3 Tips for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease requires patience, resilience and compassion. There are moments that can feel like you’re rowing a boat against a strong current, working tirelessly to stay afloat.

It’s normal to feel frustrated, exhausted and sad, especially when you’re watching a loved one change in ways they can’t control. In the U.S., where nearly 2 out of 3 dementia caregivers are women, caregivers often find themselves facing feelings of depression or burnout. And, according to AARP’s Caregiving in the U.S. 2025, 1 in 4 caregivers report struggling to care for their own health as a result of their caregiving responsibilities.

Caregiving can take a toll on your mind and body, which is why it’s so important to remember to care for yourself while you’re caring for your loved one.

Here are three tips for caregivers to consider:

1. Know when you’re reached your limit

As you rise up to take on the challenges of your loved one's Alzheimer's, remember that everyone has their limits. It’s important to understand that there comes a point when the "I got this" mentality goes awry. Try to be aware of your stress level and how your body is reacting to that stress when you care for someone with Alzheimer's.

Pushing your mind and your body too hard for too long can lead to caregiver burnout and have a negative impact not only on you but also on the loved one you’re caring for. As you care for your loved one, be conscious of your own stress and anxiety. If you begin to feel constantly sick, upset or unable to eat or sleep, you might want to consider taking a step back and letting someone else share the load.

2. Don't hesitate to ask for help

Remember you don’t have to do everything yourself. If there are family members who are available to commit even just a little of their time, recruit their assistance to take over before your stress gets the best of you. To ensure the well-being of your loved one with Alzheimer's, ask for help before you need it.

Reaching out to friends and family members for assistance ahead of time will allow you to easily trade off on responsibilities. Once you find someone who agrees to help, give them a copy of your care plan, extra house keys or any important documents so that the transition between caregivers is smooth.

You might also consider enlisting the help of transportation services to help your loved one get around, giving you a much-needed break. Allowing yourself some respite from caregiving can give you a breather and possibly allow your loved one to take more control of their day-to-day activities.

If your loved one's Alzheimer's has progressed to where you can no longer support them, and if there is no one else who can take on the responsibility, you might consider bringing in home care services or home healthcare services or finding a long-term care facility so they can get the care they deserve. That can be a difficult decision to make, but keep in mind that it may be the right choice for them if it gives them access to the type of care necessary to match their needs.

3. Make sure you’re fulfilling your own needs

Through your time as a caregiver, you should never neglect your own needs. The more you give of yourself in caring for your loved one, the more exhausted you may start to feel. There comes a point when your effort can undo your efficiency, and you may not be helping your loved one as much as you’d hope. It is important to take just as good care of your own well-being as your loved one’s.

Try joining a support group online or in person to talk with other people in similar situations, or consider talking to a mental health provider for emotional support. Eat healthy foods, exercise, try to find time to spend with friends, and fill your life with productive activities and hobbies. You may feel like you have no time for any distractions from your caregiving, but the more you can give to yourself, the more you’ll eventually give back to your loved one.

Read: Caregivers Need Self Care, Too >>

You work hard taking care of your loved one and want to give everything you can to make sure they can fight this disease and live a good life in their golden years. Just remember that you matter too — and sometimes even the helpers need a little help.

Resources

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Best Programs for Caregiving

Caregiver Action Network