Are you living with a person who has dementia? Have you noticed more stress in your life, or changes to your health? Living with dementia is stressful– the impact on caregivers is undeniable. In the “Caregiver’s Self-Care Checklist” video, you’ll find helpful tips and ideas from Tim Tholen, CEO and Founder of Thoughtful Health Care and its affiliates in Kansas City.
Watch the “Caregiver’s Self-Care Checklist” video below.
Did you know?
The Alzheimer’s Association has found that about 40% of family caregivers of people with dementia suffer from depression compared to 5-17% of non-caregivers of similar ages. Rates of depression increase with the severity of cognitive impairment of the person with dementia. [Alzheimer’s Association. (2015)]
Caregivers who provide care for persons with dementia may risk comprising their immune systems for up to 3 years after their caregiving experience ends, thus increasing their chances of developing a chronic illness themselves. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2009)]
Dementia comes in a number of forms: Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s Disease, Lewey Body Dementia or other forms of memory loss all put strain on the caregiver. Our professionals at Thoughtful Care have put together a self-care guide for those who take care of loved ones with dementia. Because you are worth it.
Our Top Three Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
- Take care of number one. Making yourself a priority is very important to your own wellbeing, because your health is your greatest wealth.
- Beef up your support network. Don’t be afraid to ask—people often want to help. Then, schedule something for yourself while your support network steps in.
- Understand that you do not have to do everything by yourself. Sometimes good enough is “good enough.” Call our professionals at Thoughtful Healthcare for help. We are available 24/7, 365 days of the year.
Caregivers can be spouses, children, neighbors, or friends. They can live in Kansas City, Prairie Village, Leawood or in other Kansas City suburbs. They may be enjoying their golden years or they may be parents of small children. Yet the one thing caregivers have in common is that they feel very real effects of caring for someone with dementia. So take a moment for yourself, know that you are not alone, and take the time to care of yourself!
Thoughtful Healthcare and its affiliates are here to help you. We offer skilled in-home help for people who are elderly or have been diagnosed with dementia. But caregivers should always take time to help themselves.
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For more information about Thoughtful Care visit the Thoughtful Healthcare website.
