to others experiencing the same challenges as you in a support group is great, but it’s also beneficial to have 1-on-1 conversations with a therapist or psychiatrist that specializes in aging and Alzheimer’s. Plus, speaking to someone on the outside can bring clarity and a new perspective on your situation. They’ll also be able to help you identify if you’re dealing with more severe forms of depression or anxiety that may need to be addressed by a doctor. 
  • Keep your body and mind healthy. Research shows that regular exercise has a profound effect on mental health. Those that exercise at least three days a week for 30 minutes tend to show fewer signs of depression and anxiety. The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, partake in moderate to high-intensity workouts such as running or cycling. You can even do at-home workouts through an app or on YouTube if you’re unable to step away from your loved one. 
  • Continue to socialize. Caring for a loved one can consume your time, and it’s easy to let your caregiving take over your life. While caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s may be your most beloved job, it doesn’t have to consume all of your time. Make sure you’re still interacting with friends and family and discussing things outside of your loved one’s health. If you’re someone who regularly attends book clubs or goes out for happy hours, continue to do those activities and allow yourself to have fun. 
  • Find a relaxation technique that works for you. There’s a lot of stress that comes with caring for a loved one, so it’s crucial to find a healthy way to keep yourself relaxed. Try starting your day with 30 minutes of mediation or yoga to put your mind in a clear space. Other relaxation techniques could be taking a bath, going for a walk or journaling. Find something that works for you and incorporate it into your daily routine. 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have other family members or close friends who can help you take care of your loved one, don’t be afraid to ask for their help. If you don’t have someone to reach out to, look into hiring a professional caregiver. If you’re in Hennepin County, Visiting Angels St. Louis Park is available to assist you in caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s. Our trained caregivers can help with anything from running errands, to light housekeeping, or just acting as a companion while you take time to take care of yourself. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can work with you, please give us a call at 952-935-0789.

Serving Minneapolis, St Louis Park, Golden Valley, Richfield and the West Metro

Visiting Angels ST LOUIS PARK, MN
5000 W 36th St #130
St Louis Park, MN 55416
Phone: 952-935-0789
Fax: 952-935-0778

Serving Minneapolis, St Louis Park, Golden Valley, Richfield and the West Metro

Visiting Angels ST LOUIS PARK, MN
5000 W 36th St #130
St Louis Park, MN 55416
Phone: 952-935-0789
Fax: 952-935-0778