Caregiver support for Alzheimer’s disease.

People living with Alzheimer’s disease eventually become dependent on caregiver(s) for help. As a caregiver, you may feel discouraged, angry, stressed, overwhelmed or alone. Your experience can also be very rewarding. It’s normal to have all these emotions. But it’s also important that you make time to take care of yourself.

How to stay healthy as a caregiver:

• Get educated about Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to know what is likely to happen and how to keep the patient safe.
  
• Connect with the care team and other caregivers to ask questions and share ideas
• Spend time with friends and family
• Take breaks when you need them
• Call for backup when you need it
• Make time for exercise, eating healthy and getting good sleep
• Share how you’re feeling with people you trust
• Look into local elder care day centers for your loved one to visit a few hours at a time
• Feel good about yourself and how much you’re helping the patient

Sometimes, connecting with the patient can be difficult. Try different ways to get through to them and put them at ease. Some examples are:

• Play music or sing
  
• Keep things clear and simple, focusing on one idea or activity at a time
• Ask questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no”
• Stay positive. Say, “Try it this way” instead of, “That’s not right.”
• Keep calm – with the patient and yourself
• Try changing the subject instead of arguing
• Use nonverbal ways to communicate. Facial expressions, eye contact, touch, smiles and hugs are helpful.

Reach out for help when you need it. Many Alzheimer's disease patients and their families benefit from local support services or counseling. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association to find support groups.