Top Excuses Alzheimer’s Caregivers Often Make

“You can make it, but it’s easier if you don’t have to do it alone.” – Betty Ford

We all realize that no single person is an island, something which particularly rings true when caring for someone with dementia. Nonetheless many Alzheimer’s caregivers falter with regards to accepting or asking for the help they need. As a result, stress is exacerbated as there is little if any time for self-care – a crucial feature for any person in a caregiving role.

Why are we often so resolved to tackle such an extraordinary undertaking independently? Here are several common reasons and exactly why we must rethink them:

• I am doing just fine on my own; I do not need a break. To put it simply, science disagrees! A study shared in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry revealed that a certain stress hormone was depleted in caregivers whose stress was prolonged and chronic – such as in providing dementia care independently – while those who engaged just 2 days per week of respite realized a rise in the hormone along with an elevated mood and a brighter outlook.
• It’s too difficult to try to find a caregiver I’m able to trust. At CareWorks Health Services, we background check and comprehensively train every one of our caregivers, confirming key character traits such as flexibility, reliability, kindness, and more. CareWorks Health Services is bonded and insured, for your additional peace of mind. We also carefully match each older adult together with the ideal caregiver who will be most compatible. Lastly, if a senior’s primary caregiver is sick or on vacation, we will provide an equally qualified replacement caregiver.
• No one else could take care of Mom like I will. While you are certainly not replaceable, the purpose of enlisting help is not replacement, but respite. An older adult with Alzheimer’s can benefit through the socialization provided by someone besides yourself, while you gain the advantage of a much-needed break – ultimately allowing you to provide better care to the senior when you return.
• Mom would not want someone else taking care of her. A lot of us would resist if we were told that someone was coming over to give us a bath. But having someone come and help with meals and housework is a good approach to introduce a brand new caregiver, working your way up to additional necessary services after the caregiver is known and accepted. The wording you utilize can make a significant difference as well. Having a “salon day” sounds far more inviting, for instance.

If you would like to explore in-home respite care for someone you love with Alzheimer’s, contact CareWorks Health Services. Our comprehensively trained, experienced, creative, and compassionate caregivers are available to help you minimize stress, improve life for the senior you love, and provide you with the opportunity for self-care. Reach out to us at (949) 859-4700 to learn more about our dementia care in Huntington Beach and nearby communities.