Day: August 1, 2017

Building a Community of Caregiving
Memory Care Support Group

Building a Community of Caregiving

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When someone you love has dementia, the care giving tasks can seem overwhelming. Not only do you have to be more physically available for your loved one but mentally and emotionally the task of care giving can take its toll. It’s important that in the process of caregiver we are attempting to not forget about ourselves. Having a healthy caregiver creates the best possible outcome for both you and your loved one.

Our Memory Care Support Group at Tanglewood wanted to share some of their best tips for taking care of themselves while caregiving:

  1. REMEMBER TO EAT

It sounds so simple, but when you are taking care of someone else it’s sometimes the last thing you think about. If you don’t have the energy you won’t be able to provide the care your loved one needs, so remember to fuel your body.

  1. ACCEPT HELP FROM OTHERS

It’s hard when you’re in the trenches to see that you need help, but when others are offering accept it. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, it just means that you want your loved one to get the best possible care available and the only way that get it is if you maintain your own health.

  1. BE OPEN

Remember that there are lots of ways to be a caregiver and one way is not perfect for everyone. Be open to the idea that there may come a time when you can’t do it alone or without the support of professionals. Start the process early, look into and educate yourself on all of your options.

  1. TAKE RESPITE

Being a caregiver is hard work, remember that you need to enjoy life and take breaks. Use your resources in the community when you can, plus it makes transitions into the next level of care that much easier.

  1. FIND A SUPPORT GROUP

It’s important when you are in the midst of care giving that you remember that you are not alone. Find support from others that are also having similar experiences. It’s important that you watch out for your own mental health and signs of depression. Seek help when you need it.

If you are in the Jamestown area you are welcome to attend our Memory Care Support Group on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Comfort Today. We would love to help you build your care giving community.