As a caregiver, you may find yourself with so many
responsibilities that you neglect taking good care of yourself. But the best
thing you can do for the person you are caring for is stay physically and
emotionally strong.
Trying to do everything by yourself will leave
you exhausted. Don't do it alone. Seek support from family, friends, your faith
community and the Alzheimer's Association®.
Be sure to visit your physician regularly (at least
annually), and listen to what your body is telling you. Any exhaustion, stress,
sleeplessness, or changes in appetite or behavior should be taken seriously.
Ignoring these symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.
If you are caring for someone in the late-stages of Alzheimer's, talk to your health care provider about the seasonal flu shot. Being vaccinated protects both you and the person you are caring for.
Learn more:
No doubt you know that exercise is an important part of
staying healthy — it can help relieve stress, prevent disease and make you feel
good. But finding the time to exercise is another story.
Use these tips:
Use these tips:
- Take friends and family members up on their offers to
help.
You can get in a good workout in a short amount of time — even a 30 minute break. Help coordinate a schedule where you have breaks to exercise and take care of your health. - Start small.
While it is recommended that you get 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week, even 10 minutes a day can help. Fit in what you can, and work toward a goal. - Exercise at home.
When the person with dementia naps, pull out a yoga mat and stretch, set up a stationary bike, or try exercise tapes. - Find
something you love.
If you enjoy the activity, it will be easier to make it a habit.
There also are many ways you can be active with the person
with dementia. Here are a few ideas:
- Take a walk together outside to enjoy the fresh air
- Go to the mall and take a stroll indoors
- Do seated exercises at home
- Dance together to favorite music
- Garden
or do other routine activities that you both enjoy
Heart-healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean
diet, are good for overall health and may help protect the brain. A
Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole
grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats. Try
new recipes and involve the person with dementia.
Need ideas on how to go healthy?
Try these resources:
Need ideas on how to go healthy?
Try these resources:
- Nutrition: Tips for Improving Your Health (American
Academy of Family Physicians)
- Eat Right
Nutrition Tips (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
- Healthy Breakfast: Quick, Flexible Options to Grab at
Home (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Manage your level of stress. Stress can cause physical problems (blurred
vision, stomach irritation, high blood pressure) and changes in behavior
(irritability, lack of concentration, change in appetite). Note your
symptoms and discuss with a doctor, as needed. Try to find
relaxation techniques that work for you.
- Be realistic.The
care you give does make a difference, but many behaviors can't be
controlled. Grieve the losses, focus on positive times as they arise, and
enjoy good memories.
- Know you're doing your best. Remember that the care you provide makes a difference
and that you are doing the best you can. You may feel guilty because you
can’t do more, but individual care needs change as Alzheimer’s progresses.
You can’t promise how care will be delivered, but you can make sure that
the person with the disease is well cared for and safe. For support and
encouragement, join ALZConnected, our online caregiver
community.
- Take a break. It's
normal to need a break from caregiving duties. No one can do it all by
themselves. Look into respite
careto allow time to take care of yourself.
- Accept
changes as they occur. People
with Alzheimer’s disease change over time and so do their needs. They may
require care beyond what you can provide on your own. Becoming aware
of community
resources and care
options — from home care services to residential care —
can make the transition easier. So will the support and assistance of
those around you.
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