Caring for Caregivers

10 tips to help reduce caregiver stress

Everyone feels stress and deals with it differently. The important thing is to know when you are suffering from too much stress, and taking action to reduce it before it negatively affects your quality of life and your effectiveness as a caregiver. The following are a few general tips on how to take your stress down a notch, or to help prevent it from getting out of hand.

Learn as much as you can
Alzheimer's is a complex condition that poses new and greater challenges for caregivers over time. Being as prepared as you can for the present situation and the future possibilities may help you better manage the stress of your role.
Set personal limits
Be honest with yourself and make sure you do only as much as you feel is within your abilities. If certain caregiving duties are very stressful for you, seek outside assistance as much as possible. It isn't a sign of weakness to ask for help. And though it may be a challenge to find the right kind of help, it is worth the time investment.
Re-evaluate your role from time to time
As your loved one's disease progresses, you will be forced to adjust your expectations and responsibilities. Be sure to look at your changing role on a regular basis, and even to look ahead to future changes so that you can prepare in advance.
Get help whenever you need it
No matter what stage of the disease your loved one is in, there will be times when you need emotional support and even physical assistance to better perform your caregiving duties. Just be sure you don't fall into the trap of trying to do it all yourself.
Take care of yourself
You are the most important person to your loved one with Alzheimer's disease, so taking care of yourself is essential to both you and your loved one. To find out how, read our 10 tips on caring for yourself.
Identify what you can and cannot change
Caregiving is a fine line between doing what you can for your loved one, and taking on too much. But realizing that there are some things you simply cannot change will help you reduce the stress of unrealistic expectations, such as trying to get your loved one to change his or her clothes by herself when the disease has eliminated that skill.
Keep your sense of humour
Of course Alzheimer's disease is a serious situation, but that doesn't mean you can't find some lightness in everyday events. Laughing at yourself or with your loved one is a great way to reduce stress and bring more enjoyment to your day.
Share your situation with others
Whether it's with family or friends, other caregivers, or a healthcare professional, there is nothing quite as therapeutic as talking about your feelings about your caregiving role with others. Plus, you may find people offering valuable, unexpected solutions to some of your challenges, and further helping to reduce your stress.
Stay positive
Though it is easier said than done, maintaining a positive attitude can actually affect the way you feel about, react to, and even cope with certain challenges of caregiving. If you are having trouble staying positive, consider joining a support group or seeing a therapist or just talking to a trusted friend to regain perspective.
Plan ahead
Alzheimer's disease doesn't follow an identical course for any person, but it does progress in a fairly recognizable pattern. Planning for the middle and late stages of the disease before they present themselves, especially with one or more professionals familiar with the disease, can help reduce your stress about the future for your loved one.