Before reading this article, there’s something you should know: You’re not alone.
Almost 12 million Americans are caregivers for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Millions of families are walking through this journey with you.
So while dementia can feel overwhelming, there are ways to manage your emotions without sacrificing your ability to care for your loved one. Let’s dive in.
What You’ll Learn:
- About the Emotional Rollercoaster of Caregiving
- Why Caregiver Burnout Happens (& What You Can Do About It)
- How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Someone Else
- When It May Be Time for a Senior Living Community
- Helpful Support Resources for Caregivers
Caregiving Is an Emotional Rollercoaster
You might expect to feel certain emotions when caring for your loved one but not necessarily in the order that you do.
Some days will be harder than others. Some hours will feel wonderful and others you’ll wish would never end.
Still, as you care for your loved one with dementia, you are likely to experience emotions similar to these…
DENIAL. At first the symptoms seem mild. “She just missed her doctor’s appointment,” you’ll think. Or, “He’s always been a little forgetful.”
FRUSTRATION. Then questions are asked again and again. The simplest of tasks become complicated. You know you want to remain patient, but your frustration is bubbling just under the surface.
GRIEF. Families start to grieve the loss of their loved one while their loved one is still there. Anticipatory grief is very common but also very painful and extremely confusing.
ACCEPTANCE. At some point, most caregivers come to terms with the situation they are facing. Acceptance doesn’t mean you’re giving up hope. It means you can accept what is happening for what it is.
Why Caregiver Burnout Happens (& What You Can Do About It)
If you search for “why caregiver burnout happens,” you’ll find many answers.
Burnout is common among dementia caregivers. About 7 in 10 caregivers say that just trying to coordinate their loved one’s care is a significant source of stress, and more than half say trying to navigate the healthcare system is overwhelming.
Why is burnout so common among caregivers?
Caregivers tend to put their own needs on the backburner. They get little sleep, exercise less, and aren’t as socially engaged as they should be. Their world becomes about their loved one.
Their responsibilities also change daily. Someone who was fine last week may suddenly have different needs. As the dementia progresses, those needs will continue to change.
And because dementia is so expensive, many family caregivers sacrifice their jobs or work fewer hours to provide care. The average family caregiver spends $7,000 per year out-of-pocket on their loved one.
Caregivers can also feel alone in their struggles. Friends may not know how to help. Other family members may not step up to help out.
How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
Burnout is not a sign of weakness. It happens when you stress yourself beyond your capabilities for too long.
In order to avoid caregiver burnout, it’s important to understand the warning signs. Here are a few to look out for:
- You’re constantly tired, even after a full night of sleep
- You’ve stopped doing things you used to enjoy
- You feel hopeless about your loved one’s future
- You feel angry or resent your loved one for being sick
If you’re experiencing any of these burnout symptoms, consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in dementia caregiving. Not only can they provide you with coping mechanisms, but they can also help you better handle the emotions you’re experiencing right now.
When a Senior Living Community Makes Sense
If you’ve ever had the thought, “Maybe a senior living community would be better,” know that you’re not alone.
For many families, there comes a point where caring for their loved one at home is just not feasible. And that’s okay! A senior living community can provide specialized support for those diagnosed with dementia while giving family caregivers the relief they need.
Here are a few signs that it may be time to transition your loved one to a senior living community:
Your loved one’s safety is at risk.
If your loved one has begun wandering, frequently falls, or forgets to take their medications, they could be putting their health at risk.
You can no longer provide the level of care they need.
Dementia doesn’t affect everyone the same way, but most people who live with dementia will experience cognitive decline.
That means they’ll need more assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and feeding themselves.
Your health is suffering.
If you’re struggling to provide care for your loved one and it’s affecting your physical or mental health, that’s not fair to you.
Caring for a senior loved one with dementia should be a team effort. If the rest of your family isn’t helping out, consider a senior living community that can.
Support Resources That’ll Actually Help
You shouldn’t have to feel like you’re alone on this journey. Utilize these resources to help make life a little easier.
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is available 24/7 to provide you with access to trained professionals. They offer emotional support, local resources, and crisis assistance. And they even have someone available to speak with you in over 200 different languages.
Local Area Agency On Aging (Aaa)
Area Agencies on Aging were created to connect families to services within their community. From meal programs to transportation and respite care, they can help you find local resources.
Online Caregiver Communities
Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. That’s why online communities were created. You can join forums dedicated to dementia caregivers to share your story, ask questions, and connect with others who can relate.
Financial Assistance Programs
Lastly, there are financial assistance programs that you may qualify for. Medicaid, Veteran’s Benefits, and many nonprofit organizations can help you pay for your loved one’s care.
Caregiving is Hard… but You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
No one should have to navigate the complicated emotions of dementia caregiving alone. Millions of Americans are in the same boat as you.
Remember that you can manage your emotions by taking care of yourself too. Asking for help doesn’t make you a weak caregiver. It ensures you’ll be there for your loved one for years to come.
The owners and authors of Cinnamon Hollow are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
