Alzheimer’s Caregivers – Don’t Beat Yourself Up!

As caregivers, we often have a way of making ourselves feel guilty, regretful and inadequate.  Or we let others cause us to think we’re not doing the best job we can  (when they shirk the caregiver tasks themselves).
We’re usually thrown into caregiving without training or often advance warning.  Later we might wish we had done some things differently.  But we weren’t to know at the time.  Looking back, I wish I’d known more about Alzheimer’s when Mother and Auntie developed it.  But I never imagined I’d be caring for them. 

Also realize, someone told me, that as an Alzheimer’s caregiver, you always have a second chance…often within five minutes.  Even though the patient may be upset with you, he/she usually forgets it a short time later.  They are onto another activity or place in their lives…past or present.  Realize that their irritation often isn’t with you but with the frustrating situation they find themselves in.

Do the best you can and relax.  Find humor and joy in the caregiving, too, and pass it on to your family member or patient.