For more information or to donate, visit www.alz.org/sandiego Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. In California, there are more than 690,000 people living with Alzheimer’s, 60,000 of them in the San Diego region. More than 160,000 family and friends are providing care in the San Diego region. Caregivers and all those impacted by dementia can call our free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to speak confidentially with master’s-level care consultants for decision-making support, crisis assistance & education on issues families face every day. You are not alone. Alzheimer’s San Diego holds free Caregiver Workshops throughout the year. These education events connect dementia caregivers with local experts, so they can get the tools they need to navigate this disease. Currently, there are more than 11 million family members and friends across the country, providing care to more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. Caring for those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia poses special challenges for family caregivers. As dementia symptoms worsen, caregivers can experience increased emotional stress, depression, anxiety and new or worsened health problems. Caregivers often experience depleted finances due to disruptions in employment and paying for health care or other services. Across the country, 59% of dementia caregivers report high to very high emotional stress due to caregiving and 38% report high to very high physical stress due to caregiving. Seventy-four percent of dementia caregivers report they are “somewhat concerned” to “very concerned” about maintaining their own health since becoming a caregiver. To help caregivers balance competing priorities while maintaining their overall health and well-being, the Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips: Find time for yourself. It’s normal to need a break from caregiving duties. No one can do it all by themselves. Consider taking advantage of respite care or help from family and friends to spend time doing something you enjoy. Become an educated caregiver. Understand the disease, its progression and accompanying behavioral and physical changes. Know resources in your community that can help. Build a support network. Organize friends and family who want to help provide care and support. Access local caregiver support groups or online communities such as ALZConnected to connect with other caregivers. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Take care of yourself. Try to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Making sure that you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver. Avoid caregiver burnout. Sustained caregiver stress can lead to caregiver burnout — a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. The Alzheimer’s Association offers tips to help caregivers identify and avoid caregiver burnout. Accept changes. Eventually, your loved one will need more intensive kinds of care. Research care options now so you are ready for the changes as they occur. Know you’re doing your best. It’s normal to lose patience or feel like your care may fall short sometimes. You’re doing the best you can.