•September 21, 2022•
By Shannon Nosbisch
CDP, DCS

Caregiving is one of the most stressful jobs! According to the Alzheimer’s Association in 2019, 60% of dementia caregivers report high or very high stress levels with an estimated 40% experiencing clinical depression! It is a demanding, 24/7, stressful job! Caregivers need help, but often don’t like to ask. Ask them what they need specifically, not “let me know if you need anything”. Offer suggestions of what you are willing to do. If they do mention something that they need help with, even if it is something you might not want to do, do it.
Even when a caregiver replies “fine” when asked how they are doing, you may have to dig a little deeper to find out how they are really doing. Let them know that you understand that caregiving is hard and offer to listen when they are ready to talk. Caregivers and their families may need time to assess their needs and determine what they need help with. Listening is probably the most important way to help a caregiver, especially without offering judgment or suggestions unless asked to. Caregivers rarely expect to solve their problems, but they need to vent their frustration and sorrow from time to time.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.