Despite your best efforts, providing care will become more difficult as the disease progresses, and the person you are caring for becomes more dependent on you. This is a time when many care partners need increased support for themselves.

The following are some tips to help you take care of yourself:

• Avoid isolation and loneliness by maintaining social activities and contacts as much as possible.
• Take care of your own health, eat well and exercise.
• Learn what happens in this stage of the disease.
• Join a care partner support group to connect with others living with the day-to-day issues of Alzheimer's disease and facing practical challenges, grief and loss.
• Be aware of the signs of stress and how it can affect your health and ability to provide care.
• Seek professional help if feelings of depression or anxiety are overwhelming.
• Be flexible about expectations.
• Try to be positive and keep a sense of humour.

If the person you support is not in a long term care home, make time for yourself by using respite care options, professional home care services, family members or friends, volunteer caregivers and friendly visiting programs.

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Help and Support from the Alzheimer Society

Living with Alzheimer's disease at any stage can be very challenging. Whether you are the person with the disease or someone who supports them, it is normal to feel a variety of emotions including grief and loss throughout all stages of the disease.  It is important to acknowledge your feelings, care for yourself and seek the practical help and emotional support that you need.

To connect with community supports/resources for assistance with grief or emotional support, scroll to the Search bar at the top of the page and type a specific question or topic. 

The Alzheimer Society in your community can provide educational resources to help you learn more about the disease, referrals to help you access the practical support you need, and one-on-one and group support to help you cope with the emotional impact of the disease.  Contact your local Alzheimer Society today.

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Additional Reading

Living and Transforming with Grief and Loss: A By Us For Us Guide

Progression Series: Late Stage

A Handbook for Care

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At any time, you may scroll to the Search bar at the top of the page and type a specific question or topic.