The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. On June 21, thousands of participants from across the world come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice.
“The longest day.” Every day can potentially be long for a caregiver. Caregivers often work countless hours trying to make someone else’s life better and can experience isolation. Caregivers may rarely be thanked for their work, be it family or paid caregiving may rarely take a day off.
While interviewing a family caregiver, he shared a caregiving manual would feature these topics coming from his experience:
- Continue to learn as much about the disease as you can
- Be creative in devising strategies
- Adapt as the disease changes
- Live one day at a time
- Know that you are human and will get frustrated at times
Some caregivers report that working through the adversity has made them into better people; perhaps more giving, more patient. Whether you are a caregiver or an agency offering support to caregivers, it’s important to be aware of ways to offer support.
The Alzheimer’s Association encourages these 5 tips to help cope as a caregiver:
- Manage your level of stress. Stress can cause physical problems (blurred vision, stomach irritation, high blood pressure) and changes in behavior (irritability, lack of concentration, change in appetite). Note your symptoms and discuss with a doctor, as needed. Try to find relaxation techniques that work for you.
- Be realistic. The care you give does make a difference, but many behaviors can’t be controlled. Grieve the losses, focus on positive times as they arise, and enjoy good memories.
- Know you’re doing your best. Remember that the care you provide makes a difference and that you are doing the best you can. You may feel guilty because you can’t do more, but individual care needs change as Alzheimer’s progresses. You can’t promise how care will be delivered, but you can make sure that the person with the disease is well cared for and safe. For support and encouragement, join ALZConnected, our online caregiver community.
- Take a break.It’s normal to need a break from caregiving duties. No one can do it all by themselves. Look into respite care to allow time to take care of yourself.
- Accept changes as they occur. People with Alzheimer’s disease change over time and so do their needs. They may require care beyond what you can provide on your own. Becoming aware of community resources and care options — from home care services to residential care — can make the transition easier. So will the support and assistance of those around you.
Together, they use their creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.®