Dementia Caregiver Shelter in Place Tips – Taking Care of You

These dementia caregiver shelter in place tips will help you take care of yourself.

• Detach – try not to take what your loved one says and does personally
• Remember your loved one doesn’t have control over what they say and do – the disease is responsible for what your loved one says and does
• Make a conscious effort to take a 10-minute break daily and do one nice thing for yourself
• Establish a support network – arrange phone calls, video chats, email exchanges with a friend, counselor, spiritual leader, other family caregivers so you maintain social contact and support
• Pay attention to your feelings and emotions – what do you need to do differently to feel better?
• Be flexible – change your expectations so they’re more realistic given the circumstances
• Meditate
• Work in the garden
• Exercise – go for walks, yoga, tai chi, deep breathing, exercise videos, on-line streaming classes
• Keep a journal – write down your thoughts and feelings
• Focus on what you have control over and less on the things you have no control
• Choose your battles – conserve your energy – avoid arguing, confronting, explaining, trying to prove a point
• Call the Alzheimer’s Association 800 hotline number
• Subscribe to the free Daily Caring email newsletter (dailycaring.com)
• Create your own dementia caregiver shelter in place tips that help ensure your own well-being

If you need dementia caregiver support, please join my dementia support group or schedule your 30-minute consultation.