Caring for a person with dementia can be all consuming. Researchers have found that a person who provides care for someone with dementia is twice as likely to suffer from depression as a person providing care for someone without dementia. These caregivers spend significantly more hours per week providing care which causes personal stress, mental and physical health problems, lack of sleep, less time to do the things they enjoy, less time to spend with other family members, and more family conflict than non-dementia caregivers.
Dealing with dementia-related behavior is a big contributor to developing depression. Dementia-related symptoms such as wandering, agitation, hoarding, embarrassing conduct, and resistance or non-cooperation from the loved one makes every day challenging and makes it harder for a caregiver to get rest or assistance in providing care. The more severe the case of dementia, the more likely the caregiver is to experience depression. It is critical for caregivers, especially in these situations, to receive consistent and dependable support and respite.
Feelings of isolation and depression and lack of sleep are major risks for elder abuse. To prevent this from ever happening:
The caregiver can possibly attend a class at the local hospital on how to take care of the elderly. This would give the caregiver a chance to meet other individuals who are also caring for family members and to possibly set up a line of communication with other classmates to prevent caregiver isolation.
Loss of sleep as a result of caring for a loved one can lead to serious depression. The important thing to remember is that even though you may not be able to get your loved one to rest throughout the night, you can arrange to get much needed sleep. Hiring a respite worker or engaging a friend to be with your loved one while you take a nap, finding a day care center, or scheduling a stay over with another family member for a few nights are a few ways to keep your care giving commitment while getting the rest you need.
Even 5 to 10 minutes of any of the following techniques may be beneficial. Meditation. Prayer, deep breathing, yoga, massage, listening to music, creating art, or journaling.
If you or someone you know is being abused, seek help today.
In an emergency, please dial 911. For all other help, please call: Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline 877 TO END DV (877-863-6338), 877-863-6339 TTY