Caregiver Self Help

In a recent conversation with the wife and caregiver of a man with advanced Alzheimer’s, she commented to me about her husband’s “relentless need.”  She said she was exhausted from constantly having to keep an eye on him, entertain him, and at the same time respect his dignity and his desire for independence.  She was doing her best to care for him, but her physical and mental health was suffering.

Understanding Caregiver Exhaustion

Many caregivers are in this same position, and don’t know how to change the cycle of just getting through each day.  Below are some basic tips to help:

Enlist Support from Family and Friends

Reach out to family and friends to help.  Sometimes people just don’t know where or how they can be helpful. Others might feel that you don’t want or need any help (especially if you don’t ask for it), or just don’t realize how much time, energy, and sacrifice caregiving really takes.  Give them the opportunity to help by asking them for specific things like running errands, performing small fix-it jobs around the house, doing online research, etc. Many people are honored when they are asked for help.

Consider Hiring Professional Help

Hire for services you need.  Being a caregiver includes a lot more responsibility than just hands-on caring for a person. Arranging for someone to help you with non-caregiving tasks takes those things off your to-do list and results in a bit more time for yourself. This could include using a grocery &/or meal delivery service, getting help with laundry, hiring a housekeeper, hiring a landscaper, or having a handyman come once a month.

Hire a caregiver.  As your loved one’s care needs increase, they’ll need more help with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing, and moving around. As a result, your days and nights can become consumed with these activities. Having in-home caregiving help is especially important if your older adult isn’t sleeping well and you’re not getting the rest you need at night. An in-home caregiver can help you take regular breaks so you can take care of yourself.

Prioritize Self-Care for Caregivers

Take time for you.  This is not easy to do, but any time there is an opportunity, take a few minutes to do something you enjoy.  Go for a walk, read, sit outside and have coffee…relax.  Even is you can only manage 15 minutes to yourself, take every opportunity you can get to recharge.