When Caregivers Need Support: A Guide for Dementia Caregivers

Dementia is a complex and progressive condition that impairs memory, communication, reasoning, and judgment.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of dementia cases.

When a person is diagnosed with dementia, this can be devastating for families, who are usually responsible for their care and support.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be time-consuming, emotionally and physically exhausting, and financially draining.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 16 million Americans provide more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for families with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

As the disease progresses, patients will eventually need more advanced support and professional care.

But what happens when caregivers and families need support?

This guide will discuss self-care tips for dementia caregivers and how to offer support.

What to Expect As a Dementia Caregiver

Although dementia symptoms vary and progress differently in everyone, here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Memory loss, poor judgment, and confusion
• Difficulty speaking, understanding, and expressing thoughts
• Wandering and getting lost
• Struggling to complete daily tasks
• Misplacing items or putting them in strange places
• Depression, agitation, or paranoia
• Confusion or disorientation
• Changes in thinking and reasoning

Dementia caregiving is incredibly challenging, especially when it’s someone you love. Not only do you have to navigate this progressive complex disease.

You must accept and manage the changes to your loved one and the physical, emotional, and financial effects the disease has on your family.

Physical Demands of Caring for Someone with Dementia

Caring for someone with dementia can be physically exhausting.

As the disease progresses, people with dementia will eventually need help with personal care such as bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, and eating. Caregivers may need to lift, support, or carry their loved one.

In addition, your loved one may wander or become agitated, requiring constant supervision.

Emotional Strain of Caring for Someone with Dementia

The emotional strain of caring for a loved one with dementia is arguably the most overwhelming and most challenging to deal with.

It’s normal to feel discouragement, despair, grief, and isolation, especially if you’re caring for a parent or grandparent.

In addition, caring for someone who was once your caregiver and grieving the person your loved one used to present a unique emotional challenge.

Seeing the person who cared for you vulnerable, helpless, and dependent on you can cause feelings of sadness, frustration, and anger.

Remember, these feelings are normal. And emotional support is crucial.

Financial Challenges of Caring for Someone with Dementia

In the early stages of dementia, people may have difficulty organizing and planning. They may make poor money decisions or even forget to pay bills.

Family caregivers often become responsible for monitoring and managing their loved one’s finances, which can be financially overwhelming.

Medical bills, home modifications, professional support, and caregiving supplies can put a strain on families.

Signs You’re Overwhelmed and Need Support

Caregiving is time-consuming and stressful. It’s common for family caregivers to neglect their physical and emotional health.

Not only are caregivers responsible for managing the care of their loved ones, but they’re also still responsible for working and managing their household.

If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, inevitably, you’ll eventually need additional support.

Take the following signs of caregiving burnout seriously:

• Anger and frustration
• Resentment
• Difficulty sleeping
• Social withdrawal
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression
• Physical exhaustion
• Health problems

If you experience any of these signs, don’t hesitate to ask for support, whether from friends and family or a professional.

Self-care Tips for Dementia Caregivers

Acknowledge that caregiving is hard. You will make mistakes. You will have good and bad days.

On the bad days, give yourself grace. Take it day by day. Most importantly, you must put yourself first. What happens to your loved one if something happens to you?

Here are effective ways to manage stress and take care of yourself:

• Surround yourself with people who support you
• Exercise and eat healthy
• Ask family and friends to step in when you need help
• Take quality time for yourself
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation

Resources For Dementia Caregivers

Dementia caregiving can be gratifying, but it can also be time-consuming. In addition, there's a ton to learn about this complex disease.

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia takes a village. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the following resources for assistance:

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association provides many resources and information, including confidential support, crisis assistance, and local resources.

In addition, you can find information on financial and legal planning, local support groups, and in-home care.

Memory Care Communities

Memory care communities are one of the best resources for dementia caregivers.

Unfortunately, they can be overlooked because many family members are not aware of the professional support and resources offered, or they may be hesitant to move loved ones to long-term care.

However, memory care communities are invaluable for people with dementia and their family members.

In addition to the following, memory communities allow caregivers to focus on enjoying spending quality time with their loved ones rather than stressing about their care.

• Daily assistance with personal care such as bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming
• Professional staff trained in memory care
• Secure entrances and exits to prevent wandering
• Customized treatment plans
• Memory care activities
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Planned activities and events
• Amenities such as pools, libraries, fitness centers, beauty salons

Professional Counseling and Therapy

Professional therapists can help caregivers manage stress, provide a safe space to vent, analyze and process complicated feelings, cope with grief, and navigate the emotional challenges of caregiving.

How to Support Dementia Caregivers

Supporting dementia caregivers requires a multifaceted approach. If you know someone who’s a dementia caregiver, here are some ways you can help:

• Offer to sit with their loved one while they take some much needed me time
• Help with housekeeping and laundry
• Prepare meals
• Provide a listening ear without judgment and offer empathy
• Encourage self-care

Wrap-up

Caring for a loved one with dementia is physically and emotionally challenging. Dementia is a cruel and progressive disease, making it hard for families to manage.

By understanding what to expect, taking personal time, asking for help, and utilizing supportive services such as memory care communities, dementia caregivers and families can provide the best care for their loved ones and protect their health and well-being.