As a Dementia Caregiver, How Can I Care for Myself While Also Caring for My Loved One?

Caregiving is one of the most generous and loving  acts you can take. It’s an act of love that requires devotion, dedication, patience and an inordinate amount of strength, both physical and emotional. 

Trying to get through the day is often a whirlwind and it is easy to put your own needs on the backburner in order to devote your full attention to the person you love who needs your help immediately. In fact, it is very easy to push off your own needs for weeks, months, and even years.

Get Help Helping Your Loved One

At Lizzy Care, our focus is not just on people living with dementia, it’s on the family and caregivers who walk alongside them every day.

We know this work is deeply personal, often invisible, and sometimes isolating. And we’re here to say: you don’t have to do it alone.

According to a recent report from the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly all dementia caregivers (a whopping 97%) say navigation services (like the ones we offer) would be helpful, particularly:

• Having access to a 24/7 helpline.
• Getting help coordinating care between different specialists
• Getting help to better understand their loved one’s condition.

Build the Support Network You Deserve

Get Help and Support with a Care Circle

While you are the primary caregiver, you are not the ONLY one that can provide caregiving to your loved one with dementia. Reach out to family members, friends and community to ask for help. Many people want to help, they just don’t know how. When someone offers to give you a hand, accept their offer. 

Planning and Management 

Set up a framework and task list for daily/weekly/monthly schedule and assignment of tasks for family and friends. Making a list of the actions makes it more real and makes it easier to say: “Can you take this one?”   

Education and Learning

Knowledge and information can be powerful and helpful. Look for courses on dementia and caregiving and keep an eye on Lizzy Care’s Resource section, which is full of important information that can help you care for different stages of dementia.

You Deserve Care, Too

It is important to maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit while caregiving. Finding the time and bandwidth can seem challenging but you can start small, incorporating some of these strategies one step at a time. 

Be Honest and Realistic with Yourself

You do not have to be the CEO of caregiving. Be honest with yourself about what your natural caregiving strengths and skills are and run with it.  Be realistic about where you need help and support. Be aware of how to balance and prioritize your other core responsibilities (i.e. job/career, caring for your own children, school, etc.). 

Do not be shy about asking for help or happily accepting it. Getting one afternoon off every week for yourself while a family friend takes your loved one for exercise can make a big difference. 

Setting Boundaries

Given that your caregiving is like an additional job, acknowledge that you have a limit to your bandwidth. Setting boundaries is of utmost importance  so that you can find balance. For example, while friends and family are counting on you to host another wonderful Thanksgiving gathering, ask someone else to take over the hosting duties. You and your loved one with dementia can be guests and enjoy.

Furthermore, setting boundaries can also extend to your relationship with the person you care for. Know when to say “No” and don’t overextend yourself when they get demanding or act out.

Stay Fit and Maintain Healthy Routines

This not only applies to physical health and well-being routines, such as a balanced diet and exercise, but also mental wellness. Get back into seeing friends, take daily walks or try yoga or mediation. 

Taking Care of Your Health 

Set personal health goals. Make sure to go for your check-ups. Get recommended vaccinations and screenings. Make sure to tell your doctor that you are a caregiver and don’t hesitate to mention any concerns or symptoms you may have.

Community and Social Support 

Know that you are not alone. Join a caregiver support group (a dementia-specific caregiver group would be even better) to get emotional and social support but also learn from others’ experiences. 

Take Longer-Term Breaks and Get Relief

Be kind to yourself. You deserve to take breaks, go on vacation and rejuvenate. These are not luxuries you can put off: They’re what the doctor ordered for your well-being and the well-being of those in your care.

These solutions are more intermittent help during the week, like getting friends or family to take your loved one out for walks, to doctors’ visits, etc. 

Consider the following: 

• Respite Caregiving: Let someone else step in for a few hours or days
• Adult Daycare or Memory Care Centers: Safe, stimulating care during the day
• Short-term Residential Options: For travel or extended rest

Ready to Get Support?

You deserve to feel good and be healthy. Schedule a free consultation with Lizzy Care to see how we can help you navigate the delicate balance of caring for your loved one and caring for  yourself.

Fill out the form below to talk to someone about Lizzy Care’s services or visit https://hilizzy.com/guide/check/ to see if your family is eligible for free support through Medicare.

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