Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be a lot of work and extremely time consuming. More often than not caregivers find themselves completely consumed by taking care of their loved one while ignoring their personal needs, especially when it comes to their own health. Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease affects not just the primary caregiver, but the entire family as the person loses more and more of their abilities and functions. Family members begin to worry frequently about the what-ifs, and constantly thinking about these scenarios may cause unnecessary stress. It is important to know the signs of stress in order to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the stresses of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
10 Signs of Caregiver Stress
If you experience any of these signs of stress on a regular basis, make time to talk to your doctor.
- Denial
- Anger at the person
- Social Withdrawal
- Anxiety about the future
- Depression
- Exhaustion
- Sleeplessness
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
- Heath problems
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
Caregiver Stress Check
You may not be aware that you are stressed by caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Some believe the stress associated for caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s to be normal and do nothing about it. Do not put your health and well-being in danger as well. It is best if you take care of yourself in order to ensure you are providing the best care to your loved one. Below is a stress test designed by the Alzheimer’s Association to help caregivers see if they are stressed, so that they can regain control of their lives and reduce their stress. Each of the 8 questions has a yes or no response option and answering them truthfully is the best. After submitting it, whether you answered yes or no, for each question you will be offered resources that could help you handle and relieve some stress. Do yourself a favor and take the stress test.
http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-stress-check.asp
Reasons to Take Care of Caregiver Stress
If ignored caregivers may push themselves to their most extreme limits which can result in caregiver burnout, which includes:
- Excessive stress and tension
- Debilitating depression
- Persistent anxiety, anger, or guilt
- Extreme irritability or anger with the dementia patient
- Decreased overall life satisfaction
- Relationship conflicts and social isolation
- Lower immunity and greater need for healthcare services
- Excessive use of medications, drugs, or alcohol
The main reason to avoid burnout and stress as a caregiver is yourself, but your family should be considered an extremely close second. If you decline in health while assuming responsibility for another the cycle will continue as you may soon need someone to care for your as well. Resources are available to help you at little or no cost sometimes, so don’t let your financial situation deter you from getting the help you need. No person can handle these stresses and duties alone, so don’t force yourself to do so. Your loved one needs you to be healthy for them as well. If you find that you are too consumed by the day to day needs of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease take a look at this website for helpful tips and resources: http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/topics/caregiving. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s should not engulf your entire life especially since you are not alone.
How Can Oxnard Family Circle help?
Oxnard Family Circle Adult Day Health Care provides caregiver respite and specialized memory care. Oxnard Family Circle ADHC is the only center in Ventura County with a separate Memory Care Unit. Lower-functioning individuals stay in the Memory Care Unit, so that we can ensure they get the extra care they need. They are assisted by a nurse and two assistants with about 10 participants total in the room, but are still offered activities and stimulation throughout the day. Higher functioning individuals are able to enjoy all areas of Oxnard Family Circle. Program aids and registered nurses are available to help distribute medication and monitor your loved one to prevent him or her from wandering. Enrolling at Oxnard Family Circle ensures that your loved one will be kept safe, content and secure at all times. Help yourself and your loved one with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s by considering adult day health care. Schedule your appointment today.
Below are some extra events and services that we offer at our center to help ease and support the caregiver.
Garden of Memories Cafe (Alzheimer’s Cafe) 11am-1pm
Join us every 2nd Saturday of the month as we talk about issues relating to Alzheimer’s disease. Topics vary and lunch is provided. Open to participants and the community. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Extended Care Services (Respite Care) 10am-1pm
Sometimes we all need a helping hand. Oxnard Family Circle offers additional respite care every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month. During this time we offer activities and entertainment for adults and seniors, so you can have peace of mind while you complete errands and other tasks.
Caregiver Support Group 2-3pm
Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month we offer a support group for caregivers, so they can meet and talk with others that may be living through situations similar to their own. The groups is offered in both English (2nd Tuesday) and Spanish (4th Tuesday) with a social worker present to aid and help them.
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