Dementia can be one of the most challenging conditions for a family caregiver to work with. Those living with dementia are often confused and disoriented, and often struggle to remember the names and faces of their own children.
The pain of watching a loved one slip away while still being very much alive can be unbearable for family members. Even when a caregiver is not a family member but a trained professional, it takes a special kind of person to be able to stay calm and focused, day in and day out.
A dementia care provider is a valuable person who gives a piece of their heart every day to their work. For this Dementia Care Professionals Month, we would like to talk about how important self-care is for caregivers, and how to help deal with caregiver’s fatigue.
It takes a patient and kind-hearted person to be a caregiver for someone with dementia. People with dementia often require a higher level of care. But when you talk to the team at The Arbors, there is a common theme of: “I was meant to do this job.” They couldn’t imagine themselves doing anything else. And that’s why caregivers of those with dementia are celebrated this month in Dementia Care Professionals Month.
It can be a balancing act between helping the person living with dementia while still supporting yourself and others in your life. Taking time for self-care and setting and enforcing boundaries can help you maintain this balance.
Self- care is very important for many reasons. If someone as a caregiver does not self-care then how can you care for someone else? Sometimes taking on too much can be challenging for a caregiver.
Follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid stress:
• Eating
• Sleeping
• Meditation
• Ask And Accepting help from families and Providers
• Hold Family meetings to discuss ongoing issues or changes in care plan.
What not to do as a Dementia Care Professional
• Don’t put all your energy on the person of concern and neglect your own well-being.
• Do not ignore your basic needs, eating, sleeping etc.
Guilt is a major issue for caregivers. Caregivers may believe they are not doing enough for their family members or are too exhausted to spend time with other people in their lives.
Lack of outside support can lead to caregiver fatigue and burnout. Exhaustion and stress can adversely impact your health! Seek out resources and support to keep your engine running smoothly.
If you or an aging loved one needs care support in the home in Elizabeth NJ an surrounding areas, please call the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care at 908-590-1759
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