Alzheimer’s Association encourages dementia caregivers to make their health and wellbeing a priority
During National Family Caregivers Month in November, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging dementia caregivers to make their own health an equal priority as they navigate the demands and stresses of caring for someone else.
“As difficult as it may be, caregivers need to make their health and well-being an equal priority,” said Pam Myers, senior director, programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio and Northwest Ohio chapters. “Maintaining one’s health can help caregivers be better. No caregiver should face this disease alone. The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help.”
There are nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s dementia, including 236,200 in Ohio. More than 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at more than $11.4 billion.
Caring for those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia poses special challenges for family caregivers. As dementia symptoms worsen, caregivers can experience increased emotional stress, depression, anxiety, and new or worsened health problems. In addition, caregivers often experience depleted finances due to disruptions in employment and paying for health care or other services.
“Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s takes longer, lasts longer, is more personal and extensive than most other diseases, and takes a heavy toll on the health of the caregivers themselves,” said Myers. “During the course of the disease, caregiving tasks escalate and become more intensive. As a result, many dementia caregivers neglect their own health needs and that can lead to a crisis.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, the impacts on Ohio caregivers include:
• 63.7 percent have chronic health conditions
• 27.8 percent have depression
• 17.4 percent are in poor physical health
To help caregivers balance competing priorities while maintaining their overall health and well-being, the Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips:
• Find time for yourself. It’s normal to need a break from caregiving duties. No one can do it all by themselves. Consider taking advantage of respite care or help from family and friends to spend time doing something you enjoy.
• Become an educated caregiver. Understand the disease, its progression and accompanying behavioral and physical changes.
• Build a support network. Organize friends and family who want to help provide care and support. Access local caregiver support groups or online communities, such as ALZConnected, to connect with other caregivers. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.
• Take care of yourself. Try to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Making sure that you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver.
• Avoid caregiver burnout. Sustained caregiver stress can lead to caregiver burnout – a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. The Alzheimer’s Association offers Caregiver Stress Check to help caregivers identify and avoid caregiver burnout.
• Accept changes. Eventually your loved one will need more intensive kinds of care. Research care options now so you are ready for the changes as they occur.
• Understand you’re doing your best. It’s normal to lose patience or feel like your care may fall short sometimes. You’re doing the best you can. For support and encouragement, consider joining an online or in-person support group.
“Connecting with other caregivers and support organizations can help you find the information, resources and emotional support needed to help stay physically and emotionally strong so you can take care of yourself while you provide care to others,” said Myers. “In the end, taking care of yourself so you can be a better caregiver is really a gift to the person you are caring for.”
To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free support and resources, visit alz.org/centralohio or call the Central Ohio Chapter at (614) 457-6003 or the 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.
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