Are You a Hero?
If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you are truly a hero. I did not fully understand that until my mother developed dementia. She had always been a steady presence in my life, but her behavior changed in unsettling ways. She said hurtful things, became increasingly forgetful, and began to withdraw. Now that I am dementia certified, I can see that the signs were there all along. Warning signs of dementia recently cited by AARP include:
- Short-term memory loss
- Word loss
- Difficulty multitasking
- Repetition
- Personality changes
- New sleep behaviors
- Worsening sense of direction
- Depression
- Confusion about time and place
- Difficulty with visual or perceptual tasks
- Financial missteps
- Changes in judgment
- Misplacing things
- Misusing items
- Hallucinations
If you have been caring for a loved one with dementia, please give yourself a caregiver stress check. The following list of questions, provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, is a wonderful way to check in with yourself and find resources to help avoid burnout.
- Are you able to find time for things that make you feel fulfilled, like socializing with friends or engaging in activities you enjoy?
- Make sure that you continue to take time to enjoy social and leisure activities as they are important in maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.
- There are many Adult Day Care programs where you can take your loved one for a day and give yourself a breather.
- Daycations Adult Daycare
- Sea Breeze Adult Day Center
- TLC Adult Day Care and Recreation Center
- Do you take care of your own health? Are you able to eat well, get regular physical activity and go to doctors’ appointments?
- Like they say on an airplane, please place your own mask on first before assisting others, the same principle applies here.
- Eat well, stay active, get enough rest, and keep up with your medical appointments.
- How often do you experience feelings of anger, frustration, irritability or anxiety?
- This is another reason to take a break. Just as we need time away from work, caregivers may also need respite. Many communities offer respite stays so you can rest and recharge.
- Do you frequently worry about finances and planning for the future?
- Elder law attorneys and financial planners are excellent resources that can help you develop a solid plan for the future.
- The Alzheimer’s Association offers free educational programs for caregivers - https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/care-education-resources#caregivers
- Do you have a support network you can call on in times of need or just to talk?
- There are local support groups online and in-person. It helps to talk with other caregivers who understand.
- Other helpful resources:
AARP – www.aarp.org./caregiving
Area Agency on Aging Pasco-Pinellas – www.agingcarefl.org
Alzheimer’s Association – www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline
Assisted Living Locators – clearwater.assistedlivinglocators.com
Pinellas County – Pinellas.gov/Pinellas-county-age-friendly/