Keeping Your Balance
While change is inevitable, how you respond to these changes is under your control, and can make a big difference for you and your loved one.
Dear Caregivers,
It’s finally Spring! The Vernal Equinox, which took place last week, occurs when earth’s orientation in its orbit results in almost equal amounts of day and night, a perfect balance that hallmarks the arrival of the new season.
The earth’s passage through the seasons is an important reminder that change is constantly happening all around us, some for the better, and unfortunately, some changes we'd rather not see. While change is inevitable, how you respond to these changes is under your control, and can make a big difference for you and your loved one. Here are some ideas to help you maintain balance in your life emotionally, physically, and mentally.
Practice Acceptance: It is quite normal to feel a swirl of mixed emotions as a caregiver, not all of which you may be comfortable with. Make an effort to acknowledge all these emotions, and more importantly, accept them, as part of your caregiving journey.
Find Comfort in Community: Caregiving can be a lonely existence, so it is important to seek out family, friends, and support groups to help you feel less isolated and learn from others’ experiences. You may be surprised how many people have also provided some form of caregiving for a loved one.
Get Real: Be realistic about your limits of what you can and can’t do for your loved one, and let others know where those boundaries are. This will help you prevent becoming burnt out, and resentful.
Show Compassion to Yourself: Reinforce to yourself that you are doing the best you can and that it is impossible to be perfect every time. Be kind to yourself and practice self-forgiveness.
Stay Physically Balanced: Make sure you set aside time for physical activity: Being active as little as 10 minutes a day can make a real difference. Aim for 30 minutes per day for as many days of the week as you can, which will boost your mood and reduce stress. Eat nutritiously and aim to get at least seven hours of sleep at night.
Keep Organized. Do the best you can to keep track of your loved one’s medications, daily activities, and medical appointments. This will give you a greater sense of control, which will reduce stress.
Know What to Expect: Your loved one will be undergoing a lot of changes in their life going forward, and learning more about how Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses will help you prepare for any changes that will be coming your way that could potentially knock you off balance.
Take a Break: Take time out each day to do things that you enjoy, such as reading, engaging in a hobby, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness meditation.
Get Help: If you feel yourself struggling, find professional help such as counseling or therapy. Or take some time off by arranging for respite care.
Keeping a balanced life emotionally, physically, and mentally will ensure that you are there to help your loved one when they need it most. And remember, you are not alone: Your NAN Navigator will work with you to get you the support that you need!
Here are some more suggestions for finding balance for you and your loved one.
Educate Yourself:
While Alzheimer's disease develops slowly over many years and every person has a unique path through the illness, there are some common symptoms. These collections of symptoms have been grouped into various stages of disease progression. Knowing more about what to expect going forward as the disease progresses will help relieve your stress and build confidence in your caregiving skills.
Give Yourself a Break!
“Private Duty Care” and “Companion Care” are services intended to help your loved one to safely get through day-to-day activities such as personal care, preparing meals, housecleaning, and offering companionship. These services can also offer a break for caregivers, who can use the time to be on their own. Here is a list of recommended local private duty and companion care companies that might be useful in your caregiving journey.
Care for the Caregiver!
Make sure you recognize symptoms if you are having trouble coping as a caregiver, and take steps to keep yourself balanced. Here are guides to coping with depression, managing anxiety, getting a better night’s sleep, and practicing meditation.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.”
— Thomas Merton
