Did you know there are nearly 90 million family caregivers in the United States, and that number is growing? We’re recognizing these folks throughout November for National Family Caregivers Month. We kicked it off with a quiz to test your knowledge on family caregivers. Keep visiting stelizabeth.com/healthyheadlines all month long for more tips!
Caregivers can be so busy helping their family members with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia that it’s easy to neglect their own needs.
But if you get sick, who’s going to take care of your loved one?
In 2013, the Alzheimer’s Association shared some pretty startling numbers for caregivers:
- Friends and family members give more than $17 billion in unpaid hours of care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Caregivers spend $9.3 billion on their own healthcare costs
- 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers rate their stress as “high” or “very high”
- More than 33 percent of caregivers report depression symptoms
Now what?
If you’re feeling the stress of caring for a loved one, you can take steps to care for yourself better.
1. See your own doctor
Visit your doctor at least once a year for a routine checkup. In between visits, listen to what your body is telling you: exhaustion, sleeplessness and changes in your own appetite or behavior are all signs something could be seriously wrong with your health.
Ask a friend or family member to fill in for you or arrange for respite care and get yourself checked out.
2. Get vaccinated
Keep your routine vaccines current, including flu shots, shingles and pneumonia. This protects you and your loved one from illness.
3. Get moving
Physical activity improves physical and emotional health in many ways. Use your treadmill or exercise bike, or try a fitness DVD while your loved one is sleeping. You can ask a friend or relative to stay with your loved one while you hit the gym or go for a walk. It’s the perfect opportunity to clear your head and recharge.
If your loved one with dementia is able, bring him or her along for a walk in the park. Try dancing to favorite music together or let your loved one help with yard work if he or she is healthy enough. Half an hour a day is ideal, but starting with 10 minutes a day can make a big difference, too.
4. Watch your diet
Fast food and processed foods may be convenient, but a steady diet of them isn’t good for you in the long run. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and plenty of water will help keep you fortified to take better care of your loved one.
5. Learn to cope with the demands of care giving and the disease itself
Learn healthy ways to relax to reduce the effects of stress on your body and spirit. Be realistic, your care giving contribution makes a difference, but many of the disease’s symptoms and behaviors can’t be controlled. Grieve the losses, celebrate the wins and remember the good times with your loved one.
6. Give yourself some credit, and get some support
Online or face-to-face, caregiver support groups can sustain you through the toughest times when nothing seems to go right. You’ve learned patience and forgiveness with your loved one; do the same for yourself. Take a break. Respite care is available, or ask a friend or relative to help out for a day or two when you need to recharge.
7. Recognize change is inevitable
Dementia only gets worse over time. Eventually, your loved one may need more intensive care than you can provide on your own. Know your options as far as long-term care or in-home assistance.
