Caring for the Caregiver
By Sandy Norbo, CarePartners Adult Day Family Service Coordinator

Being a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming, especially as the disease progresses. Many caregivers are reluctant to ask for help, assuming that the responsibility must be theirs alone. Caregiver burnout is the result. It tends to creep up on you and may not be obvious until it is almost too late. The following are symptoms of burnout:

• Feelings of depression.
• A sense of ongoing and constant fatigue.
• Decreasing interest in work.
• Decrease in work production.
• Withdrawal from social contacts.
• Increasing fear of death.
• Change in eating patterns.
• Feelings of helplessness.
• Increase in the use of stimulants and alcohol.

Here are 20 ways to care for caregivers, collected from caregivers and care managers of the Medicare Alzheimer's Project in Broward and Dade
Counties, Fla.:

1. Laugh about something every day.
2. Take care of yourself physically.
3. Eat a well-balanced diet.
4. Talk with someone every day.
5. Let family and friends help. Give them printed material on memory disorders so they can better understand your relative. Give them a chance.
6. Give yourself permission to have a good cry. Tears aren't a weakness; they
   reduce tension.
7. Exercise. A brisk walk counts.
8. Get adequate rest.
9. Try a bowl of Cheerios^® and milk before bed to promote sleep.
10. Avoid noisy and/or tension-filled movies at night. The late news can add to stress – skip it.
11. Reduce daily caffeine intake.
12. Get professional help if you feel your support system isn't adequate or if you feel overwhelmed.
13. Take a break every day, even if it's only 10 minutes alone.
14. Explore community resources and connect yourself with them.
15. Listen to music.
16. Learn relaxation techniques.
17. Regularly attend one or more support groups and education workshops.
18. Give yourself a treat at least once a month: an ice cream cone, a new shirt or dress, a night out with friends or a flowering plant.
19. Read your Caregiver's Bill of Rights (and Today's Caregiver magazine).
20. Know your limitations.