Helping Yourself Dementia calls for a stronger than-usual arsenal of self preservation measures. This illness takes an enormous toll on family members. And in this situation especially, your own care and your parent's care are inseparable. If you are caring for your parent with any regularity, his mental state will reflect yours. If you are always on the verge of exploding or crying, he will feel the pressure and become that much more anxious and bewildered.
Life together can swirl into a downward tailspin.
But if, on the other hand, you are calm, your parent will be more capable and composed. Attend to your own needs, if only to help your parent. Join a support group. Schedule breaks away from your parent. I don't have her anymore, and I miss her terribly.