It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved
one with Alzheimer's or other dementia. Dementia caregivers frequently report
experiencing high levels of stress, but too much stress can be harmful.
Mid Coast–Parkview Health offers a variety of
services and programs to support individuals with dementia and help caregiver’s
manage stress.
- Primary Care: If you experience signs of stress on a regular basis, make time to talk to your doctor. Visiting your doctor regularly can help keep you healthy and well. If you need assistance with finding a primary care physician, we can help you find a doctor at (207) 373-6033.
- Support Groups: The Dementia Caregivers Education Series is a free monthly support group offered by Mid Coast Senior Health Center to assist individuals in understanding and caring for someone with memory loss. Additionally, Mid Coast Senior Health Center hosts Brunswick Area Respite Care Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Groups twice monthly.
- Stress Reduction: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight-week educational program designed to help participants cultivate mindfulness through direct practice in meditation, mindful movement, instruction, and conversation.
- Healthy Lifestyle Programs: Making sure that you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver. Eating well, exercising and rest can help reduce stress and improve overall well being. Mid Coast Center for Community Health & Wellness hosts ongoing educational programs focused on physical activity, healthy cooking, and a variety of important health topics.
- Carefree Café: Carefree Café is a brunch gathering, offered in partnership with Brunswick Area Respite Care, designed for people with progressive memory loss, their care partners, spouses, family members, and friends. Call (207) 729-8571 for more information.
- Respite Care: Respite care provides caregivers with a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer’s disease continues to receive care in a safe environment. Mid Coast Senior Health Center offers respite stays as short as one week, as long as a month, or even open-ended.
- Private Duty Care: If you or your loved one needs additional assistance with daily activities, such as meal preparation and housekeeping, CHANS Home Health & Hospice Private Duty can assist caregivers and provide respite.
- Senior Mental Health: Mid Coast Senior Mental Health offers confidential screening, assessment, and treatment services to adults 60 years of age and older. Its purpose is to help older adults and their families understand and treat issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and the grief and loss associated with late-life changes.
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Top Ten Symptoms of Dementia Caregiver Stress
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- Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed.
- Anger at the person with Alzheimer’s or frustration that he or she can’t do the things they used to be able to do.
- Social withdrawal from friends and activities that used to make you feel good.
- Anxiety about the future and facing another day.
- Depression that breaks your spirit and affects your ability to cope.
- Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.
- Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns.
- Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and actions.
- Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
- Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll.
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Top Ten Symptoms of Dementia Caregiver Stress
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- Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed.
- Anger at the person with Alzheimer’s or frustration that he or she can’t do the things they used to be able to do.
- Social withdrawal from friends and activities that used to make you feel good.
- Anxiety about the future and facing another day.
- Depression that breaks your spirit and affects your ability to cope.
- Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.
- Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns.
- Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and actions.
- Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
- Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll.
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