The term “care partner” is used to describe a person who may be in the position of caring for or caring about someone (i.e. a family member, friend, neighbor, colleague, etc) living with Alzheimer’s. We recognize that these responsibilities can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming. Finding the right balance between caring for a loved one and maintaining your own health is important. It may be helpful to connect with other care partners, ask for (and accept!) help when you need it, and allow yourself proper time to rest. It’s also important to understand your own emotions and take care of your own needs to be the best care partner you can be.
11M+
Americans provide unpaid care for people living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia
64%
of care partners are women
30%
of care partners are aged 65 years or older
53%
of care partners are helping a parent or an in-law
26%
of care partners are part of the “sandwich generation,” which means they are caring for both an aging parent and at least one child
Although 45% of care partners consider caregiving very rewarding, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can be an ongoing, emotional process. Addressing these emotions can help reduce the stress felt by a care partner.
You may have trouble accepting that a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which can affect your ability to care for that person
It’s normal to fear the progression of the disease and the increasing challenges that come with it
Uncertainty about what to expect for the person living with Alzheimer’s can lead to stress
Feeling anger or frustration because of an Alzheimer's diagnosis is common. These feelings can be accompanied by a sense of loss of control over the future and of how that diagnosis can affect your own life
Sadness or a sense of loss may lead to feelings of hopelessness. Seek professional help if you start to have these feelings
Don't forget to visit your doctor regularly (including for annual wellness checks). Take seriously any exhaustion, stress, sleeplessness, or changes in behavior.
It may be challenging to find time to exercise, but even taking a short walk can help lower stress and keep you physically healthy. You can even choose to be active with the person you are caring for by taking walks together, doing light exercises at home, or gardening.
Healthy eating patterns (including limiting red meat and focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and other healthy fats) are good for overall health and may help protect the brain.
Get more resources and information on mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
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