Alzheimer’s Care Bethel CT
Ever since your mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you said you’d help her. Her care needs keep increasing, and you’re worried that it’s too much. You feel obligated to remain the primary caregiver, but is it possible? Have you stopped to assess your feelings as the disease increases? It’s time to consider Alzheimer’s care.
The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is defined as the “act of taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional needs.” It’s a comprehensive way to make sure you’re doing everything possible to care for yourself. With proper self-care, you eat a balanced diet, get enough exercise, and learn to reduce stress through relaxation, meditation, or outdoor activities.
So many diseases are tied to excessive stress, lack of exercise, and poor dietary habits. Processed foods are found to increase the risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Lack of exercise can impact your health, too.
If you’re caring for a parent and ignore your health, you put yourself at risk. In addition to your dietary and exercise routines, you need to take care of your emotional health.
How Do You Take Care of Your Emotional Health?
Emotional health is just as important, but how do you take care of your emotional health? Don’t bottle things in. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s a good time to find a support group or therapist who helps you vent your frustration and fear.
Make sure you take time for yourself each day. What do you love to do? Do you love to read a book and get lost in another world? Borrow some library books or look for free e-books on sites like BookBub and reduce stress while you read.
Video games help some people relax and unwind. Find games that appeal to you. If you love cards, a Solitaire game on your phone or computer can help you ease stress. You might enjoy crime-solving games like the Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew series.
Hidden object games are popular. You could get involved in an action game where you complete missions and progress through an interactive story. There are many options, and you can find many free games online.
Alzheimer’s Is a Challenging Disease
No one can be fully prepared for how a parent’s Alzheimer’s progression will go. Your mom may never wander, but she might. She may never become so filled with rage that she becomes abusive, but she could. As each stage arrives, it’s hard to know what to expect and it can make you feel a range of emotions.
You do not have to do this on your own. If your mom’s care needs are increasing beyond your capabilities, it’s okay to admit you need help. Alzheimer’s care aides provide the care your mom needs, which gives you the time and space to take care of yourself. Talk to an Alzheimer’s care specialist to learn more about the services that are available in her town.
