One of the problems with Alzheimer’ss Caregiver overload is that the many tasks required to care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease(AD)usually accumulate slowly over a period of time, depending on the stage of AD. Caregivers may be involved in a gradual process of putting more and more on their plate. To the outsider, it may be quite apparent that the caregiver has taken on too much, but to the person caring for a loved one with AD, being so up close and personal may translate to an inability to identify caregiver overload.
If you ask yourself if you are doing too much, you are most likely in caregiver overload. The danger of taking on too much as a care partner or family caregiver is that the health and well-being of the caregiver may be at risk.
Many caregivers report feeling overwhelmed, depressed, exhausted, isolated and more. It all comes down to how much time one takes for self-care. Many times this means asking for help as the disease progresses.
Danger Signs of Caregiver Overload
- Feeling overwhelmed by the growing list of tasks
- Feelings you are all alone in your role as a caregiver and that no one really understands what you are going through
- Nostalgic feelings that the good times in life are in the past
- Feeling that your job may be in jeopardy due to the growing demand of caregiver tasks
- Noticing that relationships are beginning to suffer due to spending less and less time with friends and family
- Feeling you have no time for yourself
If you notice any of the symptoms listed, it is important to get help as soon as possible. Contact your physician immediately. No matter how much time you spend caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you can experience the stress that comes with caregiver overload. Keep in mind that it is not uncommon for care partners and caregivers to experience symptoms that could lead to severe mental and physical health conditions. Remember that not asking for help could mean that you are risking your own health and well-being.
CLICK HERE to learn more about AD,and check out our free courses on AD caregiving and AD prevention & treatment.
