I speak with family caregivers everyday and most say that they are "managing" in this typically overwhelming role. I take this to mean they are "surviving" and I know that many are at risk of caregiver burnout.

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend an Alzheimer's Partnership Event with Joanne Koenig Coste, author of Learning to Speak Alzheimer's. According to her, showing just one sign of stress means a caregiver needs help. Stress can present as:

-Anger
-Social withdrawal
-Depression
-Exhaustion
-Sleeplessness
-Irritability
-Lack of concentration
-Health problems

So what do you do if you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms? Start with increasing respite care. Respite care involves short term breaks for the caregiver. It can be provided by formal supports such as paid caregivers, skilled nursing facilities, or assisted living facilities, or informal supports such as family members or friends. Respite includes anything from a half hour break in the afternoon to a weeklong vacation.

It can be difficult to coordinate this extra support on top of everything else you do. However, I encourage everyone to prioritize this on your endless list of to-dos. You will feel more like yourself and you will be providing better care. Both you and your loved one will benefit. For more information on respite care, go to www.archrespite.org.