Coping with Changes

Coping with changes in your loved one’s health can lead to feelings that may catch you off guard. As a caregiver of someone with dementia, you know that with cognitive changes come new hurdles to navigate.

Caregiving for your loved one may sometimes feel like a moving target.

As soon as you get into a caregiving groove, the disease process may change your loved one’s physical or cognitive abilities causing you to urgently regroup in order to meet your loved one’s needs.

There may be many things outside of your control from day to day. However, feeling confident in what you can control—your mind, emotions, expectations, efforts to take care of yourself—can help give you the caregiving boost needed to make it through whatever today may bring.

Encouraging reminders: 

• Take it as it comes.
  Don’t let your mind focus too far into the future. Remember that each day is a new opportunity to be successful and connect with your loved one. If today brings unexpected changes and challenges, approach them head on with confidence. You’ve got this!
• Celebrate growth.
  Recognize and celebrate your achievements and the personal growth you are experiencing in your caregiving role.  No matter how big or small, any achievement is an achievement worth celebrating.
• Be realistic.
  Caregiving for a loved one with dementia requires a lot of adjustments and life pivots. As you learn to expect changes throughout your caregiver journey, take time to educate yourself on your loved one’s disease and prepare yourself for what the future may hold. Doing so will help you feel more empowered as a caregiver.