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Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's disease is such a difficult task. What are some ways that help you cope with the stress?

It is very difficult and stressful being a caregiver. Getting help and support from family and friends is always a good start, and making time for yourself will help you relieve stress.

I have found that bringing my breathing exercises from yoga helps. When I can find 5 -10 minutes, I like to do some relaxation excercises. I come back to my caregiving with renewed energy and focus.

I don't have any family nearby who can help me. And I don't know how to ask friends for help. Any advice on approaching friends? Are there other programs or services that can help me that are fairly inexpensive?

I think there are lots of ways to get some help when you feel overwhelmed by caring for someone. Places to go include your church, the Alzheimer's association, and I'd suggest that you look in your local paper for support groups that may have formed. These are the places I found I got information and met friends that gave me so much help over the years!!!!

In addition to the above suggestions, you might consider looking into adult day care centers or respite care services. If you cannot afford either of those options, you should look into community volunteer services that might provide some help. For example, local colleges, universities, or high schools often have volunteer groups willing to come visit or help out with errands or chores.

This information is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice, read more at: http://www.lightbridgehealthcare.com/2838.xml

I have just started with my care giving of my mom, the crazy thing that just made me realize that I am now in control was when I finally had a heart to heart talk with her concerning her condition and the new living arrangements that need to take place. She had a seemly two way conversation with me and then I had to go answer the phone, came back and she had forgot every single word that was spoken between us. As though there was some sort of quantum astro-plane and I had walked through the cortex and ended up with my mom within the wrong leap.