10 Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Caregivers become so involved in looking after their family member, they often neglect themselves.  To endure for the long haul, whether their family member is living with them, in his/her own home, or in a nursing home, they must care for themselves as well.

Consider these suggestions:

1.Realize you can’t do everything and be everything.

2. Realize you can’t solve your family member’s every problem and make them happy all the time.

3. Take time for yourself.

4. Take time for your family, independent of the Alzheimer’s patient.

5. Smile and develop a sense of humor.  “We don’t laugh enough,” my mom once remarked to me.

6.Find day care, when possible.

7. Find someone who will come to your home and give you short breaks.

8. Join a support group in your local area.

9.Find an online support group.

10. Look for something positive in this situation.  I look back at all I learned and how I came to love Mother in a different way, yet one that enriched my life.