Tuesday Tips for Caregivers – How to Find the Support You Need While Caregiving

Hello and welcome. As a family caregiver, there will be good days and bad ones. Alzheimer’s caregivers need all the support they can get. If you are someone who’s caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease, here’s what you can do to help yourself.

As a family caregiver, you may find yourself facing a host of new responsibilities, many of which are unfamiliar or intimidating. At times, you may feel overwhelmed and alone. But despite its challenges, care giving can also be rewarding. And there are a lot of things you can do to make the care giving process easier for both you and your loved one. These tips can help you get the support you need while caring for someone you love.

Educate Yourself

Learn as much as you can about your family member’s illness and about how to be a caregiver. The more you know, the less anxiety you’ll feel about your new role and the more effective you’ll be.

Seek out other caregivers

It helps to know you’re not alone. It’s comforting to give and receive support from others who understand what you’re going through. Join a caregiver support group. You can get tips from other caregivers like you and you can get answers and advice from the support group facilitator.

Visit a Resource Center

Resource center like the Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center have an enormous amount of information for caregivers like you. Attend workshop and presentations to learn how to be a more effective caregiver. Speak with care mangers who can guide you along your caregiving journey.

Talk to Your Doctor

Doctors and physicians can give you referrals to appropriate care options. Speak with your loved ones doctor to find out what places and people they recommend you talk to. The bigger you build your support team, the more successful you’ll be in the long run.