7 Tips for Finding Help for the Overwhelmed Caregiver

AlzheimersNotes.com 

 ”I can’t do this another day,” you moan as you drag around from lack of sleep, trying to keep up with your Mother’s wanderings. She cleverly learns the new latch on the outer door. The childproof catches on the cabinets don’t faze her. She’s hot, so dispenses with garment after garment.  And she asks those repetitive questions. Often it’s a challenge to find help when you’re an overwhelmed caregiver. Where do you turn? There’s no one size fits all answer. So here are some ideas as starters.

1. Check to see if there is a daycare type of group in your community…senior center, hospital, home health care facility, or nursing home.
2. Join a caregiver’s support group.
3. Check with the Alzheimer’s Association to see what might be near you.
4. See if the local hospital or nursing home has a support group.
5. Look for online groups. You’ll often find discussions there about topics that relate to yours. Others may be able to give you tips. At least you’ll realize you’re not along.
6. Visit blogs and web sites that provide information and resources about Alzheimer’s and caregiving.
7. Take care of your health, emotional and physical.

Where have you found support when you’re overwhelmed?

©2008 Mary Emma Allen