All About Alzheimer's Newsletter- Monday 13th April 2026

One concern that many caregivers mention is what would happen if their loved one fell or needed help when no one else was nearby.

Some families address this by putting a simple medical alert system in place so their loved one can call for help if needed.

We’ve partnered with Bay Alarm Medical so readers can explore one option if this is something they’ve been thinking about.

You can see how it works by clicking the link below, or speak directly with their team on 1-877-327-0779

Only available in the USA

Hearing loss and dementia connection

Hospital wards becoming dementia friendly

Last week, we explored the ten warning signs of caregiver stress. Recognising those signs is the first step.

This week, we’re focusing on what you can do next.

Caring for someone with dementia can be demanding, and while stress is a natural part of the journey, there are ways to manage it and protect your wellbeing.

Here are ten practical ways to help reduce caregiver stress.

1. Learn about dementia

Understanding dementia can help you feel more prepared for what lies ahead. Knowing how the condition progresses and what changes to expect can reduce uncertainty and help you respond with more confidence.

2. Be realistic about dementia

Dementia changes over time. Being realistic about how it may affect your loved one can help manage expectations and reduce frustration when things don’t go as they once did.

3. Be realistic about yourself

You are one person. There are limits to what you can do, and it’s important to recognise them. Trying to do everything alone can lead to burnout.

4. Accept your feelings

Caregiving can bring a mix of emotions such as anger, guilt, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and frustration. These feelings are not a sign of failure. They are a natural response to a challenging situation.

5. Share information with others

Letting family and friends know what is happening can help them better understand your situation. The more they know, the more they can support you in meaningful ways.

6. Share your feelings

Talking openly about how you feel can make a real difference. Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or a support group, having someone to listen can help ease the emotional load.

7. Focus on what is still possible

It can be helpful to focus on what your loved one can still do, rather than what has been lost. This shift in perspective can bring moments of positivity, even during difficult times.

8. Take care of yourself

Looking after your own health is essential. Eating well, staying active, and making time for yourself, even in small ways, helps you sustain the care you give.

Staying connected with others can also reduce feelings of isolation.

9. Ask for help

Support is available, and reaching out is not a weakness. Whether it’s family, friends, or a local support group, sharing the responsibility can make caregiving more manageable.

10. Plan for the future

Thinking ahead can feel difficult, but it can also provide reassurance. Reviewing finances, discussing care preferences, and making early decisions can reduce stress later on.

You don’t have to do this alone

Caregiving is one of the most demanding roles a person can take on. Taking steps to manage stress is not stepping away from that role. It is what helps you continue in it.

Small changes, support from others, and being kinder to yourself can make a meaningful difference over time.

💙 Looking after yourself is part of looking after them.

If this story resonates with you, you are not alone.

We share regular insights on our YouTube channel, covering topics such as caregiver guilt, emotional overwhelm, and the realities of caring for a loved one with dementia.

These videos are designed to support you with honest guidance and reassurance when you need it most.

Every week, we share an honest story from a caregiver — the things most people are too afraid to say out loud.

Thank you for sharing this so clearly. What you are describing is something many caregivers experience, even if it is not always visible to others.

Caregiving stress is often cumulative. It is not just one event or moment, but a constant stream of responsibility, decision making, and emotional awareness. Over time, that can create a sense of being “always on,” where even moments of rest do not feel like true rest.

The difficulty in explaining it to others is also very common. From the outside, it can look like you are managing, but internally there is a continuous mental load that rarely switches off.

It can help to recognise that this kind of stress is not a sign that you are struggling to cope. It is a reflection of the level of responsibility you are carrying. Your mind is trying to stay ahead, anticipate needs, and maintain stability.

Creating small, intentional moments where you allow your mind to step away, even briefly, can be helpful. This might be a short walk, a pause without tasks, or sharing the load with someone you trust.

Most importantly, acknowledging the stress rather than pushing it aside is a meaningful step. It allows you to respond to it, rather than simply carry it.

You are managing a great deal, often quietly. And you are not alone in feeling this way.

Harvey

If something’s been on your heart lately, let us know. We read every word. Your voice could offer comfort to someone else navigating the same journey.

Over the past year, I’ve been speaking more with companies about something that keeps coming up — how many employees are quietly balancing work with caring for a parent or loved one.

In many cases, its affecting stress, focus, and even whether people stay in their roles.

I’ve recently started working with a small number of organisations to support these employees in a simple, structured way — without adding pressure to HR teams.

If you work at a company where this might be relevant (or know someone in HR/People teams), feel free to reply and I can share more.

_{At All About Alzheimer's we're dementia professionals but we're not medical doctors or lawyers. The information we provide is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical diagnoses, treatment or any health related concerns and consult with a lawyer on any legal issue.}

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