November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month as well as National Family Caregiver Month. According to the National Alzheimer’s Association, there are over 15 million people with Alzheimer’s being taken care of by family caregivers. Without these caregivers, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients would not receive the proper love and care that they need. The National Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people from all over the nation to visit their website and give a personal tribute to thank these caregivers for all of their hard work. You can do so by visiting this site: www.alz.org/care/honor-caregiver.asp
Additionally, if you know someone who is a caregiver, show them these suggestions so that they can have a few moments to themselves to deal with the stress associated with providing care for others.
• Take friends and family members up on their offers to help. Although the caregiver knows the best way to take care of these individuals, you can show friends and loved ones how to help. Whether it be a couple of hours or even a half hour break, it is important to take that time for your own health.
• Exercise at home. While the Alzheimer’s or dementia patient is napping, go for a run on the treadmill or take out that yoga mat to go through a short practice at home. This will keep both your physical and mental health in tip-top shape.
• Find a hobby you love and do it. Whether it be taking a sewing class, riding a horse or scrapbooking, take some time for yourself a few times per week. This will help you “zone out” from the stresses of being someone else’s caregiver, and give you the time you deserve to do something that you enjoy.
Resources: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-healthy-caregiver.asp
http://www.alz.org/co/in_my_community_alzheimers_awareness_month.asp
