Page 104 - Dementia-Care-Specialist-Toolkit

Alzheimer’s Caregiving Tips
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CAREGIVER HEALTH

Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver. This
could mean asking family members or friends to help out, doing things you enjoy, using
adult day care services, or getting help from a local home health care agency. Taking
these actions can bring you some relief. It also may help keep you from getting ill or
depressed.

Here are some ways you can take care of yourself:

• • Ask for help when you need it.
• Join a caregivers’ support group.
• Take breaks each day.
• Spend time with friends.

• Keep up with your hobbies and interests.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Get exercise as often as you can.
• See your doctor on a regular basis.
• Keep your health, legal, and financial information up-to-date.

IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP

Many caregivers find it hard to ask for help. They feel like they should do everything
themselves, or that no one will help them even if they ask. They may think it’s not right to
leave the person with Alzheimer’s disease with someone else. Maybe they cannot
afford to pay someone to watch the person for an hour or two.

It’s okay to ask for help from family and friends. You don’t have to do
everything yourself. If you have trouble asking for help, try these tips:

• Ask people to help in specific ways like making a meal, visiting the person with
Alzheimer’s, or taking the person out for a short time.

• Join a support group to share advice and understanding with other
caregivers.

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