
A family caregiver usually becomes a caregiver because they wish to help their aging loved one. Typically, they do not have previous caregiving experiences or knowledge to rely on Thus, caring for another person can be stressful. The stress increases if the senior has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Visiting Angels St. Louis Park discusses the importance of self-care.
Do you know how much time, on average, family caregivers spend supporting their loved ones? According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, primary caregivers spend an average of 20 hours a week attending to their loved ones’ needs. The number of hours increase if the senior has Alzheimer’s because those with Alzheimer’s tend to need more hands-on care. In addition to the hours spent caring for their loved ones, many family caregivers have jobs and other responsibilities to attend to.
Family caregivers should make time for themselves; after all, they are human too. Visiting Angels St. Louis Park brings up how caregivers should try to join a support group made up of other caregivers. In that group, they can talk to people who share similar experiences. They can learn new things and share things that have worked for them.
For more information, you may visit The Importance of Self-Care When Caring for an Aging Loved One with Alzheimer’s.