How Dementia Caregivers Can Manage Stress

Caregiver in Manhattan Beach CA

Caregivers who are providing elderly care for a loved one with dementia can have a great deal of stress just from the day-to-day responsibilities. If you are that caregiver, your days may consist of dealing with difficult and uncontrollable behavior from your loved one, which includes wandering, anxiety, sundowner’s syndrome, and hallucinations. As common as stress is among caregivers, 29 percent have a problem trying to manage it, which could lead to serious health conditions if left untreated. Instead of trying to deal with the stress of caring for an elder with dementia, here are some times to help you relax and provide better in-home care for your loved one.

Get plenty of sleep
One of the biggest contributors to stress is a lack of sleep. This problem may not be your fault, especially if you are up all night with your loved one, but there are some tactics that can be done to ensure you get more rest.

• Create a sleep schedule for you and your loved one and stick with it. This schedule should also be followed on the weekends.
• Avoid large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine as these items will contribute to a sleepless night.
• Give yourself a chance to relax before bed by limiting the use of technological devices (such as the TV), reading a book, or doing some deep breathing exercises.
• Your bedroom should be a cozy place where you can rest peacefully. Make the room as dark as possible, keep the temperature at a comfortable level, and soft bedding and pajamas will make it much easier for you to fall asleep at night.

Eat a healthy diet
Stressful situations are not only found in our surroundings, but also in the food and drinks we put into our body. If you can relate to any of the following factors, it may be time to make some lifestyle changes.

• Being overweight. Many people are stressful eaters and turn to food as a comforting mechanism. People who are overweight or obese end up making their lungs, heart, and other vital organs work much harder than those with a healthy diet.
• Eating the wrong foods. Sometimes it is easier to just grab a bag of chips or a fast food meal than it is to prepare a healthy meal or snack. As a result, the body is not getting the right nutrients to function properly. Try to limit sugar and refined flour and eat more vegetables, fruits, and grains to stay healthy.

Your doctor will be able to provide a healthy dieting and exercise plan to help you lose weight.

Use relaxation techniques
Relaxation exercises and techniques are a great way to release the built-up tension and stress you have had brewing inside of you. A few relaxation techniques that will help put you in a calmer state of mind include:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy

Being the primary caregiver of someone receiving senior care can seem like a burden on some days, but can also be an extremely rewarding experience. To help you overcome the bad days without taking your stress out on your loved one, try to incorporate these tips into your life.

If you or an aging loved one needs caregiver services in Manhattan Beach, CA, call Livewell Private Care at (310) 933-4986.  Servicing Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas.

Source
Long Term Care Link. “Strategies to Reduce Caregiver Stress.” 10 Jan 2008.