When a loved one begins demonstrating signs of dementia, it can create a bevy of reactions for all involved. Uncertainty: Are these signs of dementia or just the aging process? Fear: What does this mean for my loved one? For me? Judgement: Should I have noticed these signs sooner?
The reality is that, regardless of the stage your loved one is identified to have dementia, there are still plenty of ways to ensure your loved one—and you—still lead happy, productive, rewarding lives. We often focus in on the importance of care for our guests here at Independent Adult Day Centers; however, it’s also important to empower caregivers in their journey, as well. Let’s explore how to support a dementia caregiver:
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
One of the most important ways to help provide support to caregivers is by connecting them with others going through the journey, as well. Regardless of how long you’ve been caring for a loved one with dementia, whether from Alzheimer’s disease or another neurodegenerative disorder, a dementia caregiver support group can help you work through difficult emotions, answer questions, raise questions you may not have thought to ask, or just empathize with the difficulties involved with caring for a loved one who is demonstrating cognitive decline.
Currently, Independent Adult Day Centers offer a caregiver support group that meets once a month at our Northeast Indianapolis/Hamilton Co. location. In addition to building community with others who are on a similar path, these caregiver support groups bring in a professional each month to speak on important dementia-related issues, from important questions to ask your physicians to fall-prevention insights. Additional support groups are currently in the works for our other centers, as well.
If you are interested in attending our Northeast Indianapolis/Hamilton Co. caregiver support group, more information can be delivered to you by providing your contact information here.
Toll-Free Helplines
Sometimes you need immediate support that isn’t a medical emergency. Perhaps your loved one is having a particularly obstinate day, you’re feeling unsure of your ability to provide adequate care, or you just need to chat with someone who can be a kind, listening ear.
In these circumstances, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has created a toll-free helpline, supporting over 90 languages and available via phone, text, or chat. Best of all, the lines are staffed entirely by licensed, dementia-trained social workers, meaning you’ll be speaking with a qualified professional at all times. Another available helpline is provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. These helplines are available seven days a week so you’ll never be limited to traditional work hours when you need to make use of it—especially important for those late evening low points or middle-of-the-night struggles.
Adult Day Services
In addition to attending a dementia caregiver support group and making use of a helpline, adult day services are an important tool in a caregiver’s arsenal for navigating life with their loved one. While there are different kinds of adult day services, Independent Adult Day Centers utilize licensed, trained staff who provide social and medical assistance to guests. Meals, medication, bathing, activities, outings, and more are made available to our guests.
Not only are the activities, meals, and outings engaging, the implementation is based in healthcare research. While this touts some of the advantages that your loved one can expect, an additionally important benefit of adult day services is to provide caretakers with the time to take care of their own needs, whether those are functional (groceries and other errands), physical (naps and eating), or emotional (self-care activities). Many caregivers often are hesitant to make use of adult day services initially—we’ve dedicated an entire article to addressing this phenomenon—however, once they commit to this plan, the benefits are seen almost immediately, both for the caregiver and their loved one.
Care for the Caregiver
Caregivers for those dealing with dementia are strong, resilient, empathetic individuals who prioritize the wellbeing of those under their care—sometimes to the detriment of their own. Not only is it crucial to look after yourself in order to provide the level of care you want for your loved one—almost 20 percent of caregivers die before their dementia-diagnosed spouses—doing so also ensures you can provide the level of care you strive for when it is your responsibility to do so.
Interested in learning more about Independent Adult Day Centers’ adult day services for your loved one or attending our caregiver support group for yourself? Reach out today to get started!
