A great cause certainly deserves to be a great success, and that’s just what happened during this years BBQ Supper & Karaoke event sponsored by the Alzheimers/Dementia Caregivers Support Group of Cherokee County.

Edna Richardson, Margaret Eubanks and Jan Carr

Ms. Carr and Ms. Edna Richardson stopped by the studios of WEIS Radio last Friday, to send a sincere thank you to all those who helped to make the annual event such a success.

They also stated that even though their annual t-shirt fundraising drive is over for this year, donations are taken at any time; the group usually meets the third Thursday of each month, however they will not meet again until January.

For information on the Cherokee County Alzheimers/Dementia Caregivers Support Group, simply contact Margaret Eubanks at (256) 927-4307.

10 symptoms of caregiver stress

1. Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed.
   I know Mom is going to get better.
2. 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.
   He knows how to get dressed — he’s just being stubborn.
3. Social withdrawal from friends and activities that used to make you feel good.
   I don’t care about visiting with the neighbors anymore.
4. Anxiety about the future and facing another day.
   What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?
5. Depression that breaks your spirit and affects your ability to cope.
   I just don’t care anymore.
6. Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.
   I’m too tired for this.
7. Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns.
   What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?
8. Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and actions.
   Leave me alone!
9. Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
   I was so busy, I forgot my appointment.
10. Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll.
    I can’t remember the last time I felt good.

If you experience any of these signs of stress on a regular basis, make time to talk to your doctor.

Tips to manage stress

If you experience signs of stress on a regular basis, consult your doctor. Ignoring symptoms can cause your physical and mental health to decline.

• Know what resources are available.
  Adult day programs, in-home assistance, visiting nurses and meal delivery are just some of the services that can help you manage daily tasks. Use our online Community Resource Finder or contact your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter for assistance in finding Alzheimer’s care resources in your community. Use Alzheimer’s Navigator, our free online tool that helps evaluate your needs, identify action steps and connect with local programs and services.
• Get help.
  Trying to do everything by yourself will leave you exhausted. Seek the support of family, friends and caregivers going through similiar experiences. Tell others exactly what they can do to help. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), online message boards and local support groups are good sources of comfort and reassurance.
• Use relaxation techniques.
  There are several simple relaxation techniques that can help relieve stress. Try more than one to find which works best for you. Techniques include:
  • Visualization (mentally picturing a place or situation that is peaceful and calm)
  • Meditation (which can be as simple as dedicating 15 minutes a day to letting go of all stressful thoughts)
  • Breathing exercises (slowing your breathing and focusing on taking deep breaths)
  • Progressive muscle relaxation (tightening and then relaxing each muscle group, starting at one end of your body and working your way to the other end)

Learn more about relaxation techniques on the Mayo Clinic website.

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• Get moving.
  Physical activity — in any form — can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Even 10 minutes of exercise a day can help. Take a walk. Do an activity you love, such as gardening or dancing.
• Make time for yourself.
  As a caregiver, it’s hard to find time for yourself, but staying connected to friends, family and activities that you love is important for your well-being. Even if it’s only 30 minutes a week, carve out a pocket of time just for yourself.
• Become an educated caregiver.
  As the disease progresses, new caregiving skills may be necessary. The Alzheimer’s Association offers programs to help you better understand and cope with the behaviors and personality changes that often accompany Alzheimer’s. You may also find it helpful to talk to other care partners and caregivers about how they are coping with the challenges of the disease and uncertainty about the future.
• Take care of yourself.
  Visit your doctor regularly. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Making sure that you stay healthy will help you be a better caregiver.