Banner Alzheimer's Institute

Maintaining Caregiver Health

When you are a caregiver it seems as if your whole focus is on the care, supervision, and maintaining quality of life for the person with dementia. Yet without the caregiver, the person with dementia would be lost.

As Arizona's leading provider of Alzheimer's clinical resources, Banner Alzheimer's Institute offers these tips about how to maintain caregiver health.

Caregivers often experience a terrible time planning for their own needs. Actually, taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do to take care of your loved one. Some suggestions:

Eat a balanced diet
Get adequate rest
Drink plenty of fluids
Exercise at least three times a week
Make sure you get annual health check-up
Get flu and pneumonia vaccinations

Make sure your tetanus immunization is current
Get out with friends
Have some time alone each day
Use respite services as often as possible.
Attend support groups

Expect family conflict during this time. Most families argue to create enough energy to cope. Each member will go through stages of grief – at their own pace. Try to keep the arguments fair and seek help from a family therapist if needed.

Support Groups

Banner Alzheimer's Institiute works with the Central Arizona Alzheimer's Association to hold monthly support groups.

Online Resources

Banner Alzheimer's Institute Online Resources

Banner Alzheimer's Institute is offering a free caregiver's guide, "As Memory Fades... The Caregiver's Challenge Begins''