Top Excuses That Can Lead to Alzheimer’s Caregiver Burnout

“You can make it, but it’s easier if you don’t have to do it alone.” – Betty Ford

We all know that no person is an island, something which especially holds true when caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s. Yet many family caregivers stumble with regards to accepting or asking for the help they need. Because of this, stress is aggravated as there is little if any time for self-care – an important component for any person in a caregiving role.

Why are we frequently so determined to tackle such an incredible undertaking independently? The following are several common reasons and why we must rethink them:

1. It’s too complicated to try to find a caregiver I will be able to trust. At Home Sweet Home In-Home Care, a compassionate provider of Portage in-home care, we background check and comprehensively train each one of our caregivers, confirming key character traits such as flexibility, reliability, kindness, and much more. Home Sweet Home In-Home Care is insured and bonded for your further peace of mind. We also carefully match each older adult together with the ideal caregiver who will be most compatible. Finally, if a senior’s primary caregiver is sick or on vacation, we will provide an equally qualified replacement caregiver.
2. No one else could take care of Mom like I do. While you are certainly not replaceable, the goal of enlisting help is certainly not replacement, but respite. An older adult with dementia can benefit from the socialization provided by someone other than yourself, while you gain the benefit of a much-needed break – ultimately allowing you to provide better care to the older adult when you return.
3. I am doing just fine on my own; I do not need a break. To put it simply, science disagrees! A research study shared in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry revealed that a certain stress hormone was depleted in caregivers whose stress was prolonged and chronic – such as in providing dementia care independently – while those who engaged just 2 days each week of respite realized a rise in the hormone along with an elevated mood and a brighter outlook.
4. Mom would never want someone else taking care of her. Most of us would resist if we were told that someone was coming over to give us a bath. But having someone come and assist with housework and meals is an excellent strategy to introduce a new caregiver, working your way up to additional necessary services once the caregiver is known and accepted. The wording you use will make a big difference as well. Having a “salon day” sounds much more inviting, for instance. 

If you would like to explore in-home respite care for a person you love with Alzheimer’s and relieve caregiver burnout for yourself, reach out to Home Sweet Home In-Home Care’s Portage in-home care experts. Our professionally trained, experienced, creative, and compassionate caregivers are here to help you minimize stress, enhance life for the senior you love, and provide you with the chance for self-care. Email or call us at (866) 229-2505 to set up a free in-home assessment! Visit our locations page for a full list of the communities where we provide care.