Strategies for Looking After Yourself

1. Introduction

As we know, caring can be challenging. Therefore, it is essential that you look after yourself. If you don't mind yourself, then you may be unable to care for your loved one.

In this book we will look at a series of measures you can take to look after yourself.

By the end of the topic, you should be able to:

• recognise your needs and why you need to take time  to look after yourself as a family carer of someone with dementia
• realise the beneficial effect a positive and effective support network can have on you

It will take you 60 minutes to work through the book and videos.

More time will be required if you attempt the Optional Activities.

2. Supporting Carers

Caring for a loved one can be demanding at times so we need to be mindful of our own needs and well being. Have a look at this video and think about your own caring situation.

Video available at: https://youtu.be/pag7JZ8Z6Mw

Do you look after yourself enough?

3. Dementia and Family Carers

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers.

4. Impact of care giver role

Taking on the role of family carer will probably have an impact on your

• own life
• social outlets
• health
• well being
• financial situation

What impact has care giving had on you? Share your experiences in the Caring for Myself forum.

5. Pause and Reflect

Video on tips for repetitive questions. Given what you have read and seen so far in this Topic, think about the ways you could better look after yourself and improve your health and general well being

We will explore and outline a strategy you might find useful in the coming pages.

6. Looking After Yourself - Step 1

Step 1 - Understand Dementia

Congratulations, you are already taking this step by enrolling and completing this course! We hope you are finding it informative.

To find out more about dementia you could speak to your GP, Pharmacist or Public Health Nurse.

And you might also like to check out the resources below.

Website: Wikipedia - Dementia

Videos: Alzheimer's Society UK - About Dementia

For those reading in Ireland, please see The Alzheimer Society of Ireland - Services and Support

7. Looking After Yourself - Step 2

Step 2 - Include your own needs on a day-to-day basis

Routine is important for your loved one with dementia - but it is also important for you.

So, try to build a routine that introduces or includes an element in each segment below.

We will be covering some of these areas from the person with dementias perspective throughout the course. For example we will look at Staying Active and in Week 6 we will look at Food and Nutrition, However, it is worth noting that much of the same guidance applies to you the caregiver too!

8. Looking After Yourself - Step 3

Step 3 - Build a Support Network

Next week we will set out a wide range of supports available to build your support network.

9. Looking After Yourself - Step 4

Step 4 - Plan for the Future

Early Planning is important because it lets the person with dementia:

• Express their wishes and preferences
• Put their affairs in order
• Reduce anxiety and uncertainty
• Help family members know their wishes and preferences
• Focus on living well

There are three elements involved (click on the blue links below for more information on the situation in Ireland):

1. Financial Planning

2. Care Planning - we will outline some options in the next book, around different care alternatives.

We will provide some more information about Financial, Legal and Care Planning also in the next book.

Are there aspects of these 4 steps that you can follow? Explore and share in the Caring for Myself forum.

10. Summing up

That is the end of this week's two books.

You can think about how you might apply what you have read or seen in this week's materials by completing the Week 2: Care Delivery Action Plan.

We would also love to hear what you thought of this week's materials. Please complete the Feedback: Week 2 activity. 

Thank you very much for your participation this week.