How to Ease Your Guilt if You’re an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
By Gary Hightower 9 am on
If you’re an Alzheimer’s caregiver for a senior loved one, feeling a wide range of emotions is perfectly normal. When you feel guilty about taking care of yourself or for being impatient with your loved one you need to realize that while those emotions are normal, you cannot do an effective job if you don’t take care of yourself. Here’s how you can ease your guilt and take better care of yourself.
Find Support
Many people find they feel very isolated when caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s, so make sure to reach out to others. Other people are usually more than willing to help if they know that you need assistance. Several organizations are available for the support you need, including local in-home care agencies. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide home care, Irving Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
Journal
Many people find that journaling allows them to feel less stressed while encouraging them to look at problems in a new light. The best way to start is usually to set aside five minutes each day and just write whatever comes to mind. Some people choose to draw in their journals as well. Others even include quotes that are speaking to them at this point in their lives. It’s your journal, so make it your space.
Do Something You Enjoy
Each day make time to do something you enjoy because your brain needs a break. For some, it’s settling down in a chair with a great book for five minutes. For others, it’s working on a craft like crochet or knitting. Some people enjoy spending time exercising, while others simply need to do nothing but rest for five minutes. Don’t feel guilty about taking this time for yourself. In helping yourself, you’re essentially helping your loved one and boosting his or her quality of life.If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Go Outside
Researchers know that going outside can brighten people’s moods, so make sure to venture outside regularly. Take a short walk around the neighborhood so you can get some fresh air and sunshine. If possible, consider bringing your loved one along with you, as he or she can benefit from being outside as well. Seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease aren’t the only ones who can benefit from Alzheimer’s care. Irving families have much to gain as well, especially if they’re the ones currently providing care. Professional Alzheimer’s caregivers can watch over your loved one, giving you the chance to relax, focus on other responsibilities, and prevent burnout. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (817) 591-1580 to find out how we can help you and your loved one.