The Male Caregiver---In Appreciation of YOU!

Caregiving for persons with Alzheimer's disease can pose significant challenges to the health of the spousal caregiver, due to perceived stressfulness---and the need for leisure satisfaction or activity offers important implications for the maintenance of a good health status for spousal caregivers. However, caregiving literature most often focuses on the female caregiver, while it is currently estimated that men make up nearly 40 percent of family care providers. This leads to questioning about the generalizations of certain literature to the male caregiver.

On 15 surveyed men who are caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, according to research studies conducted by Emory University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, results indicated that male spouse caregivers generally have poorer mental and physical health, in comparison with non-caregiving men. Particularly, caregiving men showed higher levels of depression, respiratory system symptoms and overall poorer levels of health habits.

With this said… and in honor of our recently passed Father’s Day weekend, I send a special acknowledgment to every male caregiver whose eyes may happen upon these words. Whether you find yourself as a son or a son-in-law, a brother or brother-in-law, a nephew, uncle, father-to-be or a seasoned dad or granddad, you are recognized, honored, and appreciated for all of the wonderful things that you do to keep your family strong, encouraged, and steadily moving forward through the changes and challenges that occur in dealing with this disease.

Many of these ideas can be enjoyable for anyone, but these 20 relaxation ideas are for YOU --- the man who serves as a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. We are thinking of you!

1. Purchase tickets to see your favorite sports team
2. Schedule frequent visits to the golf course
3. Learn to cook a new dish
4. Enjoy a movie marathon of your oldies, but goodies
5. Take a fishing trip
6. Make time for bowling
7. Go for a walk/hike on a scenic trail
8. Visit a brewery for tasting or
9. Visit a few wineries for wine tasting
10. Take a day to relax at the beach or your choice of a peaceful get-a-way
11. Participate in a support group
12. Exercise on the average of three times per week and maintain a healthy diet
13. Establish time for personal meditation or reflection
14. Practice effective time management
15. Stay involved in whatever hobbies you enjoy
16. Plan a backyard barbeque for those closest to you
17. Get a massage
18. Go for a drive
19. Listen to your favorite music or schedule to hear your favorite band
20. Vary your caregiving responsibilities amongst other family members, friends, or professionals (so that you can find time to do any of these great things and more…!)

Rashida Keith/ Program Coordinator