Taking care of yourself
The person with Alzheimer Disease may experience a slow, steady decline in health. As a result of ongoing stress, it is possible that the caregiver may also develop health problems.
There is a powerful and commonly accepted connection between the body and the mind. Sometimes strong feelings and emotions such as anger, grief, and overwhelming frustration show up as:
- High blood pressure
- Stomach aches
- Dizziness
- Acid reflux
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Generalized muscle soreness
- Sleeplessness
- Exhaustion
- Depression
Caregivers can significantly reduce stress by:
- Paying attention to their own feelings and emotions, and seeking counselling if needed
- Getting aches and pains treated before they turn into something more serious
- Eating properly, exercising, and getting enough sleep
- Creating a support network which may include joining an AD support group
- Easing standards for things such as cleanliness
- Learning and using relaxation or stress management techniques, such as meditation, visualization, biofeedback, and yoga
- Staying actively involved with friends and hobbies
- Finding respite
care and regularly taking time out for themselves
A “Stress” Test
It can be hard to know when you’re suffering from stress. Sometimes, caregivers think they’re handling everything just fine, but may be in denial about the diagnosis of AD and how it’s affecting everyone’s lives — including their own. If you find yourself thinking any of the following, you may want to talk to your doctor about how to handle the stress.
- “I can’t stand another minute of this.”
- “I just don’t care.”
- “I’m too tired to deal with this.”
- “I don’t want to see anyone or go anywhere.”
- “What will I do when the money runs out?”
- “All I want to do is scream!”
For most people, sharing the caregiving with others helps relieve stress. Arranging to take a break from caregiving, also known as respite, can help relieve caregivers from continuous pressures. The Alzheimer Society of Canada, family physicians and other healthcare professionals can provide referrals and resource suggestions to help with respite care.
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Respite care: Services that temporarily relieve caregivers from the stress of providing continuous care.
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If someone you care about has AD, you may find it necessary to:
- Enlist support from other siblings (if you have them) or extended family members. Even someone who lives out-of-town can be helpful in researching short- or long-term care solutions.
- Find a counsellor who is skilled at helping families manage the stresses of being part of the “sandwich” generation of caregivers — those who have to care for parents while caring for their own children as well.
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