Caregiving

 Respite means taking a short break from caring for someone who needs daily help. Caring for a loved one can feel good and important, but it can also be very stressful. It can affect a caregiver’s emotions, body, mind, spirit, and money. Stress can also change how someone gives care and how they get along with the person they care for. Research shows that people who care for someone with dementia often feel more stress each day because the illness lasts a long time and has challenging symptoms.

It’s important for the caregiver and the person receiving care to talk about respite as soon as the person is diagnosed. This should be part of the long-term care plan. Many people think they don’t need respite early on because the care needs don’t seem very hard yet. But planning early can help because:

• The person receiving care can share what they want and how they want to be cared for.
• Starting early helps everyone get used to the respite caregiver, which makes things easier later.
• It helps both the caregiver and the care recipient feel less alone.
• It helps the caregiver start good self-care habits before becoming burned out.
• It is common for people to wait too long to ask for help. Sometimes they wait until they feel completely overwhelmed and the person receiving care can no longer share their wishes. This journey is difficult, and there is no perfect way to do it. But learning, asking for support, and being kind to yourself can make it easier.

Respite can be given by paid workers or by family and friends. It can happen at home or at a day center. Managing all the responsibilities can feel like a lot. A useful tool for caregivers is the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Coordinating Caregiving Responsibilities Worksheet. It helps divide tasks between different helpers based on what everyone needs. Click the link for more caregiving tools.

. Caregiver Worksheets | National Institute on Aging

  Many people face difficulties when trying to find respite care due to money issues and not knowing where to begin. These challenges can make it hard to get the help they need. The Family Caregiver Center of New Mexico can help with navigating your care plan and journey. You can reach them at 505-494-4021 or info@familycaregivernm.org.

Caregivers feel happier and more at ease when they schedule time for themselves. It’s helpful to set SMART goals, which means making them specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound, whether you plan for a week or a month. Taking care of our own needs allows us to provide better support for those we love. 

If you are looking for respite providers, there are many factors to consider. The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center guides caregivers on many respite topics. Resources for Caregivers | ARCH National Respite Network & Resource Center 

 Please click on link below for tips on finding and choosing respite provider.   

Respite registry list, day programs and home health agencies

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:325915c7-56af-492c-ae1a-4e00a8674f3c

Please contact the Office of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care to add, change or remove your name from this list. OADC@altsd.nm.gov

It is not possible for one person to provide constant care for someone with dementia. Many people find it hard to ask for help because they worry about being a burden or feeling weak. However, everyone needs support at different times in their lives, and asking for help is a part of being human. If you are a caregiver, it’s important to recognize what you need and communicate that to others. When someone offers help, be specific about what you require, and consider making a list so they can choose how they can help.

Caregivers often wear many hats, such as being a spouse, parent, or employee, which can make their responsibilities feel overwhelming. Balancing these roles while caring for someone with dementia can lead to feelings of stress and frustration. Setting boundaries is essential; this means knowing your limits and discussing them with others to share responsibilities more evenly.

Finding outside support can also be beneficial. Joining support groups or seeking therapy can help caregivers feel less alone and provide useful advice from others who understand the challenges of dementia care. Taking breaks, or respite, is crucial for caregivers to recharge. Planning enjoyable activities during this time can lead to greater satisfaction. Simple goals, like spending time with friends or engaging in hobbies, can make a big difference in your well-being.

Taking care of yourself is important but it can be hard to make the time to do it.

Below is a simple chart with examples, that can help with starting a self-care plan

Tools for Self-Care

It’s always good to have a safety plan for when you feel overwhelmed.

Caregiver Safety Plan

Effective Respite Goal Sheet

 Need PDF’s Here

Caregiving Responsibilities Worksheet

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Easy mindfulness techniques to calm yourself

Finding ways to stay grounded and present can be helpful. You might need to try out different activities to see which ones work best for you. Here are some techniques you can experiment with to help you feel more connected to the moment.

5 senses grounding technique   

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 Easy Breathwork                                                                                                                 

Source : Breathwork: What is it, Uses, & Benefits | Renaissance Recovery

Jin Shin Jyutsu Finger Exercise

https://youtu.be/jIe1DbtARgI

Caregiving Tips

How to Avoid 10 Common Caregiving Mistakes

AARP Resources for Caregivers and their Families

Tips for Caregivers and Families of People With Dementia

The Apartment: A Guide to Creating a Dementia-Friendly Home | Alzheimer’s Foundation of America