Alzheimer’s Association invites caregivers to assess stress level, develop self-care plan

Caring for a loved one living with dementia is stressful and that stress can build during the holidays. It’s why the Alzheimer’s Association in Phoenix is offering caregivers a chance to assess their current stress levels and create a self-care plan.

Kinsey McManus is the programs director with the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. She’ll be hosting this virtual session on Monday.

"The presentation itself will cover things looking at both short-term ways to manage stress that comes with caregiving, as well as some long-term planning to help reduce the burden of caregiving," she says.

Because the responsibilities pile up fast. "So they don't always see how much is piled on their plate until they get to a point where they're very stressed."

And that pile grows over time. "When you're looking at that list, are there things that you would be open to having other people help you with?"

McManus will also talk about how to handle the upcoming holidays.

"It's both a wonderful time to connect with family and friends, but it's also a very stressful time, and there are some things to consider as someone living with dementia continues to progress in the disease and thinking about modifications to make the holiday still a really joyous time."

McManus says the session will be recorded. Arizona is home to nearly 300,000 caregivers.

To register for this virtual session or to have the video emailed to you so you can view at a later date, click here: https://tinyurl.com/December2024Education