Providing care for a person with dementia takes a tremendous toll on the physical and emotional health of the primary care partner. Yet, many care partners often don't recognize the warning signs or deny its effects on their health.

You may tend to set your own needs aside while caring for the person with dementia. You may hope that if you don't think about it, the stress might just go away.

Imagine that you have been given a gift of time. How wonderful! Some time for yourself to take care of you. How would you spend this time for your own enjoyment and pleasure?

Download and print a copy of the activity sheet below. Reflect on and answer the questions.

Taking Care of Me

Download File 

For Reflection...

After you complete the activity sheet, take a few minutes to reflect on the following questions.  Feel free to make some notes.

• How difficult was it to name one thing within each time category?
• What might prevent you from successfully accomplishing these things for yourself?
• What will you do to make sure that you find time to accomplish at least ONE of the things you've listed?

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More Learning Resources

First Steps for Families

Reducing Caregiver Stress