Page 99 - Dementia-Care-Specialist-Toolkit

Alzheimer’s Caregiving Tips
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CAREGIVER DEPRESSION

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be a 24/7 task and can be very challenging for
a caregiver. There are many losses and changes experienced by the caregiver, and it is not
uncommon for the caregiver to feel stress, anger, sadness, depression, isolation, and guilt.
Caregivers often place all their focus and energy on the person with Alzheimer’s disease, and end
up neglecting their own needs and health. It is important that caregivers of people with
Alzheimer’s focus on their own needs and get the support that they require.

IDENTIFYING DEPRESSION

• • Are you feeling isolated? As though you are alone?

• Are you having uncomfortable feelings about your relationship with the person
you are caring for?
• Are you having feelings of worthlessness or guilt?

• Are you feeling hopeless?
• Do you have thoughts of death or suicide?

• Are you feeling extra fatigued? Is it more difficult than usual to get out of bed?
• Are you neglecting your own health? Not eating? Over-eating?
• Are you having trouble with your own thinking or memory?

• Are you experiencing headaches, stomach issues, or pain?

• Do you find yourself crying more than usual?

TIPS

• Speak with a healthcare professional
• Join a support group, or identify a trusted friend, family, or community member
to talk to when you are feeling this way. You don’t have to go through this alone.

• Try to stay connected with family and friends.
• Focus on what you are able to do as a caregiver; remember that caregiving can
be very challenging.
• Set realistic goals.

• Ask for help with caregiving from others.
• Try to take a break and do something you enjoy. Consider physical activities
when possible, such as taking a walk.

Information adapted from the NationalInstituteonAging, partoftheNationalInstitutesofHealth www.nia.nih.gov
Reviewed by Alzheimer’s LA January 2016 | NIH July 2012

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