Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding and challenging. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Taking care of your own health is extremely important. It is when you are healthy that you can best help the person you are caring for. You may be wondering how to balance your own needs with those of others. Below are tips to help you strike this balance:
Recognize the Signs of Stress
1
Denial
dementia and its impact on the person.
2
Anger
at the person with dementia, yourself, and/or others.
3
Withdrawing
from friends or activities you once enjoyed.
4
Anxiety
about what the future holds.
5
Depression,
sadness, or hopelessness much of the time.
6
Exhaustion
or lack of energy.
7
Sleeplessness,
waking up in the night, nightmares, or stressful dreams.
8
Emotional
reactions such as crying easily or irritability.
Managment Strategies
- Identify the sources of stress (e.g., too many tasks, family disagreements, feelings of guilt or inadequacy).
- Identify what you can and cannot control. Trying to change things you have no control over will only increase
frustration. - Focus on your strengths. Identify the skills you are using now to prevent burnout.
- Respect your boundaries. Taking a step back does not mean you are giving up.
- Make time for meaningful activities. This could be walking, gardening, yoga, etc.
Share the care: No one should face dementia alone
- Tell friends and family what you are going through.
- Ask what they would like to do off your to-do list.
- Find local community support services:
- Ask your Ontario Health at Home coordinator about Home Care services and Adult Day Programs: Champlain area | Ontario Health atHome
- Take a break: Arrange for days or weeks of care if needed.
- Contact retirement homes in your area to see if they offer short stays.
- Check out the Respite House in Ottawa: Perley Health – Respite House at Perley Health
- Check out the Marianhill Dementia Respite Unit in Renfrew County
- If the person lives in a care setting, take a break from visiting if needed.
- Consult ACCESSCSS’s website to access services like housekeeping or home delivered meals
Take care of your physical and mental health
- Tell your doctor that you are a caregiver. Plan to monitor for symptoms of depression, sickness, and burnout.
- Join a support group to meet others facing similar situations: Activities, Support & Services – The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County
- Talk to one of the Dementia Society’s Dementia Care Coaches about your unique caregiving situation.
- Consult the City of Ottawa’s mental health resource list for mental health support.
- Call the Ottawa and regional Distress Centre‘s crisis support, information and resources: 613-238-3311
More information and resources
Ottawa: 613-523-4004 Renfrew-County: 1-888-411-2067 | info@dsorc.org | DementiaHelp.ca Charitable Registration 11878 5013 RR0001