I didn't know I needed...

Recently, I attended a TLC for Caregivers event at Ruffino’s. A TLC for Caregivers is an event sponsored by the Junior League of Baton Rouge with a goal of giving the caregiver and the individual with Alzheimer’s an opportunity to socialize in a safe and welcoming environment. At this event I spoke to a caregiver who has just begun to utilize resources and programs offered by Alzheimer’s Services. She stated, “I didn’t know I needed Charlie’s Place.” I starting thinking about statements made by caregivers beginning with, “I didn’t know I needed …” Many times while speaking with a caregiver about their loved one’s care, a caregiver puts up a road block when they say, “We are not ready for that yet.” My question is when will you be ready or how can you know when you need anything?
 

• The statements below are statements from a caregiver who is approaching a dangerous stress level:

1.  I don’t care about getting together with the neighbors anymore. 
2. What happens when he needs more care than I can provide? 
3. I just don’t care anymore. 
4. I can’t remember the last time I felt good.

•  Questions to ask yourself, so you may be aware of your stress level

1. At the end of the majority of days, have you felt like you couldn’t make it through another day? 
2. Is your health at risk or beginning to suffer because of your caregiving responsibilities? 
3. Have you lost privacy or the ability to organize and run your household? 
4. Is there frequent conflict between household members related to caregiving issues? 
5. When you get a break from caregiving, do you still feel overwhelmed and exhausted?

Be realistic when considering the stress from caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. An activity that may assist in evaluating yourself may simply be a list. For example, use the above list of statements as a check list, if you find yourself making these statements the majority of times then make a deal with yourself that at that time you will call Alzheimer’s Services for their opinion about the next step that can be taken. It is also a good idea to use “the buddy system.” The buddy system should involve someone you talk to on a regular basis about caregiving. A buddy that will be able to say, “I hear you saying those negative comments, maybe you should think about making some changes so you can rest.” My goal is that each caregiver be able to evaluate their stress level and change the statement, “I didn’t know I needed” to the statement, “I knew I needed help when …”

Alzheimer’s Services is dedicated to helping you give the best care to your loved one. We are available to simply listen to concerns, answer questions, educate, and find ways a caregiver can reduce stress involved in caregiving or absolutely anything else you may need to provide the best care to your loved one.