The living with dependent people can generate an overload that negatively affect mental and physical health caregivers. Situation that worsens even more during this confinement stage in which they cannot use healthcare resources to ease their work.
Therefore, the ACE Foundation have put together a brief guide with tips to maintain the well-being of these caregivers during the difficult time we are living. Experts agree that preserving rest and leisure time is one of the fundamental factors.
Given the situation caused by the SARS-COV-2 coronavirus pandemic, many families are confined to their homes most of the day to prevent the virus from spreading. The people over 65 and with multiple pathologies, as in the case of people with dementia, They are a collective risk.In this context, it is relevant pay attention to caregiversThey will be the ones who carry the burden of the cure 24 hours a day, unlike a normal situation in which the affected person can use healthcare resources such as day centers.
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That is why the team of Fundación ACE Social Work and Day Care, an entity specialized in the diagnosis, treatment and research of Alzheimer’s, has prepared a brief guide of tips for the emotional well-being and self-care of the caregiver during confinement.
Finding time for yourself It is one of the recommendations included in the guide, one more question difficult for caregivers in confinement. Also, bearing in mind that, in addition, most caregivers of people with dementia are womenThe burden of caring for a dependent person adds to the usual burdens that women tend to have at home.
From this guide these five tips for the caregiver:
- Get information once a day and from reliable sources. It is essential to limit the number of times we receive information and, when we receive it, it must be from reliable sources.
- Finding time and space for oneself. The body and the mind are not separate entities. Therefore, maintaining the caregiver’s emotional well-being will involve taking care of their physical condition as well.
- Accept the situation. People with dementia should not live alone in a confined situation like the current one. This will involve changes that both caregivers and people with dementia will need to adapt to. Even if a caregiver and patient previously lived together, confinement is a special situation that can be emotionally difficult. It may be helpful to practice breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as spending time on relaxing activities.
- Confinement does not mean isolation. We must remember that it is important to find a moment to socialize and keep our friendship or family relationships alive. This is an especially effective measure to decrease the feeling of loneliness. The technology will allow through calls or video calls or applications such as WhatsApp or Telegram that we can communicate with family and friends frequently.
- Manage emotions. Sadness, frustration, hopelessness, mood swings, physical and mental exhaustion are some of the emotions that caregivers can feel in a confined situation.
Information and advice line during the pandemic
In parallel, ACE Foundation has launched several initiatives during the pandemic to support the whole of society. Among others, it has opened the first information and advice line for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s, who cares for any person in the state who is in charge of a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia through the phone 934 304 720, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
You have also enabled a exclusive telephone line for health professionals, a line available to Health and the Barcelona Health Consortium and open from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., which meets the specific demands of professional to professional.
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