Ideas to Inspire: Alzheimer's Caregiver Tips

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can sometimes seem difficult, but you're not alone. On this page, you'll find tips to help guide you through the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Keep coming back because we're always adding more content!

Find information about a caregiver support program. You'll get practical guidance, tools and support gathered from the experiences of Alzheimer's caregivers.

Helpful Hints for
Alzheimer's Caregivers

TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

Caregiving can be overwhelming and time consuming. Don't forget to take time for yourself — it will help you be a better caregiver. Look into programs available in your area that can provide a respite from caregiving. These ALZHEIMER'S ORGANIZATIONS can help you find local assistance.

IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Your loved one may become confused more easily when having conversations, so speak clearly, stay affirmative and repeat yourself. Remember to have patience and compassion. Find suggestions on IMPROVING COMMUNICATION with your loved one.

ENJOY ACTIVITIES TOGETHER

Caregiving can be life-changing and affect your relationship with a loved one. You can still spend time together in ways you can both be involved. Find a LIST OF ACTIVITIES you can enjoy together.

EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS

Although it's hard, try to talk about your emotions and express feelings of grief, loss, love or anger. You don't have to shoulder the burden alone; give others the opportunity to support you. WATCH VIDEOS of Alzheimer's caregivers discussing their personal experiences.

PREPARE FOR DOCTORS VISITS

Before meeting with your doctor, take some time to prepare a comprehensive list of questions to keep the meeting productive. A little knowledge can go a long way in navigating your loved one's care. Find a LIST OF QUESTIONS that you can ask at your next appointment.

PLAN EARLY

They can be tough conversations, but speak with your loved ones about their medical and financial wishes early on to help ensure they're part of the decision-making process. Early planning can help provide peace of mind during a tumultuous period. Here's a LIST OF LEGAL AND FINANCIAL TERMS that may be helpful.

KNOW YOU'RE NOT ALONE

Like many caregivers, you might experience a rollercoaster of
emotions. You're not alone. WATCH ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVERS
share their personal caregiving experiences.

STAY CONNECTED WITH OTHERS

Are you feeling isolated? Try connecting with other Alzheimer's
caregivers through your local advocacy group. Check out this
LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS. You can also TAKE THIS SURVEY to
see how your experience compares with others.

BE PREPARED FOR CHANGE

Alzheimer's caregivers have an ever-changing role filled with
many unknowns. Download the CAREGIVER'S GUIDE to help
you navigate the journey ahead.

Get legal and financial matters in order

Be familiar with your legal and financial options and keep an
open dialogue with your family. Here's a list of legal and
financial terms that can help prepare you for these
important discussions.

Enjoy your time together

The relationship between you and your loved one will
change over time as their disease becomes more severe.
Review a list of Alzheimer's activities that you can enjoy together.

Leeza Gibbons' Tips for Navigating
the Caregiver Journey

Breathe

You can't take good care of others unless you take care of yourself. Caregivers
sometimes need to slow down and prioritize their own needs in order to be in the best
possible condition to care for their loved ones.

Believe

Know that you can do it — and that your efforts will be enough. Believe that, while also
challenged, others have achieved this before you. Get strength from them and know
that what you learn on your journey will also lift others.

Receive

Everyone has limits, and there will be days when you feel that you just can't do it any
more. That's why it is so important to be surrounded by an encouraging
community and explore the resources around you. Sometimes you need to stop
achieving and start receiving.

leeza

The Heart
of a Caregiver

A Poem by Leeza Gibbons

The heart of a caregiver is tender but strong.
Open and hopeful.
It is hope that is reborn daily
After nights of worry and little sleep.

The caregiver's heart is capable of forgiveness
And friendship that knows no boundaries.
It breaks often but grows stronger
After each tear in its seams.

A caregiver's heart can find answers
Where no one else can
And can give solace to even
The most tortured soul.

In the life of a caregiver,
Many tears fall. Sometimes
Quietly and softly;
Sometimes with anger and confusion
That seems to force
Hot wet rivers of frustration down their cheeks.

A caregiver's work is never done
And is often given with lots of
Love but little recognition.

Even when blame is everywhere
And all roads seem like dead ends,
The caregiver stays on the job.
Because a caregiver's heart is
A beautiful thing.

It loves without condition.
And it always sees what is possible
Rather than what is a problem.