Millions of people in this country have Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Family members and other unpaid caregivers often provide the bulk of care, which involves significant challenges. Yet they also need emotional and physical support to provide the compassionate help that memory care patients need to live their best lives. Without it, the responsibility can be overly challenging and might be too much to handle – this can lead to caregiver burnout.
Dementia is a progressive disease that can gradually demand more and more time and effort from caregivers. Many online resources offer advice plus options for long-term, residential Alzheimer’s care in Austin, like SoCo Village.
If you are struggling with the responsibilities, educating yourself about support and resources is the first step in getting help.
Resources for Dementia Caregivers
The Austin Alzheimer’s Association is an excellent place for dementia caregivers to find resources. It educates users about dementia and describes different care options, such as in-home, memory care communities, and respite care. This support organization also emphasizes the importance of caregiver health and establishing a support network.
Here are a few ways to protect your well-being when caring for a loved one with dementia:
- Visit a doctor regularly for check-ups and more often if you feel stressed, depressed, or anxious.
- Exercise regularly. If you dislike going to the gym or going for a run, look for activities you can enjoy that get your heart rate up.
- Remember to eat regular meals and opt for healthy foods that are big on whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
- Take regular breaks to recharge.
- Be realistic about expectations. Dementia is progressive, and some days will be more challenging than others. Accept the changes and plan for the long term.
If you can’t find a local dementia caregiver support group, some online ones offer help:
- Dementia Mentors
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- Lewy Body Dementia Association
- Memory People
Alzheimer’s Care Austin: Memory Care Communities
Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living that focuses on providing care for individuals with dementia and support for their loved ones. The most important things to look for in Austin Alzheimer’s care communities include:
- Personalized care plans: Each resident should have a tailored care plan targeting their unique needs and preferences. Ask how the community develops and updates its care plan.
- Security measures: There must be wander-prevention systems, secure entrances and exits, and 24-hour supervision.
- Team member expertise: Ensure the community has trained and certified team members who specialize in dementia care. Ask about their backgrounds, ongoing training, and caregiver-to-resident ratio.
- Therapeutic activities: Engaging programs that promote social interaction and cognitive health should also be available. The most significant benefits of memory care come from socialization and group activities, which have proven highly effective in enhancing cognition and overall well-being. Visit the community’s Facebook page for posts about recent activities.
- Family involvement: Memory care communities should encourage family participation through regular communications, support groups, and events.
Memory Care Helps Dementia Caregivers, Too
With the right kind of living environment and assistance, your loved one can live to their fullest potential. Memory care communities also help family members enjoy peace of mind and return to their normal routines. They are better equipped to take care of themselves and spend more time with other loved ones. SoCo Village also offers respite care, an option that provides temporary, comprehensive care for dementia patients that allows their family caregivers well-deserved breaks.
At SoCo Village, we encourage family members to remain involved with their loved ones who live in our community. They stay informed through ongoing communications and are welcome to visit and attend our events. Our team members provide the support you need to transition a loved one into memory care. Start by knowing how to communicate with them.
Dementia Caregiver Support and Memory Care at SoCo Village
Discover Alzheimer’s care in Austin at SoCo Village. Reunite your family without the stress of caregiving.
Contact us to arrange a tour today.