Is anyone else a full time (unpaid) caregiver for a family member? My Mum has advanced dementia and lives with me. I can rarely leave her alone so going out running or to exercise classes is not possible. I sometimes walk, early in the morning, before she wakes. I try to make time for some yoga or free weights exercises at home. Any one else in this position? Any suggestions?

Julie Z.
Hello, first of all i am so proud of you taking care of your mom and not leaving her behind
I have some suggestions for you, you said you go out for a walk early in the morning before she wakes up it's a good idea and for the exercises just do them at home when your mom is just next to you, i can tell you they really work, you don't need any materials just do common exercises you can find plenty of them on YouTube or in some applications and you are going to do fine, by experience
And good luck ~
Bernhard Y.
Hello, is your mom able to take walks as well? On a good day, she can accompany you. Do you have any close relatives or friends that could stay with her a few times a week long enough for you do some self-care? My mom has health issues and I always think about what is to come. Her support group where she lives is great, but I live in a different state. Things would be different here if she had to come live with me. I have to find time to exercise at home just due to scheduling and I found really great yoga YouTube channel- Yoga with Adrienne. She has all kinds of videos, all levels and difficulties. I have Apple TV and I just put it on my tv and do it in my living room. And last, I recommend you set a time to do this everyday. I find that I’m better when I keep a schedule. Easier said than done but when we make schedules time for things like this, we get them done more often. Good luck!
Severin G.
Hello, first of all i am so proud of you taking care of your mom and not leaving her behind
I have some suggestions for you, you said you go out for a walk early in the morning before she wakes up it's a good idea and for the exercises just do them at home when your mom is just next to you, i can tell you they really work, you don't need any materials just do common exercises you can find plenty of them on YouTube or in some applications and you are going to do fine, by experience
And good luck ~
Cornelius C.
Hello, first of all i am so proud of you taking care of your mom and not leaving her behind
I have some suggestions for you, you said you go out for a walk early in the morning before she wakes up it's a good idea and for the exercises just do them at home when your mom is just next to you, i can tell you they really work, you don't need any materials just do common exercises you can find plenty of them on YouTube or in some applications and you are going to do fine, by experience
And good luck ~
Lana E.
Hello, first of all i am so proud of you taking care of your mom and not leaving her behind
I have some suggestions for you, you said you go out for a walk early in the morning before she wakes up it's a good idea and for the exercises just do them at home when your mom is just next to you, i can tell you they really work, you don't need any materials just do common exercises you can find plenty of them on YouTube or in some applications and you are going to do fine, by experience
And good luck ~
S Rio E.
Wow, that is not an easy ‘job’ you've been Please make sure you guard your mental wellness by asking for someone like a neighbour or a church member or relative to take care for a while. Don’t wait until you are really really needing this break, which is only natural. Please trust others also. Even if your mum doesn’t like change, it’s a preventative care so you can keep up the good but mentally hard work! I can recommend doing yoga from home on a daily basis: yogawithadriene.com via youtube. It’s helped me to live more mindfully and gratefully! In the Netherlands we call what you do Mantelzorg. There are possibilities for a volunteer to help with caring for someone with Alzheimer, which can be such a good relief. I pray you will find extra support so you can enjoy some more freedom and breathing space! All the best to you and your mum! I have lots of respect for you! And I’m praying you will have many happy times to share with your mum! B.R. Thelma