Create Your Personal Caregiving Support Network: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

“In the marathon that is caregiving, the difference between exhaustion and endurance isn’t willpower, it’s the strength of the support network we build around us.” Sue Ryan

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caregiving? Do you find yourself thinking, “I don’t have time to get everything done.” or “I should be able to do this myself.”? You’re not alone, and there’s a better way forward.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned building a strong personal support network is crucial for sustainable caregiving. Studies show that dementia family caregivers face overwhelming emotional challenges.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.com
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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: [e-mail], [e-mail]

Full Show Notes: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/40-create-your-personal-support-network-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• 27. The Realities of Caregiver Self-Care https://thecaregiversjourney.com/the-realities-of-caregiver-self-care-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/
• 32. Navigating the Caregiver Hiring Process https://thecaregiversjourney.com/32-navigating-the-caregiver-hiring-process-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

Tip 1: Assess Your Needs and Make a List

Ask yourself:

• Do I have time to get everything done that needs to be done?
• Am I physically strong enough to handle all caregiving tasks?
• Do I find myself losing patience or empathy?
• Is my loved one struggling with activities of daily living that I can't manage alone?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's time to ask for help. 

Tip 2: Create a List of Who Can Help and What They Can Do

• Think about all the people who have offered to help or who might be willing to help. 
• Map your list of potential helpers to your list of needs. If multiple people can help with a particular task, list them all—it's better not to rely on just one person.

Tip 3: How to Effectively Ask for Help

• Recognize that some people want to help your care receiver, while others want to help you. 
• Be specific and direct about what you need and why you need it.
• Remember that the people on your list have likely already offered to help or have shown willingness to support you.
• Adapt your approach based on the person you're asking. 

Tip 4: When People Offer to Help, Say "Yes"

Avoid these common traps:

• "It would be easier just to do it myself."
• "No one can care for my loved one like I can."
• "I should be able to do this myself."
• "I feel guilty—they have their own busy lives."

Tip 5: Maintain Your Support Network and Adjust as Things Change

• Encouraging open communication with your support team members
• Being proactive about finding new support team members when needed
• Checking in regularly with your helpers to keep them informed and engaged
• Watching for signs of burnout in your helpers—they may experience caregiver fatigue too