Caring for a loved one with dementia is a true act of love and devotion. Each day, you take on countless responsibilities – managing medications, preparing meals, helping with hygiene, and so much more. With all that on your shoulders, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or stressed at times.

In fact, many dementia caregivers put their own well-being on the back burner, focusing entirely on their loved one’s needs. 

Related: Recognizing caregiver burnout

But taking care of your own mental well-being is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved one. After all, you can’t provide the best care to them if you’re running on empty yourself.

In this guide, we’ll share some simple, healthy ways to manage caregiver stress to help you feel more balanced and ready to tackle each day with a smile.

Take care of yourself

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to practice self-care. This means eating well, getting some rest, setting aside a little each day just for you. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea, taking a short walk in the fresh air, or doing a hobby you love, these small moments help you recenter and recharge.

Never forget, looking after yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential. Mental health struggles can often lead to physical health issues, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough rest and relaxation. 

When you’re well-rested and refreshed, you’ll be able to care for your loved one with the patience and compassion they deserve. 

Stay organized

Staying organized can make a world of difference when managing caregiver stress. Here are a few simple tips to help keep everything on track:

Use a calendar or planner 

Whether it’s a physical calendar or an app, jotting down appointments, medication schedules, and other important information helps keep things from slipping through the cracks.

Make daily to-do lists

Whenever you can, take a couple minutes in the morning to write down what needs to be done that day. Tackle one thing at a time and break tasks into smaller steps to make them more manageable.

Related: The importance of routine in caregiving

Keep medical information handy 

Put together a folder or care journal with all your loved one’s important medical information and dementia care instructions. This can be a real lifesaver during emergencies, or when your loved one is spending time with another family member.

Declutter your space 

A tidy space clears the mind and makes it easier to find exactly what you need when you need it. Try taking just a few minutes each day to tidy up the areas where you and your loved one spend the most time.

Remember: these tips could help ease the stress of dementia caregiving, but don’t worry if you can’t do them all right now. Sometimes, one or two small changes can make a big difference. You’re doing great!

Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques

Taking some time out of your day to recenter can lower your stress levels and help you feel more balanced. Here are a few simple techniques you can try to bring more relaxation into your day:

• Deep breathing: Take a deep breath through your nose for a count of four, hold it for four, then breathe out slowly for four. Do this for a few minutes, and you’ll feel your entire body start to relax.
• Guided meditation: It’s easy for dementia caregivers to get stuck in the past or worried about the future. Apps like Calm and Headspace (or free videos on YouTube) offer short, easy, guided meditations that can help bring you back to the present.
• Gentle stretching: Try a few simple stretches to loosen up your neck, shoulders, back, and hips. These are the areas we tend to hold the most stress in the body.
• Visualization: Close your eyes and picture a peaceful place – maybe a quiet beach, a misty forest, or somewhere that’s special to you. Conjure the sights, sounds, and smells of being there to give you a sense of peace.

Reach out for support

Caring for a loved one with dementia can sometimes be isolating, but you don’t have to do it all on your own. If you can, lean on your family and friends.

Whether you need help with daily tasks or just someone to chat with about how you’re feeling, knowing you have the support you need can make all the difference.

If you struggle to get the help you need from those around you, consider joining a caregiver support group. From online sessions to in-person meet ups, community resources like these are a great way to connect with others who provide care for dementia patients – and who know exactly what you’re going through. It’s a safe space where you can share your challenges, ask questions, and gain advice from those who truly understand your situation. 

And if you’re feeling burnt out, respite care services can give your loved one the care they need – and give you a much-needed break. 

Related: Creating a caregiver backup plan

Introducing Sundara Senior Living 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and looking for reliable caregiving services to support you as your loved one’s dementia progresses, Sundara Senior Living is here to help. 

We offer a warm, close-knit memory care facility where residents and staff naturally connect in a safe, comfortable environment. With only 16 residents in each home, we reduce the stress often found in larger facilities, creating a calm, stable atmosphere for everyone we serve.

Our dedicated team of carers and health professionals are trained to support residents with a variety of cognitive challenges. And most of all, we’re committed to building strong relationships with family members and providing the best care possible.

If you’d like to learn more about how Sundara Senior Living can support your family, reach out to us today!