Being a full-time caregiver to Alzheimer's patients along with managing your daily tasks can be extremely difficult and lead to caregiver burnout. Here are some ways to maintain your quality of life and avoid burnout.

1. Alzheimer’s Care – How
To Prevent Caregiver’s
Burnout?

3. Prepare Yourself Mentally
Equip Your Living Space
Hire Home-Care Experts
Consider Moving To A Retirement
Home
Tap Into Technology
Treat Your Caregiving As Condition
Introduction
How To Stay Happy & Healthy While Caring
For An Alzheimer’s Patient?
Signing Off
INDEX

4. Out of 6.2 million Alzheimer’s and dementia patients in the US, 70 percent prefer
to receive medical care at home rather than a nursing facility or hospital. Home
care is an effective and affordable treatment option, and patients can lead
happier, more independent lives for a longer period of time.
However, when a patient opts for Alzheimer home care, the caregiving
responsibility often falls on family members, especially spouses. Along with
managing their jobs, home and daily chores 24/7, 7-days-a-week caregiving
responsibility can be physically and mentally challenging. Without proper
support and guidance, this overwhelming journey can lead to caregiver’s
burnout.

5. Experts believe that “care of Dementia is the care of both – the patient and the
caregiver”. Just as the disease progresses differently with different individuals,
the caregiving journey can vary from patient to patient. Therefore, every
caregiver needs to maintain their personal physical and mental health and pay
attention to their individual needs and the patient’s needs.
Seeking help & support along the caregiving journey is not a luxury; it is a
necessity. In this article, we have mentioned some ways you can reduce some
burden off your shoulders and make your caregiving experience as rewarding as
it is challenging.

6. How To Stay Happy & Healthy While Caring For An
Alzheimer’s Patient?
1. Prepare Yourself Mentally
Studies show that close caregiver relationships can be more beneficial
than medical facility treatments for your loved one’s. However, if the
caregiver is not emotionally and mentally prepared, it can get challenging
for them and the patient. If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or
dementia, the first step a caregiver should take is to prepare themselves
for the upcoming challenges. Following tips may help.

7. Talk to the doctor – Have an in-depth discussion with your doctor. They will
instruct you about the patient’s condition and help you devise a home-care
plan.
Join a support group – Sharing your experiences with other caregivers and
listening to theirs is a great way to learn more about the disease. Being a
part of a group where people are going through similar challenges can also
give you a sense of belonging and is beneficial for your mental health.
Educate yourself – Enroll on classes and workshops about Dementia care to
get an insight into the disease. You can also conduct online research and
learn more about scientific breakthroughs, mistakes to avoid, treatment, self-
care etc.

8. 2. Equip Your Living Space
Experts believe that the more safe a patient’s home is, the higher their quality of
life. After educating yourself about the disease, a caregiver should focus on
making their home suitable for the patient.
Declutter your home as frequently as possible, install handrails and grab bars in
fall-prone areas such as the bathroom, stairs etc., to avoid falls. Matchsticks and
lighters must be kept safely away, and you should ensure that your home has the
necessary fire safety equipment installed. Keep Medicines, alcohol, guns, sharp
tools in a locked closet.

9. Holistic Alzheimer & Dementia
Medication management
Meal Management
Personalized Care
Daily living activities
3. Hire Home-Care Experts
Many home-healthcare companies offer specialized Alzheimer home care
services. These healthcare providers are highly trained and compassionate
individuals who can help you with various caregiving tasks. These services are
versatile. Therefore you can avail a service plan that best suits your
requirements. Some of the home care plans are-

10. 4. Consider Moving To A Retirement Home
If your spouse is an Alzheimer’s patient and you have financial flexibility,
retirement homes may be an ideal choice for you. These retirement homes are
fully equipped with safety features, and the patient can receive expert care
under supervision while the more active spouse can live independently on the
same campus.

11. Automatic Pill Dispensers
Smart Home Devices – These can play music, control lights, change the
thermostat temperature by voice commands.
Locator devices
5. Tap Into Technology
There may not be a cure for Alzheimer’s yet, but modern technology can
certainly make the caregiving process a lot easier. You can implement the
following technologies –

12. 6. Treat Your Caregiving As Condition
Taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of the patient. Therefore,
you should treat caregiving as a condition and implement measures to lower
your physical and mental stress. Frequent breaks, respite care, counselling,
respite care, talking to family and friends are your daily doses of medicines, and
you shouldn’t skip them.

13. Signing Off
Some patients may still have years of indepence ahead, but it is important to
plan the Alzhiemer’s home care journey in advance and prepare for it mentally,
emotionally and financially. We hope that this article helps you manage and
Alziehmer’s patients’ home nursing efficiently without affecting your personal
health.

14. Questions or
comments?
Get in touch!
Phone Number
(336) 724-1197
Email Address
michael@piedmonthomehealth.com
Website
www.piedmonthomecare.com
Address
2160-B Country Club Road,
Winston Salem, NC 27104