Take a Break!
Dear Caregivers,
August is traditionally a time for people and their families to take vacations, but as a caregiver for a patient with Alzheimer’s, this may be hard to accomplish. Still, we at NAN for Caregivers believe that caregivers need to care for themselves, too, and I encourage you to find a way to take a break, if only for a few hours or a day.
One way to find a bit of time for yourself is to think about asking a friend or relative to fill in for you for a short time while you attend to other commitments, or simply take a break to care for yourself. Very often friends and family want to help but don't quite know what to do. Your NAN for Caregivers Navigator can help show you the way to communicate this to your helpers.
Another way to get a break is through working with a variety of services that provide hourly or daily care. These services may or may not be covered by insurance, so please make sure you work with your Navigator to choose the option that works best for you.
Read on for more.
Strategies for a Good Day…Even if You Cannot be There:
Helping to provide a “good day” can be a challenge if a friend or family member is in your place and isn't as familiar with your loved one's preferences. Filling them in on what topics your loved one might enjoy talking about, activities they might enjoy, and foods they like or their favorite restaurant will go a long way toward making their visit a success. Here are some strategies to make the experience easier on your family or friends and more enjoyable for your loved one as well.
Adult Day Care:
“Adult Day Care” centers are intended to help provide care and companionship for a loved one who needs assistance or supervision throughout the day. Adult day care can provide valuable respite to caregivers, while at the same time encouraging socialization and engagement. Here is a list of local adult day care centers in your area that might be useful in your caregiving journey.
Private Duty and Companion Care:
“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.
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
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”
— Eleanor Brown
