The Significance Of Social Support For Dementia Caregivers

  • October 15, 2020 BY  Anthem Seniors
  • Anthem Senior Living
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Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia that is considered to be a chronic, progressive disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS), and is mainly diagnosed in people over 65 years old. If you’re providing care for an older loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related condition, you already know the challenging nature of this role. This is why maintaining a close network of family and friends who can be called on for emotional support may be key to managing day-to-day care in those who care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia at home. The level of support that caregivers give may depend on the support they receive from those in their networks.

Here are a few reasons why social support is important for dementia caregivers:

To reduce the caregiver burden– Many common forms of dementia (like Alzheimer’s) are progressive that calls for more care as cognitive decline worsens and other symptoms develop. Turning to family members and friends for emotional support might ease the burden of daily care for dementia caregivers. Not to mention, with active social connections in place, you can easily reach out to others for help.

There’s no doubt that caring for an older adult with dementia is challenging for family caregivers, remember you’re not alone in this journey. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition (Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia) and needs help with tasks like meal preparation, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Anthem Seniors, a leading assisted living Anthem facility in Phoenix, AZ that provides comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Maintain individuality– Caring for loved ones with dementia isn’t easy, which makes caregivers relegate a lot of their own personal interests to the back burner. Having reliable social support gives you opportunities to maintain your sense of self- you do not lose sight of your passions outside of caregiving. Having even one or two close friends who’ll gently nudge you to do activities you enjoy will do the trick (can be good for your overall health and wellbeing).

The responsibilities associated with caring for someone with dementia can sometimes feel overwhelming, but there’s no dearth of help. Reach out to Anthem Seniors. There are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

Discover effective strategies– Researchers evaluated several aspects of social support, including help with daily tasks, such as cleaning the house, moving or bathing someone with Alzheimer’s, or help with driving; emotional support, which includes offering a helpful ear to confide in or a shoulder to lean on during times of need, and information support, including advice from doctors, counselors, and other health professionals, as well as advice from peers who have gone through similar circumstances. It will help you discover strategies that can make caregiving less personally challenging. Certain age-related conditions can pose dangers for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably. At Anthem Seniors, caregivers are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers to enhance your loved one’s quality of life. Reach out to Anthem Seniors today at 602.909.9550.

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