Adjust your expectations of the patient to coincide with their abilities and the situation as it is today. This will relieve some of the stress and frustration and help you find meaningful activities for your loved one. Learn to prioritize and don't be too critical of yourself or your loved one. Once again, you cannot do it all. Request help with caregiving tasks from family, friends, neighbors and professionals, such as geriatric care managers, home care agencies or day-care programs.
Lack of communication can be the source of stress and strain.
Give yourself a break. Even the most dedicated worker needs an occasional rest, so give yourself a break, whether it's for an hour, overnight or for a week. Respite care can be obtained by having a friend or other member of the family give help or by enrolling the person with Alzheimers into a day-care program or paying an agency to provide companion services. Some nursing homes offer overnight or week long respite services. It is also important for the caregiver to eat right, exercise and get enough rest.