Taking care of yourself is one of the most important aspects of caregiving.
Many carers suffer from guilt, from a feeling of never doing enough for the person with dementia. They bend over backwards to help them, eventually breaking themselves down. Taking care of yourself is the exact opposite of selfishness. In not taking care of yourself, you are in no position to take care of anyone else.
It is okay to sometimes feel overwhelmed, exhausted, irritable or sad.
However, take these symptoms seriously if you feel like it’s getting out of hand. See your doctor, if you feel that negative emotions are taking over your life. If you have found yourself shouting at the person, there is no point in overthinking the event. However, if this happens commonly, or you find yourself hitting, pushing or doing other things towards the person with dementia that make you feel disturbed or ashamed afterwards, reach out for help. These behaviours are a symptom that you have pushed yourself beyond your limit.
There are many health benefits of staying active. Even if you feel you don’t have the time nor the energy for a workout, you and the person with dementia can both benefit from different forms of physical activity. In addition, you will both benefit from eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
Remember to always find time for yourself.
Whenever you get a moment alone, you might feel this time should be used for housework or other chores. However, a few minutes a day devoted only to yourself can go a long way. Do a Sudoku, enjoy a cup of tea, listen to music, take a walk, pursue hobbies or do anything that makes you feel revitalized. The important first step is to recognize that you should prioritize yourself. Take up help offers from friends and family members. They can also be great resources for breaking any isolation you might feel. Always remind yourself that you are doing your best. Remember the difference your care makes for the person with dementia.
