April is Stress Awareness Month and this observance serves as a good reminder to caregivers that taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity. The emotional, physical, and mental demands are constant and without proper support, stress can quickly take a toll on a caregiver’s health and well-being. Taking time to care for yourself is one of the most loving things you can do for both you and your loved one.
There may come a time when supporting your loved one with dementia at home becomes a risk to his/her safety and well-being. How do you know when it is time? By identifying the signs early, caregivers can make decisions to get professional support and a community of care for loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A memory care facility is able to provide a structured, secure, and compassionate healthcare setting for loved ones.
Do you have children under the age of 18 in the home and are the primary caregiver for a loved one with dementia? The BBC defines the Sandwich Generation as being “the caught in the middle generation who has living parents and children.” A growing group of caregivers have the very challenging task of balancing their work life, raising their children, being the primary caregiver for their parent(s), and attempting to live fulfilling social lives. It's beneficial to get your children involved.
If you are caring for a person living with dementia at home, Ask Mary is the place to get your questions answered and to learn about helpful resources. In her role as a skilled care services professional at St. John’s, Mary provides care and support for people living with dementia and their families. Check this page on St. John’s Online Dementia Resource Center to see Mary’s answers to submitted questions.
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