Caregivers often become isolated, especially caregivers who serve dementia patients. Dementia leads to isolation, a decline in social contact, activity and interest in others. It can spread to the caregiver too. Because public life becomes difficult or confusing for the patient, the caregiver adapts to that new reality and begins to isolate too. I experienced this and had to fight away the impulse to stay home all the time, or decline invitations to be with others simply because that's "easy".
I have written about this already, but feel compelled to repeat it. Avoid social isolation as a caregiver. Don't neglect time with other people. Stay active. Stay sociable. Your needs are not good or bad; they just are. Don't underestimate the refreshment of spending some time with others when you can arrange it. Ask for help, and just enjoy the surprise of someone who volunteers to help you. You will be a more effective and efficient caregiver if you take care of yourself. Caregiving is draining; don't deprive yourself the refreshment of others' company. You will definitely need the energy it offers.
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