People around you may be resolving to lose ten pounds, exercise more, and eat healthier, but if you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, just getting through the day may be ambitious enough. The very thought of aiming to improve upon any area of your life in this unsettling time may be overwhelming.
At Amy’s Helping Hands, our Windsor, Ontario elder care team would like to offer you a bit of encouragement. We know the work you are doing can be both rewarding and frustrating, and we are here to support you in any way we can. To start, we have gathered some resolutions exclusively for Alzheimer’s caregivers that will actually help make your journey a little bit easier.
What Resolutions Are Good for a Dementia Caregiver?
Take a deep breath and a few minutes to consider the following:
- Set aside time for self-care. We know this might be not as easy as it sounds. But taking time for yourself is crucial to both your wellbeing and that of the individual you are caring for. It does not have to be anything elaborate or extensive, unless you want it to be. Merely carving out a couple of hours once weekly for an activity you enjoy can offer the rejuvenation you need. A trusted friend or family member can fill in while you’re away, or contact Amy’s Helping Hands for a trained, experienced caregiver to help.
- Forgive yourself. Accept that you are human, and there will be times you wish you had handled a scenario differently. Determine that this is the year you will completely let go of any guilt, and in exchange, remind yourself that you're doing the best you can to help make life better for the person you love.
- Remind yourself that you know what is most beneficial. Family caregivers can find themselves surrounded by well-intentioned individuals who want to offer advice. While their ideas may work effectively for other people, they may not be applicable in your situation. Listen respectfully to any advice offered and thank the individual for the idea, but then ultimately trust your judgment in making the best care decisions for your circumstances.
For a reliable partner in dementia care, or for some additional helpful resources, contact Amy’s Helping Hands any time. We’ll be pleased to visit with you in your home at no cost to discuss the challenges you’re facing and to provide creative solutions to help, such as:
- Providing engaging conversations and activities to keep both mind and body active
- Assistance with wandering, agitation, aggression, repetitive behaviors, sundowning, and more
- Transportation and accompaniment to appointments and outings
- Support as needed with personal hygiene tasks, while encouraging independence
- Planning and preparing meals based on individual preferences
- And so much more
Contact us online or call 519-915-4370 for more information.
