Caregiver Stress can be tough and it’s important to be aware of caregiver burnout. As a caregiver, you must take care of your own physical and mental health in order to provide quality care. 
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​Caring for a loved one with dementia can take a physical and emotional toll. As demands grow, caregivers often report feelings of sadness, stress, guilt, anger, isolation, and depression. The Alzheimer’s Association® has prepared a list of ten signs of caregiver stress. A strained caregiver is unlikely to provide quality care to a friend or loved one with dementia. Please see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis:

1. Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed. 
   “I know Mom is going to get better.”
2. Anger at the person with Alzheimer’s, the fact there is no cure, or that people don’t understand what’s happening. 
   “If he asks me that one more time, I’ll scream!”
3. Social withdrawal from friends and activities that once brought pleasure. 
   “I don’t care about getting together with friends anymore.”
4. Anxiety about the future. 
   “What happens when he needs more care than I can provide?”
5. Depression* that begins to break your spirit and affects your ability to cope. This can include thoughts of suicide or death. 
   “I don’t care anymore.”
6. Exhaustion that makes it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks. 
   “I’m too tired for this.”
7. Sleeplessness caused by a never-ending list of concerns. 
   “What if she wanders out of the house or falls and hurts herself?”
8. Irritability that leads to moodiness and triggers negative responses and actions. 
   “Leave me alone!”
9. Lack of concentration that makes it difficult to perform familiar tasks. 
   “I was so busy; I forgot we had an appointment.”
10. Health problems that begin to take a mental and physical toll.
    “I can’t remember the last time I felt good.”​

 It is overwhelming to be a caregiver and can be difficult to know when to take action.  Financial Planning is only one part of the puzzle, but a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ professional can work with you to maneuver through.