Caregiver Stress

Caring for a loved one is an exhausting business, especially for someone with dementia, and it’s often associated with depression. For friends and relatives, here are 10 warning signs of caregiver stress, taken from the Alzheimer’s Association’s literature:

1. Denial about the disease and its consequences. “I know Mom’s going to get better.”

2. Anger at the patient or others. “If he asks me that question one more time, I’ll scream.”

3. Social withdrawal from friends and activities that were once pleasurable.

4. Anxiety about facing another day and what the future holds. “What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?”

5. Depression that begins to affect the ability to cope. “I don’t care anymore.”

6. Exhaustion makes it nearly impossible to finish the daily tasks.

7. Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of worries. “What if she wanders out of the house, or falls?”

8. Irritability leading to moodiness, negative responses, and reactions. “Leave me alone!”

9. Lack of concentration. “I was so busy I forgot we had an appointment.”

10. Health problems – physical and mental – take their toll. “I can’t remember the last time I felt quite well”.

If you know a caregiver with some of these signs, urge them to see their family doctor.