Alzheimer's Caregiver Burnout and Stress

Questions and Answers

1. He won't do for himself and I just can't!

   - My husband, age 79, is diabetic, controlled by diet and exercise. He also had a mild heart attack in 1991, possible stroke in July, and what looks like Alzheimer's or dementia from all I have read. Basically, he does not make whole lot of sense anymore, and wants to sit in a chair all day watching TV...
   2 Expert Answers, 3 Community Answers

Topics, Blog Posts, Articles, Checklists, and To-Do Lists

1. Alzheimer's Disease Support Groups

   Article - Here's what you can expect from an Alzheimer's support groups, from who attends to what happens at meetings.

2. What You Need if You Care for Someone With Alzheimer's

   Article - Stress-busters and tips to help you stay balanced and prepared while caring for someone with Alzheimer's.

3. Where to Find Professional Help and Support Groups

   Article - Ask for help from a counselor who is familiar with the needs of caregivers.

4. Knowing When to Seek Help

   Article - “Why doesn't anyone ask how I am doing?” It is easy to feel invisible, as if no one can see you. Everyone's attention is on the person with the illness, and they don't seem to understand what the caregiver is going through. Many caregivers say that nobody even asks how they're doing...

5. Feeling Anger When Giving Care

   Article - It is easy to feel victimized in this situation; you are caught up in someone else's illness. The natural response is anger. Unfortunately, that is not a helpful response. Unleashing anger on the person in your care never helps.

6. 8 Red Flags That an Alzheimer's Caregiver Needs a Break

   Article - How to tell if you're bound for burnout

7. Adult Daycare for Someone With Alzheimer's

   Article - A guide to adult daycare for someone with Alzheimer's. Is adult daycare different from a senior center? Are they tailored to people with Alzheimer's?

8. Symptoms of Depression for Caregivers

   Article - Just as depression endangers your care receiver's recovery, it also endangers your health and well-being as a caregiver.

9. Dealing with Physical and Emotional Burdens

   Article - Do not allow the person in your care to take unfair advantage of you by being overly demanding. Live one day at a time. List priorities, decide what to leave undone, and think of ways to make the work easier.When doing a long, boring care task, use the time to relax or listen to music...