I Care for My Mother, Who Has Alzheimer's. How Can I Avoid Burnout?

Question: I Care for My Mother, Who Has Alzheimer's. How Can I Avoid Burnout?

Answer: Although your attention is focused on your loved one, be sure to mind your own physical and mental health. Make time for sleep, exercise, proper nutrition, socializing with friends, and moments when you can be alone. This may require asking for help, which is not always easy to do. Remember that helping yourself will ultimately help your loved one.

Monitor yourself for signs of caregiver burnout, which can include irritability, anger, anxiety, depression, sleeping problems, withdrawal from social activities, and denial about your loved one's diagnosis or your responsibilities as a caregiver. You might also experience extreme fatigue and health problems, such as ulcers, migraines, high blood pressure, or frequent colds and other illnesses.

Try joining a caregiver support group, which can provide education, emotional support, and connections to local services that can help you meet your caregiving responsibilities. Check your local newspaper for a list of local support groups, or contact your nearest Alzheimer’s Association for information about groups near you.

If you're having a lot of difficulty coping, consider seeking mental health care from a professional who has expertise in Alzheimer's and has experience treating issues related to caregiver burnout, depression, and grief. Mental health professionals with this kind of expertise can also provide consultation and training in the management of challenging behaviors.

_Sources:

Caregiver stress. Alzheimer's Association. October 16, 2007. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_caregiver_stress_lwa.asp

Taking care of yourself: Managing stress as a caregiver. Alzheimer's Association. 2007. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_caregiverstress.pdf