dementia caregiver support
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5 Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout and How to Prevent It
Caregiving is a challenging, often overwhelming, responsibility. While small amounts of stress can keep us alert and focused, prolonged or intense stress can take a toll on both physical and mental health. For caregivers, this is especially true as the demands of care increase and isolation intensifies. Feelings of loneliness, depression, and sadness are common, but recognizing the signs of burnout early can help you take the necessary steps to care for yourself. You’re Doing an Amazing Job! First, it's essential to acknowledge the tremendous effort you're making. Caring for a loved one is a noble and selfless act, but it can also be exhausting. Your hard work might go…
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5 Self-Care Mistakes You’re Probably Making: Essential Tips for Caregivers
Being a caregiver often means prioritizing your loved one's needs above your own. It's a common pattern among many caregivers, leading to neglect of personal well-being. Here are five self-care mistakes you might be making and how to correct them to improve your overall health and well-being. 1. Avoiding the Sun Many of us are cautious about sun exposure, fearing the risk of sunburns and skin cancer. However, completely avoiding the sun can have its own drawbacks. Sun exposure reduces depression, improves sleep, and increases Vitamin D naturally in the body. Remember vitamin D improves blood and boosts your immune system’s ability to fight colds and viruses. Regular exposure to…
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12 Simple Activities for Seniors with Dementia: Affordable Ways to Engage and Connect
Research has shown that providing activities during the day will cause less need for a long nap and better nighttime sleep.
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How to Take Care of Loved Ones as a Long-Distance Caregiver
If you are a long-distance caregiver to a loved one, use this guide to develop a supportive network for your loved one and ensure they are taken care of when you have to care from afar.
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4 Effective Strategies to Stay Grounded Amidst Life’s Chaos
In today's unpredictable world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by constant tragedies and sources of fear demanding our attention. Whether dealing with personal disruptions or global events like COVID-19, maintaining peace of mind can seem impossible.While you can’t change the dynamic nature of the world you live in, there are thoughts and strategies that, when implemented effectively, can help you stay grounded when life gets crazy. 1. Accept You Can't Bear the Weight of the World Recognize your limitations and focus on what you can control. Feeling overwhelmed by global issues can be alleviated by concentrating on manageable aspects of your life. This approach not only provides a sense…
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6 Effective Strategies for Dealing with Critical People
Dealing with critical people can be challenging, especially when their negativity seems to overshadow every positive moment. Whether it's a colleague, friend, or family member, relentless criticism can take a toll on your well-being. Here are 6 effective strategies to handle these situations and maintain your peace of mind. 1. Recognize It’s About Them, Not You Often, critical people are more about their own issues than about you. Their negativity is a reflection of their own struggles and insecurities. Observe their behavior towards others—chances are, their criticism is a constant part of their interactions, not just aimed at you. 2. Listen to the Core Message Even if criticism is delivered…
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7 Ways to Reduce Stress during Quarantine
1. Limit News Consumption Know the facts, but don’t overwatch the news and create more anxiety. 2. Practice Calming TechniquesWhether this is reading, watching your favorite TV show, or taking a bath, be sure to take time for yourself to relax. 3. Move Your Body Exercise is a great way to release tension in your body and take your mind off of things for a while. 4. Connect With Loved OnesSchedule a time to call, text, email, or video call a friend or family member. 5. Find Activities That Bring Joy Whether that’s listening to music or finishing a puzzle, find an activity that you enjoy. There are many online options for different activities,…
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12 Most Common Warning Signs of Dementia
Before diving into the symptoms, it's crucial to understand what dementia is and isn't. Dementia refers to a range of brain disorders that impact cognitive functions, impairing memory, thinking, and daily functioning. It's a serious condition, not just a normal part of aging, and encompasses diseases like Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and many more. 1. Memory Loss or Mild Cognitive Impairment Early-stage dementia often involves difficulty remembering recent events, such as forgetting recent appointments or bills, while long-term memories may remain intact. 2. Behavioral Changes Personality shifts can occur, such as becoming unusually irritable or overly cheerful compared to previous behavior patterns. 3. Disorientation Individuals may…
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10 Things to STOP Doing
Today I’m suggesting 10 things you should STOP DOING as a caregiver of a loved one with some form of Dementia. (Notice I said “suggest”. The choice is yours.) 1) STOP THE GUILT TRAIN. Our guilt and sense of obligation can imprison us.
