All of the hype surrounding a new year and making resolutions or goals can be enough to make an Alzheimer’s caregiver feel like you are failing in more ways than one. When I was helping to care for my mom with Alzheimer’s, the last thing I needed was a resolution to do more of anything.
That’s why I came up with this list of 8 things all Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers should stop doing in the new year. Or, you can look at it as a list of 8 things to start doing less.
1. Stop trying to do “enough” for your loved one. There is no such thing as enough.
2. Stop trying to please everyone with your caregiving decisions. You will never make everyone happy.
3. Stop not asking for help when you know you need it. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness.
4. Stop not accepting help when someone offers it. It’s okay to accept help. You are not a burden.
5. Stop beating yourself up for things you did or didn’t do. You are doing the best you can.
6. Stop punishing yourself for your loved one’s suffering. You deserve to live your life and enjoy yourself if/when you can.
7. Stop apologizing for your grief. You are allowed to be sad. Period.
8. Stop feeling ashamed for not being further along in your life by now. You are navigating a difficult season of your life right now, but it is only a season. It is not your whole life.
I hope this list was helpful for you and will give you permission to go easy on yourself this year!
Which one of these things do you struggle with the most? I would love to hear from you in the comments!
*If this post resonated with you, you should check out my mentoring services for Alzheimer’s daughters.
**If you liked this post, you would love my book “When Only Love Remains: Surviving My Mom’s Battle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s.” It’s available on all Amazon marketplaces.
