Caring for oneself while caring for others

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Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be really tough. If you’re the primary caregiver, you know the challenges all too well. While there are some tools and plans that can assist you in handling day-to-day tasks and preparing for the future, it’s easy to forget about your own well-being in the process. We understand how overwhelming it can be to look after someone you love.

It’s common for caregivers to put their health on the back burner, forgetting to care for themselves. However, we want to emphasize just how important it is for you to prioritize your well-being. This way, you can continue offering your loved one the best possible care.

We’ve gathered resources from multiple experts in the field designed to offer practical tools and tips for self-care. These can enhance your caregiving abilities and guide you in maintaining your optimal health. We hope you find these resources helpful as you navigate this challenging journey. Remember, you’re not alone, and your well-being matters too.

We use the term caregiver in our materials. If you’re unsure if this term applies to you, check here.

A guide for family caregivers

The following video from the WI Department of Health Services provides training for caregivers in the format of a guide. You can jump to any chapter using the references below (also shown in-video). While we encourage you to watch the video in its entirety, we strongly recommend the section on “Care for the caregiver–9:26.”

  • Introduction–0:00
  • Overview of Dementia–1:42
  • Care for the caregiver–9:26
  • Communication–20:31
  • Response to Symptoms–34:39
  • Agitation and Aggression–57:16
  • Additional Considerations–1:12:15
  • Conclusion–1:20:40

Download Caregiving Video Handout

Learning to take care of yourself will help you to continue caring for your loved ones.

Caregiver self-care tips

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Practicing routine self-care is one of many ways to care for your health. Some other ways include building a support system and utilizing community services in your area. Regardless of the caregiving stage, you are currently in, learning to rely on your support can improve the quality of care you provide for your loved ones.

The following resources from HelpGuide.org provide information on ways to find support as a caregiver.