Alzheimer’s Association Encourages Dementia Caregivers to Make Their Health and Wellbeing an Equal Priority

– November is National Family Caregivers and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month –

– Alzheimer’s Association offers help to the 414,000 Alzheimer’s caregivers in Ohio –

DAYTON, OH, November 11, 2024 – During National Family Caregivers Month in November, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging dementia caregivers to make their own health an equal priority as they navigate the demands and stresses of caring for someone else.

“As difficult as it may be, caregivers need to make their health and well-being an equal priority,” said Dayna Ritchey, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati and Miami Valley Chapters. “Maintaining one’s health can help caregivers be better. No caregiver should face this disease alone and the Alzheimer’s Association is here to help.”

Currently, there are more than 414,000 caregivers in Ohio providing care to more than 236,200 individuals living with Alzheimer’s.

Caring for those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia poses special challenges for family caregivers. As dementia symptoms worsen, caregivers can experience increased emotional stress, depression, anxiety, and new or worsened health problems. In addition, caregivers often experience depleted finances due to disruptions in employment and paying for health care or other services.

“Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s takes longer, lasts longer, is more personal and extensive than most other diseases, and takes a heavy toll on the health of the caregivers themselves,” said Ritchey. “During the course of the disease, caregiving tasks escalate and become more intensive. As a result, many dementia caregivers neglect their own health needs and that can lead to a crisis.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, the impacts on Ohio caregivers include:

• 63.7% have chronic health conditions
• 27.8% have depression
• 17.4% are in poor physical health

To help caregivers balance competing priorities while maintaining their overall health and well-being, the Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips: 

• Find time for yourself. It's normal to need a break from caregiving duties. No one can do it all by themselves. Consider taking advantage of respite care or help from family and friends to spend time doing something you enjoy.
• Become an educated caregiver. Understand the disease, its progression and accompanying behavioral and physical changes. Know resources in your community that can help.
• Build a support network. Organize friends and family who want to help provide care and support. Access local caregiver support groups or online communities, such as ALZConnected, to connect with other caregivers. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.
• Take care of yourself. Try to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Making sure that you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver. 
• Avoid caregiver burnout. Sustained caregiver stress can lead to caregiver burnout – a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. The Alzheimer’s Association offers Caregiver Stress Check to help caregivers identify and avoid caregiver burnout.
• Accept changes. Eventually your loved one will need more intensive kinds of care. Research care options now so you are ready for the changes as they occur.
• Understand you're doing your best. It's normal to lose patience or feel like your care may fall short sometimes. You're doing the best you can. For support and encouragement, consider joining an online or in-person support group.

“Being a caregiver is an impossible job, yet I see them make it possible every day,” said Valerie Jones, Miami Valley Chapter volunteer support group facilitator. “My goal as a support group facilitator is to create a safe space where they can unload and restore to be that miracle worker for their loved ones.”

”At the same time, I remind them to take care of themselves while they are advocating and providing care for their loved ones. Understanding that Alzheimer's affects more than the diagnosed,  it changes their whole community,” said Valerie Jones, Miami Valley Chapter volunteer support group facilitator. “It’s important that dementia caregivers not isolate themselves.”

Caregivers can find local dementia caregivers support groups and helpful free resources including care consultations and monthly education programs at alz.org/dayton.

There are 236,200 Ohioans 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. More than 4,900 Ohioans died from Alzheimer’s in 2021. A total of 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year valued at over $11.4 billion.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free support and resources, visit alz.org/dayton or call the Miami Valley Chapter at 937.291.3332 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.