Dec 19, 2023
As a caregiver, seeking help is a strength and not a weakness.
—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN
When it comes to being a caregiver to a person living with Alzheimer’s disease, it takes a village. Caregiving can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Join me for this week’s episode where I’m talking about Join me for this week’s episode where I’m talking about why and how to build a care team. Stay tuned to the end and I’ll share a free handout to get you started.
▶️ Alzheimer’s Care: Why You Need a Care Team and How To Build One
Being a caregiver to a person living with Alzheimer's disease can be very overwhelming and make you feel like you're alone. But you are not alone. The help provided by other people can minimize your feelings of being overwhelmed and reduce your stress.
Developing a network of people that can help you do certain tasks during the week to help you lead a more active and engaged life while providing care to a person living with Alzheimer's disease.
Having a care team also means that you will have a well thought out emergency plan in case you get sick yourself.
The care team is basically a group of people that you can partner with and rely on to help you provide the care that the person with Alzheimer’s disease needs – while also providing the help and support you are going to need throughout the course of the disease.
Creating a care team and developing a support network is crucial for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Let's break down the main points:
Main Point #1: What do you need help with?
Identify specific tasks and responsibilities that you find challenging or overwhelming. These could include:
1. **Daily Care Tasks:** Such as bathing, dressing, and grooming the person with Alzheimer's.
2. **Household Chores:** Cleaning, cooking, and managing daily household tasks.
3. **Emotional Support:** Having someone to talk to or share experiences with can be invaluable.
4. **Respite Care:** Ensuring you have breaks to rest and recharge.
5. **Medical Appointments:** Organizing and accompanying the person with Alzheimer's to medical appointments.
Main Point #2: Who would be best for helping you?
Consider the skills, availability, and willingness of potential team members.
Your care team might include:
1. **Family Members:** Siblings, children, or other relatives who can share responsibilities.
2. **Friends and Neighbors:** Trusted individuals who can provide emotional support or assist with errands.
3. **Professional Caregivers:** Hiring professional caregivers for specific tasks or time periods.
4. **Community Resources:** Utilize local support groups, Alzheimer's associations, or community services.
Main Point #3: Create a detailed list of potential team members and their roles
1. **Primary Caregiver:** You, as the main caregiver, outlining your specific responsibilities and needs.
2. **Family Members:** Specify tasks that each family member can take on and their availability.
3. **Friends and Neighbors:** Identify those willing to help with errands, provide respite care, or offer emotional support.
4. **Professional Caregivers:** If necessary, include details about hired caregivers and their schedules.
5. **Emergency Contacts:** List individuals who can step in during emergencies or if you're unable to provide care temporarily.
**Emergency Plan:**
- Designate a temporary primary caregiver.
- Ensure all necessary medical and emergency contact information is readily available.
- Communicate the emergency plan to all members of the care team.
By having a well-organized care team and support network, you can enhance the quality of care for the person with Alzheimer's while maintaining your own well-being. Regular communication and updates within the team are essential to ensure everyone stays informed and can adapt to changing needs. Remember, seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
Get your FREE Handout here: MelissaBPhD.com/buildingacareteam
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About MelissaBPhD
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse educator and nurse researcher with over 25 years of experience in the aging and long-term care healthcare space. You can visit my website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about me, how you can work with me directly, and/or support future episodes of the podcast. Within the first 18 months of launching this podcast, we reached a ranking of top 10% globally. I have all of you who’ve been with me on this journey so far to thank for that!
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