The job of a dementia caregiver can be overwhelming. To ensure caregivers don’t burnout, they should have a caregiving “toolkit” that makes their job a little easier. When caregivers are short on time or managing dementia-related crises, they can reach for their toolkit for a solution.
A Support Network
A support network may be the most important tool in any caregiver’s arsenal. You should have a network of friends and family members who can help you with caregiving duties such as running errands, staying with your senior loved one while you go to yoga class, or being a supportive friend as you vent about your day. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and family—you may find they’re more than willing to lend a helping hand.
If you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Albuquerque, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Home Care Assistance, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break.
Research Resources
When dementia caregivers first embark on this journey, they need to do some research. Your loved one’s doctor may have given you some pamphlets or resources on the disease. Dementia is a complex disease, and you should keep learning after you’ve read through the introductory pamphlets. Read books, contact local dementia organizations, and create Google News alerts for the latest medical research. When you’re informed about your loved one’s condition, you’re better prepared to provide the best treatment.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Albuquerque Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
A Guided Meditation Course
Caregiver burnout can happen to anyone. Even the most experienced caregivers can work too hard and find themselves depressed, anxious, and unmotivated. To prevent burnout, you need to take some time for yourself. Meditation is one of the best ways to relieve the tension caused by dementia caregiving. You can choose a guided meditation course by downloading an app, purchasing a CD/DVD, or borrowing one from the library. Take a few minutes every day to breathe deep, relieve your anxiety, and get some much-needed self-care.
Health Apps
For the modern caregiver, apps are a lifesaver. If your loved one has multiple medications to take every day, keep track of the prescriptions via an app like Medisafe. If you need to take your loved one’s vitals on a regular basis, download an app like Instant Heart Rate.
Fully Stocked Hospital Bag
If your loved one has a medical emergency, you can’t waste any time getting to the hospital. Make sure to have an overnight hospital bag packed and ready to go. Keep it filled with all of your loved one’s essential medical documents, as well as the items you’ll need for an overnight stay. Pack the basics like water bottles, tissues, antibacterial hand gel, and nonperishable snacks. Make sure you have access to entertainment as well. Add headphones, a book, and a cell phone charger. To stay comfortable, consider adding a travel pillow. If your loved one is soothed by objects like stuffed animals or old photographs, you may want to pack an item to calm him or her down if he or she gets restless.
Caring for a senior with dementia can be overwhelming, especially if managed alone. If you are the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Albuquerque Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. To learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans, call one of our Care Managers at 505-798-0800 today.
