Caregiving 3

Caring for a family member, while often rewarding, can also be difficult to maintain long-term, can be emotionally draining, and can adversely affect the physical health of the caregiver.  People who take care of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias are more likely than other people to report fair or poor health and to say that care giving itself made their health decline.  Some of the evident altered health conditions evident include high levels of stress hormone, reduced immune function, slower wound healing, new hypertension and new heart disease. 

Obviously, taking care of your own health is critical for yourself, but also for the family member depending on you.  One way to make life a bit easier is to take advantage of respite care opportunities.  Respite care is when someone covers for you while you attend to your own needs.  There are also classes and seminars in the Twin City area devoted specifically to the needs of care givers and the issues they face plus support groups for ongoing emotional support.  Finally, individual coaching and consultation is available to help you organize a lifestyle for yourself and your family member.  The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging has produced a brochure that describes these opportunities and lists the resources available.  Contact information and access information is included.

Sometimes, you just can’t do it alone or with the opportunities described above.  Additional support and help can be available through Dignity Care Consulting for those things you just can’t seem to find and arrange on your own.