Family Caregiver 5.25 - Flipbook - Page 20
TAKE CARE OF
YOURSELF
HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND MANAGE CAREGIVER STRESS
10 COMMON SIGNS OF CAREGIVER STRESS
1. Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who
has been diagnosed.
I know Mom is going to get better.
2. Anger at the person living with dementia or frustration
that he or she can’t do the things that once came naturally.
He knows how to get dressed — he’s just being stubborn.
3. Social withdrawal from friends and activities.
I don’t care about visiting neighbors anymore.
4. Anxiety about the future.
What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?
5. Depression that affects your ability to cope.
I just don’t care anymore.
to help you better understand and cope with common
behavioral and personality changes that may occur. Visit
alz.org/care to learn more and access resources and
programming near you.
4. Get help and find support.
Our 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), ALZConnected® online
social networking community (alzconnected.org) and
local support groups (alz.org/CRF) are good resources. If
stress becomes overwhelming, seek help from a doctor or
counselor.
5. Take care of your own health.
Try to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Making sure
that you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver.
6. Manage your stress.
Stress can cause physical problems (blurred vision, stomach
irritation, high blood pressure) and changes in behavior
(irritability, lack of concentration, change in appetite). Note
your symptoms and discuss with a doctor, as needed.
6. Exhaustion that interferes with daily tasks.
I’m too tired for this.
7. Sleeplessness caused by worrying.
What if she wanders out of the house?
8. Irritability that triggers negative responses.
Leave me alone!
9. Lack of concentration that disrupts familiar tasks.
I was so busy, I forgot my appointment.
10. Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical
toll.
I can’t remember the last time I felt good.
10 WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS AND BE A HEALTHIER
CAREGIVER
Are you so overwhelmed by taking care of someone else that
you’ve neglected your own physical, mental and emotional
well-being? To avoid putting your own health at risk, consider
the following tips.
1. Take a break.
Consider using respite care services to allow you a temporary
rest from caregiving while the person living with Alzheimer’s
or another dementia continues to receive care in a safe
environment. Visit alz.org/care to learn more.
2. Seek out community resources.
Visit the Alzheimer’s Association & AARP Community
Resource Finder (alz.org/CRF) to access a database of
dementia and aging-related resources in your area. Adult day
programs, in-home assistance, companions and meal delivery
are just some of the services that can help you manage daily
tasks.
3. Become an educated caregiver.
As the disease progresses, it may become necessary to
adopt new caregiving skills. The Association offers programs
7. Accept changes as they occur.
People living with dementia change over time and so do their
needs. They may require care beyond what you can provide
on your own. Becoming aware of community resources —
from home care services to residential care — can make the
transition easier. So will the support and assistance of those
around you.
8. Make legal and financial plans.
Putting legal and financial plans in place after a diagnosis
of Alzheimer’s or another dementia allows the person living
with the disease to participate in decision-making. Having
these plans in place can provide comfort to the entire family.
Many documents, including advance directives, can be
prepared without the help of a legal professional. However,
if you’re unsure about how to complete documents or make
financial plans, you may want to seek assistance from an
attorney specializing in elder law, a financial advisor who is
familiar with elder or long-term care planning, or both.
9. Know you’re doing your best.
Remember that the care you provide makes a difference
and that you’re doing the best you can. You may feel guilty
because you can’t do more, but care needs increase as the
disease progresses. Regardless of how care is delivered, you
can make sure that the person living with dementia is well
cared for and safe.
10. Visit your doctor regularly.
Take time to get regular checkups and pay attention to any
exhaustion, stress, sleeplessness or changes in appetite or
behavior. Ignoring symptoms can cause your physical and
mental health to decline.
© 2023 Alzheimer’s Association®. All rights reserved. This is an official publication
of the Alzheimer’s Association but may be distributed freely and without charge by
unaffiliated organizations and individuals. Such distribution does not constitute an
endorsement of these parties or their activities by the Alzheimer’s Association.
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2025 – 2026 Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities Resource Guide
