Caring for a loved one or friend with a long-term health issue comes with a unique set of challenges. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia can be especially stressful and exhausting.

As a caregiver, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and neglect your own physical and emotional health.  How do you find time for self-care when you’re stretched thin, stressed out, and juggling competing priorities?  While it may feel like you are swamped and completely isolated in your caregiving responsibility, try to remember that you don’t have to face Alzheimer’s disease alone.

No matter how much a caregiver may need it, it can be incredibly difficult to ask for help. It might seem uncomfortable for you or perhaps you don’t want to seem vulnerable or you’re worried that no one will be willing to step up to the plate when you ask.

Here are a few strategies that you can use to:  Ask for Help.

  • Make a list of things you need to accomplish – both big and small.  Which tasks can be realistically given to someone else – a family member, a friend or a neighbor.
  • Remember to be clear about what you need. For example, asking family, friends, church members, etc., to stay with your loved one while you run errands, see a movie, or have lunch with a friend can go a long way to helping you recharge your caregiver batteries.
  • Get comfortable reaching out first rather than waiting for a friend or family member to call. If you’re not known for asking for help, your friends and family may assume you don’t want it.
  • Consider having a family meeting or phone conference so that everyone can talk about the needs for assistance and decide how best to share some of the responsibilities.
  • When help is offered, don’t be too proud to accept it. In other words, don’t say you don’t need help when you do.  It will make others feel good to know that they are helping you.
  • You can also consider hiring help for a few hours a week or more, to ensure you get the time for yourself that you need.
  • Know that you are not alone. Call the Alzheimer’s New Jersey Helpline at 888-280-6055. No question or concern is too large or too small for our trained and caring staff who can also help you identify community resources and provide information about other Alzheimer’s New Jersey programs and services.  All services are confidential and provided free of charge.

For more tips to help guide you as a caregiver, visit our website, read our weekly eblast and keep your eyes on our social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram where we often share tips, advice, and words of wisdom from healthcare professionals and other caregivers just like you.

Remember, you are not alone, Alzheimer’s New Jersey is here to support you.

“We don’t know how strong we are until being strong is our only choice.”