Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s can be a uniquely challenging journey. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease, meaning that symptoms worsen as the disease progresses. This causes many caregivers to experience intense grief as they feel the gradual loss of the loved one they once knew.
Managing the activities of daily living, such as personal care, feeding, monitoring medications and safety, can become incredibly overwhelming. When paired with financial stress, sleep deprivation, and loneliness, caregiving can be absolutely exhausting.
Without adequate support from sources such as therapy, support groups, respite care, and social support, the pressures of family caregiving for a loved one experiencing Alzheimer’s can lead to depression, anxiety, and even burnout.
Memory Care Community in Southern California
MesaView Senior Assisted Living in La Mesa, California, is a memory care community in Southern California. We understand that our residents’ holistic experience of life (social, spiritual, emotional, mental, physical) is vitally important. Research says one of the best things you can do to delay or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is to keep your mind active. Our compassionate caregivers provide top-notch, individualized care to each member of our community.
As dementia progresses, many families face difficult decisions regarding the care of their loved ones. While in-home care is an option for some, others may find that a memory care community is better suited to meet the evolving needs of someone with dementia. Memory care communities are specialized residential settings that provide 24/7 care, safety, and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Space for Caregivers to Process
Various forms of therapy provide important space for caregivers to process the complex emotions related to caregiving. The simple act of being heard and feeling validated can be a lifeline to family caregivers. Therapy often creates a space for caregivers to express their exhaustion, grief, guilt, fear, and anger without judgment.
Meeting with and processing with a therapist can equip caregivers with practical tools to better handle challenging behaviors, care for themselves, and set boundaries that are vital to burnout prevention.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is uniquely effective in helping caregivers develop healthy coping strategies and reframe negative thoughts. CBT can help caregivers learn to recognize self-defeating and unproductive thoughts. Thoughts like “I’m not doing enough” and “There’s no way I can afford to take a break” can be replaced with truths that support self-compassion and self-care.
Role of Support Groups
Often facilitated by a therapist, Alzheimer’s support groups can provide a sense of community and relief to family caregivers. Hearing from others who are facing similar challenges reduces isolation and helps foster connection. In group therapy settings, participants often share encouraging stories, helpful tips, and resources.
Therapy can help those caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s find meaning in their caregiving journey, rather than just “getting through it.” Many caregivers report that the support of therapists and support groups helps them grow in emotional strength.
Holistic Approach to Memory Care
Memory care that takes a holistic approach engages a person on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. Providing an alternative to institutional care, MesaView’s beautiful rooms and inviting grounds evoke a homey feel, while still having enough space to accommodate specialized equipment for mobile care services. Our caregivers and staff are familiar with the providers and organizations that offer mobile care services for the elderly. We collaborate with them to make sure your loved one is comfortable and comprehensively cared for.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a tour of MesaView today!
