December 1, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

The world around you may be resolving to lose 10 pounds, eat healthier, and exercise more, but if you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, perhaps just getting through the day is ambitious enough. The idea of aiming to improve upon any section of your life in this unsettling time may feel understandably overwhelming.

The senior care experts from At Home Independent Living want to provide you a bit of encouragement and support. We realize the work you’re doing as a caregiver can be both rewarding and frustrating, and we’re here to support you in any way we can. To start, we’ve compiled some resolutions exclusively for Alzheimer’s caregivers that will genuinely help make your journey a little easier.

What are some resolutions that support caring for someone with Alzheimer’s? Take a deep breath and a few moments to consider the following:

Set aside time for self-care. We understand that this is not as easy as it sounds. But taking time for yourself is a must to both your wellbeing and that of the person you are caring for. It does not need to be anything elaborate or extensive, unless you want it to be. Simply carving out a couple of hours once per week for an activity you enjoy can supply the rejuvenation you need. A trusted family member or friend can fill in while you are away, or contact At Home Independent Living for a trained, experienced caregiver to assist. Doing so is important for yourself and enables your continued availability to provide quality care.
Forgive yourself. Understand that you are human; and there will be times that you wish you had handled a scenario differently or made a different choice for a better outcome. Determine that this is the year that you completely let go of any guilt, and instead remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can to make life better for the person you love.
Remind yourself that you know what is best. Family caregivers may find themselves surrounded by well-intentioned people who wish to offer advice. While their ideas may work effectively for other people, they might not be optimal in your situation. Listen respectfully to any advice offered and thank the person for the idea, but then ultimately trust your judgment in making the best care decisions for your unique circumstance.

For a trusted partner in Alzheimer’s care, and for some further helpful resources, contact At Home Independent Living any time. We appreciate the opportunity to visit with you in your home at no cost and without commitment, to talk about the challenges you’re facing and to offer creative approaches to help, such as:

Transportation and accompaniment to outings and appointments
Assistance with wandering, agitation, aggression, sundowning, repetitive behaviors, and much more
Providing engaging activities and conversations to help keep both body and mind active
Planning and preparing meals in accordance with individual preferences
Support as needed with personal hygiene tasks, while encouraging independence

To learn more about options for memory care in Fayetteville and the surrounding areas, reach out to at the senior care experts at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to request a free in-home consultation to learn more.