Taking care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s is physically and emotionally demanding. If you’re taking care of your mom or dad who has Alzheimer’s and you are overwhelmed, you’re not alone, and it’s totally normal. Needing help doesn’t mean that you’re not taking good care of your mom or dad. It just means that you’re human, and it’s hard to watch someone you love go through Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s home care can help you.
Alzheimer’s home care is specialized care designed just for seniors who have Alzheimer’s. No matter what stage of Alzheimer’s your mom or dad is in, Alzheimer’s home care can help you take good care of them. The care providers who specialize in Alzheimer’s care can give you the break that you need.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you need a break from caregiving. Call us today for more information about Alzheimer’s home care and how a caregiver can help you.
Physical Symptoms
Caregivers who are burned out often are dealing with chronic symptoms that include:
- Fatigue and exhaustion, even after adequate rest.
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping.
- Body aches, muscle tension, or headaches resulting from physical exertion and stress.
- Changes in appetite or weight, either loss or gain, due to altered eating habits or stress-related eating patterns.
- Frequent colds or illnesses
If you are experiencing any of these physical symptoms, you need a break.
Emotional Distress
Caregiving can take a significant toll on a person’s emotional well-being. It’s normal to experience feelings of overwhelm, sadness, anxiety, or depression. Signs of emotional distress associated with caregiver burnout may include:
- Persistent feelings of irritability, frustration, or agitation, especially in response to minor stressors.
- Frequent mood swings or emotional volatility are characterized by sudden bursts of anger or tearfulness.
- Feelings of guilt or self-blame for perceived inadequacies in caregiving or for prioritizing one’s own needs.
- Social withdrawal or isolation, as caregivers may feel disconnected from friends, family, or their own interests.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, as cognitive function may be impaired by chronic stress and emotional strain.
You should consider talking to a professional about these feelings or try joining a support group for children of seniors with Alzheimer’s. Talking about your experiences and feelings in a judgment-free environment can help.
Decreased Interest in Activities
Caregiver burnout can destroy any interest you have in things that you used to enjoy. Doing activities and pursuing hobbies are important for maintaining good mental health. But if you’re experiencing these feelings, you need a break from caregiving from professional Alzheimer’s home care:
- Loss of motivation or enthusiasm for activities that were once enjoyable or fulfilling.
- Neglecting personal hobbies, interests, or social engagements due to time constraints or a sense of obligation to the care recipient.
- Difficulty finding time for self-care activities or relaxation, as caregiving duties take up huge chunks of your time and energy.
- Feeling emotionally detached or numb, even from things that used to make you happy.
Chronic Stress and Anxiety
Caregiver burnout often leads to chronic stress and heightened anxiety levels. Signs of chronic stress and anxiety may include:
- Persistent worry or apprehension about the health and well-being of the care recipient.
- Difficulty relaxing or experiencing moments of calm due to constant vigilance and caregiving demands.
- Physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing heart, shortness of breath, or gastrointestinal distress.
- Hypervigilance or a heightened sense of alertness, as caregivers, may constantly anticipate potential crises or emergencies.
- Avoidance behaviors or reluctance to seek help, as caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the thought of addressing their own needs or seeking support from others.
Neglecting Personal Health and Well-being
Caregivers almost always ignore their own physical needs and focus on the needs of their senior parent. But your needs matter, too. If you’re neglecting your physical needs like sleep and healthy food or your hygiene, you need a break from caregiving.
Alzheimer’s home care is available for a few days, weeks, or even longer. Talk to an Alzheimer’s home care agency today to get the support that you need.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Lincoln, NE, please contact the caring staff at AmanaCare today. Call (402) 440-5878, for Central Nebraska Call 308-663-3828
AmanaCare Provides Senior Home Care Services in Lincoln, Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte, Hastings, Omaha, Columbus, Broken Bow, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, and surrounding areas.
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