Alzheimer’s Caregivers Guide to Being Healthy

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be difficult and overwhelming. Dealing with repeated questions can be a challenge and disruption throughout the day. Many caregivers are so focused on the tasks of care giving that they do not recognize the losses in their own life.

Caregiver’s should take various steps to protect their health. Getting adequate rest, relaxation, and eating well are key factors to keeping your body and mind healthy. To keep stress at bay, emphasize the importance of keeping active with personal and outside activities.

Staying healthy while caring for your loved one
Exercise and keeping fit plays a big role in the thought process of caring for a loved one. Not only do you become physically fit but your level of awareness is elevated through exercising. Regular exercise helps reduce stress. You may feel the need to exercise with your loved one.

Alleviating stress in your life while caring for your loved one is very important. In general, you may become angry and resentful for being put in the position to have to care for a loved one. In turn those feelings may turn into stress related factors. You must express your feelings to other family members so that this type of stress does not become a part of you. Your health should not be compromised with stressful feelings.

Eating well and maintaining a regular eating pattern is a must when caring for others. When you prepare food for your loved one, sit down and enjoy a meal with them. It not only makes them feel good it gives you the quality of nourishment you need.

Emotional and physical factors are key to staying healthy while being the caregiver of your loved one. Incorporating humor in your lifestyle can contribute to staying healthy. Making light of your position as the caregiver gives you the confidence of feeling less burdened.

If at all possible, try and spend a day of relaxation for yourself. Getting plenty of sleep will help boost your immune system. There are daycare centers for alzheimer’s patients that may be available for your loved one. Taking time out for yourself proves to be beneficial for all involved.

Connect with other caregivers
Caregivers can connect and seek comfort among other caregivers who give support to alzheimer’s patients. Ask for help from other family members. If you find that you need to seek assistance from other forums, ask the loved ones physician for referrals to other outside facilities.

Benefits of Better Health
Your entire body benefits when you start paying attention to it. Take the time and evaluate your current health status, including how you feel emotionally and physically. Staying healthy is an ongoing process that requires your invaluable performance.