Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias requires time and energy. It can be a demanding and stressful task. Knowing and recognizing signs of stress in yourself or someone you care about is the first step towards taking action. See the Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's disease? Take care of yourself too! brochure for ways to help maintain your health and well being.
If you wear yourself out caring for your loved one, who will step in to care for you both?
The following are some practical strategies for making time for yourself:
Respite - Take the Time to Care for Yourself
Respite is an important component of successful caregiving. The first step is to let others know that you need a break. A break can be going to the grocery store on your own without worry or planning a weekend away to recharge.
- Reach out to others. More often than not family or friends are more than willing to help out.
- Be specific - tell them what you need and when: "I really need you to come over every Tuesday afternoon so I can go to the bank."
- You can find assistance through Home Care at (403) 943-1920. A Community Care Coordinator (Home Care Nurse) assigned to your community will visit and assess and discuss the in-home care options that are available.
Adult Day Support Programs
- Adult Day Support Programs such as Club 36 provide the opportunity for socializing and recreation in a supported environment and offer the caregiver a worry free time of respite. To attend a regionally funded day program the individual must be a Home Care client.
The Family Caregiver Centre - (403) 303-6027
- The Family Caregiver Centre offers a broad range of services including: caregiving and group programs, counseling services and programs for families.
The Calgary Seniors' Resource Society - (403) 266-6200
- The Calgary Seniors' Resource Society provides free friendly visiting programs, telephone reassurance and escorted transportation.
Private Companies
- Private companies or care attendants can be hired from health care agencies. These individuals can be hired for a specific day and amount of time.
- It is important to ask questions of the agency and the individual coming into the home: What are their credentials? Are they bonded? Have they had any dementia training? What activities will they plan for your loved one? Do they provide personal care if needed?
Remember, caring for yourself is not selfish - it's the greatest gift you can give your loved one.
Take care of your physical health:
- Exercise
- Eat healthy
- Make and keep regular appointments with your doctor
- Take regular breaks from caregiving
- DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE TOO EXHAUSTED TO MAKE PLANS FOR BREAKS!
Take care of your emotional health:
- Maintain social contacts
- Do things you enjoy - maintain your interests and hobbies
- Look for humor every day
- Look for support through family, friends and organizations
Contact a Family Support Coordinator at (403) 290-0110 or familysupportcoordinator@alzheimercalgary.com for more information on any of these topics. Please see our Family Education Series and information on Support Groups offered through the Alzheimer Society of Calgary.