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Strategies for Self-Care for the Dedicated Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Dr. Yishan Xu

Strategies for Self-Care for the Dedicated Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Acting as a caregiver for an individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia (or really any kind of mental health issue) can be just as rewarding and fulfilling as it is challenging and draining, often on a day-to-day basis. The requirements that come along with life as an Alzheimer’s caregivers are not exactly limited, and they can often have a tendency to rear their heads at any and all hours of the day.

As such, it’s important that caregivers remember that they have a second priority, one that might be just about as important as their primary charge: themselves. Caring for yourself is important no matter what you do, but there’s an easy case to be made that it applies doubly to those tasked with caring for others. Not only is self-care important for maintaining your own quality of life, but staying on top of it also allows you to maintain the level of care you’re providing to others, as well.

Here are a few tips to help you stay on the ball when it comes to self-care.

Find Ways to Stop Over-Taxing Yourself

An idea referred to as the “Spoon Theory” is a great way to think about what it’s like to care for someone with Alzheimer’s. The work can be intense, and at a certain point, the meter just runs out. In other words, we only have so many “spoons” full of energy, and we need to recharge once those units have been depleted. Of course, taking breaks on a regular basis is one of the first and best ways to recharge yourself, but there are other ways to ease the burden and make sure you don’t overextend yourself as a caregiver.

Give yourself permission to ask for help when you need it, as a little bit of assistance can go a very long way. Ask for others in your life to help you out in specific ways, when you need it, as this can be a great way to not only ease your workload but to remind yourself that you’re cared for and valued, as well.

Don’t forget to reward yourself, too! Make time for the things that you love, as participating in the activities that bring you fulfillment is a great way to make sure you’re maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Enjoy activities that help you connect with yourself as often as you can.

Give Yourself a Support System

There can’t be enough said for other people, when it comes to caregiving. Your work as a caregiver involves a heavy emotional component, which is why it can be a great idea to unpack your feelings with others that are familiar with the same experience or lifestyle. There are tons of support groups that meet up in person, and you can find some online forums that might help you out, as well.

If you’re a senior another great way to stay on top of your own mental health is by having a great Medicare Advantage plan. Many of these plans offer a number of great options, which can help you stay on the ball when it comes to your personal health, so you’re feeling your best consistently, no matter what. In addition to extra medical coverage, some Medicare Advantage plans give you access to SilverSneakers, a fitness program with around 14,000 locations across the United States. Exercise has many proven benefits for mental health, so if you don’t already have a regular exercise routine, take advantage of this program to put one in place.

Giving care to others is one of the noblest pursuits around, but it also makes caring for yourself that much more of a priority. With the right strategies in mind, you can easily make self-care a part of your regular routine, allowing it to become something that doesn’t even require a second thought! It just takes a bit of practice, but the habits that will help you to establish a super healthy work-life balance are easier than it might seem.

Author:

Cheryl Conklin is a freelance writer and tutor by trade and a blogger, adventurer, traveler, and creator of Wellness Central in her free time.

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