As the caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you are dealing with a challenging and stressful situation every day. While taking a small break from the daily caregiving routine is good, sometimes you will need a longer break. The end result of taking a vacation is not just getting away – you as a caregiver will be able to change your focus, recharge and interact with others. This can greatly improve your emotional health, and make you much more able to be an effective caregiver when you return home.
Are you thinking right now – there is NO WAY I can take a vacation from my loved one? Here are some things to remember:
- If you are thinking, ‘no one can care for them as well as I can…’ – That could be true, but you should not think that no one can do an effective job. It is important to have a back up caregiver so that you can take a break when you need it. This means that you need to cultivate trust over time with your back up. If you do that, you will be able to step away for a week or two and take an extended break.
- ‘If something happens, I won’t be able to live with myself…’ – This is understandable, but this belief centers on the illusion that you have complete control over your loved one’s condition. Believing that nothing can happen when you are with your loved one is, frankly, a false belief, but entirely understandable! Remember that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s depends upon a base of knowledge and skill that others can learn.
- ‘I can’t have fun when she is so sick…’ – It is true that it can be hard to let yourself have fun when your loved one is facing a serious illness. Keep in mind that the more you experience their health struggle, you are not helping them by sharing it, or making it easier for them. Your only real help comes from your strength and positive energy, not through sharing their suffering. Letting yourself have fun can boost the level of care you provide.
- ‘She needs me…” – You have a strong sense of responsibility as a caregiver, but at the core of this statement, is an attempt to predict the future. Your loved one is indeed vulnerable but she may have more resilience than you think. It is true that your loved one needs you, but you being away for a week or two does not mean that their quality of life will suffer.
Alzheimer’s Supplies for Your Loved One
There are many supplies that can help your loved one to improve their quality of life. No Rinse Shampoo Caps helps to leave your loved one’s hair fresh and clean, and is a great help for people who cannot shampoo their hair in the traditional way. The Shampoo Tray is contoured to rest on your loved one’s shoulders and to fit comfortably around the neck. Both of these products will make it much easier for you to care for your loved one’s hair care needs.