Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is both rewarding and challenging. As a caregiver, it's essential to prioritize your own well-being to provide the best care possible. This guide offers strategies to help you manage stress, recognise burnout, and maintain a healthy balance between caregiving and personal life.
Caring for Yourself While Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s
Luigi Lagustan
| February 28, 2025
Signs of Caregiver Burnout You Shouldn’t Ignore
Caregiver burnout is more than just feeling tired—it’s a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can lead to serious health consequences if left unaddressed. Recognising the warning signs early can help you take steps to protect your health and prevent long-term strain.
1. Emotional and Physical Exhaustion
Do you often feel completely drained, no matter how much you rest? Persistent fatigue is a key indicator of burnout. You may find yourself struggling to get through daily tasks, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing frequent headaches, body aches, or a general sense of fatigue that doesn’t go away.
2. Withdrawal from Social Activities
Caregiving responsibilities can be isolating. If you’re pulling away from friends, family, or activities you once enjoyed because you feel too tired, guilty, or emotionally detached, it’s a sign that burnout is creeping in. Human connection is essential for mental well-being, and losing touch with loved ones can worsen feelings of loneliness and depression.
3. Changes in Appetite and Sleep Patterns
Stress and exhaustion can significantly affect your body’s natural rhythms. You might notice:
- Unintentional weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits.
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping, both of which indicate emotional distress.
- Frequent waking during the night, often due to worrying about your loved one.
These disruptions can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illnesses.
4. Increased Illness and Health Issues
When you’re constantly stressed, your body produces higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can weaken your immune system over time. If you find yourself getting sick more often, experiencing digestive problems, or dealing with frequent headaches or body pain, your body may be telling you that you need a break.
5. Irritability, Anxiety, or Feelings of Hopelessness
Caregiver stress can lead to increased mood swings, frustration, or even resentment—emotions that often come with guilt. If you frequently feel anxious, overwhelmed, or like you're not doing enough (even when you are), it may be time to seek support and self-care strategies.
6. Neglecting Personal Well-Being
Caregivers often put their own needs last. Ask yourself:
- Have I skipped my own medical appointments or self-care routines?
- Do I struggle to find time to eat properly, exercise, or relax?
- Am I constantly prioritising my loved one’s needs over my own, even when I’m feeling unwell?
When your own health suffers, your ability to provide quality care declines too.
Strategies for Managing Stress and Finding Support
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. It’s easy to become so focused on their needs that you overlook your own well-being. However, prioritising self-care allows you to sustain your energy and resilience, ensuring you can provide the best possible support.
1. Ask for Help – You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Caregiving is a team effort. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or professional services for support. Even small contributions—such as help with meal preparation, errands, or companionship—can lighten your load and provide much-needed relief.
2. Join a Support Group – Connect with Others Who Understand
Speaking with others who share similar experiences can be incredibly validating and reassuring. Whether in person or online, support groups offer a safe space to share advice, express emotions, and gain encouragement. Knowing you are not alone can make a world of difference.
3. Practice Mindfulness – Reduce Stress in the Moment
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing stress and staying present. Incorporating small, daily practices such as:
- Deep breathing exercises to ease tension
- Guided meditation to restore mental clarity
- Gentle yoga or stretching to relax the body
can help you stay centred and resilient even on difficult days.
4. Set Realistic Goals – Small Steps Make a Big Difference
Caregiving comes with a never-ending list of responsibilities, but not everything needs to be done at once. Setting realistic expectations, prioritising tasks, and acknowledging your efforts (rather than what’s left undone) can prevent feelings of frustration and guilt.
Providing the Best Support for Your Loved One
While caregivers focus on staying healthy and managing stress, it’s also essential to ensure that the person living with Alzheimer’s receives the right support, including proper nutrition and access to helpful resources.
Nutritional Support for Early-Stage Alzheimer’s
For individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, maintaining brain connections and cognitive function is key to promoting their quality of life.
Souvenaid® is a nutritional supplement specifically developed for individuals diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s disease. Its unique combination of Omega-3 DHA & EPA, uridine monophosphate, choline, and B vitamins is designed to support memory function and brain connections.
- Clinically researched to support early-stage Alzheimer’s
- Once-daily drink, available in multiple flavours
- Designed to be part of a broader care plan
Souvenaid® does not require a prescription; however, we recommend that its use is supervised by a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your loved one’s care plan.
Accessing Financial Support for Souvenaid®
Souvenaid® may be eligible for funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). If you or your loved one is currently taking Souvenaid®, you can contact the NDIS at 1800 800 110 to inquire about eligibility under the scheme.
Additionally, Souvenaid® may be funded as part of a Home Care Package. If you already receive Home Care Package funding, speak to your provider or case manager about including Souvenaid® in your plan. If you don’t have a Home Care Package, you can learn more through My Aged Care or discuss eligibility with your doctor.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s, speak with a healthcare professional to see if Souvenaid® could be beneficial in their daily care routine. You can order the product in liquid or powdered for through the Platinum Health Supply online store:
Government Support for People Living with Dementia and Their Carers
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but support is available through the National Dementia Support Program (NDSP)—an Australian Government initiative that funds information, education, and essential services for people living with dementia, their families, and carers.
The NDSP is designed to:
- Improve awareness and understanding about dementia
- Empower people living with dementia and their carers to make informed decisions
- Connect families with services that promote independent living for as long as possible
- Enable the health and aged care sectors to better respond to increasing dementia rates
The program is delivered by Dementia Australia, which provides:
- Early intervention and post-diagnostic support
- Tailored assistance for vulnerable groups
- Resources to reduce stigma and raise awareness
With up to 550,000 Australians expected to be living with dementia by 2030, the NDSP plays a critical role in ensuring families have the tools and knowledge needed to navigate dementia care.
For more information about available resources and support services, visit Dementia Australia or explore NDSP initiatives through the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care.
Caring for Your Loved One Starts with Caring for Yourself
Being a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a journey that comes with challenges, sacrifices, and deep emotional connections. While your focus is often on their well-being, your own health and resilience are just as important. Taking time to prioritise self-care, seek support, and maintain a healthy lifestyle allows you to provide the best possible care—without feeling overwhelmed or burned out.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a long-term commitment, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support network, self-care strategies, and resources like the NDSP, you can navigate this journey with strength, knowledge, and confidence.
Your health matters just as much as your loved one’s. Take care of yourself, seek the support you deserve, and explore tools like Souvenaid® to help your loved one maintain their brain health in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
