Care Partner Stress

Care partner stress is real and it is normal. Even though there can be many happy and good days with your loved one, you are still experiencing stress. This is one of the reasons why we have discussed the importance of creating your circle of support. These individuals will be essential in helping take care of you and providing you with love, compassion, rest, and support.

Signs of Care Partner Stress

There are many aspects of stress-related symptoms that you may experience as part of your care partner journey:

• Headaches, loss of appetite, overeating (emotional eating), chronic fatigue, chest discomfort
• Crying, anger, depression, frustration, feelings of hopelessness
• Isolation from others, quarreling or arguing, lack of interest in activities
• Missing work or unable to work, distracted at work
• Feeling overwhelmed, lack of information about the disease, unaware of services or who to contact for help.

Creating Your Circle of Support

Caring for your loved one with early onset Alzheimer’s disease is not something you ever anticipated. Due to the stigma surrounding the disease and society’s lack of awareness and understanding, you can easily become isolated. It is hurtful when no one calls or comes to visit. Sometimes this happens because people aren’t sure what you need.

Let your friends and family know that you need help. You do need help and it is okay to ask for help. Your circle of support should consist of people that are unconditionally supportive. If you encounter family members or friends that are critical, judgmental, or don’t adhere to what you ask of them, then please don’t include them in your circle of support. We don’t meant to sound harsh, but it is essential that you and your loved one have unconditional acceptance, respect, and support from family and friends.

Taking Time for Yourself

As a care partner, the idea of self-care may seem impossible. You can’t imagine when you could take any time out of the day for yourself; however there are ways to make time for yourself as you navigate your caregiving journey. It has been said, “All who give care need care.” Here are some ideas to help you with self-care:

• Make sure you stay up-to-date with your doctor’s appointments and annual
  physicals
• Incorporate exercise into the daily routine with your loved one, such as taking a walk or gardening
• Listening to soothing music can be beneficial not only for you, but for your loved one as well.
• Take advantage of having someone stay with your loved one, giving you an
  opportunity to get out of the house. While you may need to run errands or take care of other matters, try to do something for yourself once a week such as going for coffee, getting a message, meeting a friend for lunch.
• Meditation, prayer or whatever religious or spiritual ritual you may have can help calm, soothe, and center yourself.