Back to Tip Sheets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shirley Freyer
Concordia Lutheran Ministries
Tel: 1-724-352-1571 x8266
sfreyer@concordialm.org

Concordia Offers Tips to Non-Professional Caregivers

Cabot, PA – As Alzheimer’s and related illnesses continue to afflict more individuals, the number of non-professional caregivers continues to grow as well, creating an often overwhelmed and emotional group of people. And believe it or not, it is not uncommon for these caregivers to occasionally feel stressed out, impatient and even guilty when caring for a loved one with diminished reasoning skills.

With over 12 years of experience working with those suffering from an Alzheimer’s-type disease or illness, Paula Sypulski, director of Concordia Adult Day Services, offered non-professional caregivers the following tips.

Take care of YOU: One difficulty caregivers face is devoting all their time to caring for others and not themselves. Caregivers often ignore or postpone medical appointments, stop socializing and ignore hobbies and other things they enjoy. This can lead to health problems for the caregiver, as well as increased stress. Jesus said “ Love your neighbor as yourself,” which suggests that first we must love ourselves.

Get help early: Many caregivers wait too long to start exploring their options. This delay can cause stress to the caregiver as well as to the care-receiver, who is suddenly in an unfamiliar environment with new people. Consider starting the care-receiver in an adult day program once or twice a month to help get him/her acclimated to the environment. This gives the caregiver an opportunity to take care of him/herself and lets the care-receiver get used to others helping with daily activities.

Take help when it’s offered: Many times friends, neighbors and family will offer their help. Be prepared. Think of opportunities where others can assist you, so when help is offered you can oblige. Anything from “Could you sit with mom while I go get my hair done” to “Could you bake my husband an apple pie? He loves those and I don’t have time” can be beneficial. People offer to help because they care; so let them share in the care giving.

Let yourself make mistakes: Don’t beat yourself up when you make mistakes or become impatient. You are human and you’re doing the best you can. Forgive yourself. 

Learn to accept the new normal: The person you love is still there but they aren’t the person they were a week, a day or even an hour ago. Learn to accept them as they are. Stop expecting them to be the person they used to be – this causes stress for the caregiver and care-receiver.

Be informed: Get information on what assistance is out there and take advantage. One good place to start the search is your local Area Agency on Aging.

……………

Concordia Adult Day Services offers more than just basic care. Participants are regularly evaluated, and because Concordia has so many features available in one place, it is able to offer an on site nurse, outpatient physical therapy, a structured toileting program, exercise classes, nutritious meals, pastoral visits, and more, often all in one day.

For information, referrals or counseling, contact Concordia Adult Day Services Director Paula Sypulski at 724.352.1571, ext. 8271.