Five ways to honor yourself as a Dementia caregiver

When you’re a caregiver, caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one.

Unpaid family caregivers of loved ones with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions carry a lot of weight on their shoulders. Even though you may not be able to tangibly decrease your load, you may feel a bit lighter by caring for yourself. Here are five ways to honor yourself for your hard work.

Photo by Yuta Koike on Unsplash

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia can be a meaningful experience. It can also be incredibly challenging and emotionally taxing. It's easy to become so focused on caring for your loved one that you neglect your needs. 

If you think self-care is a luxury, we encourage you to reframe your perspective. Far beyond feeling good, self-care is a matter of health and wellness. In other words, self-care, including preventive medicine, is essential in lowering your risk for various health problems.

When you care for yourself, you also care for your loved one.

”On an airplane, an oxygen mask descends in front of you. What do you do? As we all know, the first rule is to put on your own oxygen mask before you assist anyone else. Only when we first help ourselves can we effectively help others. Caring for yourself is one of the most important—and one of the most often forgotten—things you can do as a caregiver. When your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit, too.” - Family Caregiver Alliance, Taking Care of YOU: Self Care for Family Caregivers

1. Practice moments of self-care (even if they’re small)

While self-care is imperative for everyone, it's essential for caregivers. Taking care of yourself will help you avoid burnout and ensure you have the energy and emotional reserves to provide the best care possible for your loved one. 

To start, look for opportunities to prioritize activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends. It helps to remember that these acts are not selfish but necessary. They enable you to return to caregiving feeling refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.

2. Seek support before you reach burnout

First, let’s acknowledge that caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia can be an isolating experience. Remember that you don't have to go through it alone. 

Seek out support from trusted friends, family, or a support group. Talking to people who are going through similar experiences can be incredibly validating and help you feel less alone.

3. Consider boundaries that help you conserve your energy

When it comes to boundaries, one vital thing to know is that boundaries can be acts of love that help maintain connected relationships. By conserving your time and energy, you can show up more fully for the people you care about in the ways that matter most. 

As you consider your week's schedule or overall capacity, first take notice of the essential pieces. Then, look for opportunities to ask for help or shift your commitment to non-essential items. 

Sometimes boundaries can even look like embracing good enough. One example might be giving yourself the freedom to purchase a cake instead of making something homemade, as you may have done previously. 

Ultimately, others benefit when you have a chance to recharge. Also, there’s no need to make boundary proclamations. You can simply make the shift, ask questions, or politely decline.

4. Find trusted educational and community resources

Undoubtedly, Alzheimer's and dementia are complex conditions that can be challenging to navigate as a caregiver. Staying informed about the condition and the latest research can help you provide the best care possible for your loved one. 

For example, read books or articles on the subject, and consult with healthcare professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

You will likely feel more confident and energized as you feel more informed and connected.

5. Practice gratitude regularly

Although caregiving can be challenging and sometimes thankless, focusing on the meaningful aspects of the experience can help you stay motivated and fulfilled. Take time to appreciate the moments of joy and connection you have with your loved one, and recognize the value of the work you are doing as a caregiver.

While this list is a short sampling of ideas, let it remind you that taking care of yourself is worth prioritizing.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, dementia, or another condition is a noble and challenging responsibility. By practicing self-care, seeking support, setting boundaries, staying educated, and practicing gratitude, you can honor yourself as a caregiver and ensure you have the resources and energy to provide the best care possible for your loved one.

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