How to cope with dementia caregiver stress: 4 ideas

Welcome to the place where I share dementia tips, strategies, and information for family members caring for a loved one with any type of dementia (such as Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, etc.)

This week’s video talks about something I’m sure many of you are familiar with- Caregiver stress. I share 4 ways that you can start managing your dementia caregiver stress right now. Tip #4 is my favorite. Although we cannot control the fact that your loved one has dementia, we can control your reaction, your perspective, and your behavior toward the situation. Caring for a loved one with dementia is stressful and it is important that you know AND utilize the things that can help reduce your stress.
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Find out: "why you should lie to your loved one with dementia"
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In case you haven’t met me, my name is Natali Edmonds and I am a board certified geropsychologist. That means that I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with older adults. One day, while hiking a trail, I came up with the idea for Careblazers and I decided to see if posting videos online could provide help to the many other Careblazers in the world who don’t get to have help come directly to them in their homes. I hope that this work helps you in some way on your caregiving journey.
#careblazer #dementia #dementiacare

[DementiaCareblazers]

What can you do to start taking better care of yourself?

[rafaella-a]

The help from a professional would be nice. Sometimes you're wondering if the things you do are the right ones. All I want is give better life for my loved one. Someone to follow up and give advice. But I know there is no-one, so I try different things. I bought myself massage-machine. And I try to think about the future. I noticed, that it made my life easier when I gave up the idea, that I should do miracles. And I have got so much help from this channel, thank you

[justajeepgirlandherdogs]

This is right on point. Everyday is filled with a variety of the symptoms. Hard to make others understand.

[KarenDayChallenge]

Thank you for your support. You truly understand this challenge. Please keep putting your face to the reality of dementia caregiving.

[Karin-nzel]

Helping me move would be nice. Nobody I know wants to work that hard. I have been so tied up with a major move, the stress is UNBELIEVABLE. This video has many great ideas. Can't wait until the move is over!

[lindabriden]

Such enthusiasm for an often neglected part of daily life - taking time to be creative. Thanks Shelley.

[garyhansen]

In one of your videos you indicate that the caregiver is at a higher risk of developing dementia simply from being a caregiver. I would like to view that same video again but haven't been able to find it. Can you refer me to it? Thank you for sharing all of your expertise. You are an angel.

[harrykoschorreck]

caring for him means setting myself back. 8 months I have 2 hours in morning and 3 hours in pm.During those times I do shopping...and buy what He needs and ignoring what I need.
So you are on point. Thank you..one burned out man.

[maryturner]

Thanks you so much for this video.  I have anxiety and panic attacks I worry about my mother so much.  Stress and worry consumes me.  I am going to try your suggestions.

[sunsetsteph]

Dad doesn't think he need help. I arranged a "friendly visit" to an adult activity center for him. Now he's hurt and angry. He said it was a really sad place & told me to butt out. We have also arrange for 2 hrs. of respite for Mom that is to start next week. How do we make this step more successful? Its weird since some weeks he seems to be worse than others. Delusions one week, ok the next. Thanks for these videos, they are very helpful.

[markpinther]

Thanks for posting this. The stress gig describes my life.

[suhana]

My mom is taking care of my dad who's in moderate-advnced dementia. He is super clingy and keeps looking for her every minute. He's still physiclly ok but have severe communication impairment so it seem impossible for her to go out and get a breather once in a while. He's started to also have incontinence and completely refuse to wash up and wouldnt let anyone touch him. We've tried talking to him, in calm or stern tones but neither work as he just doesnt understand. For example, he likes car rides so we'd tell him to clean up and we'd go for a ride after but he'd just say no and a minute later, he'd say.. Come let's go out .. And the cycle continues.. Please help...