Being a care partner, family member, or friend to someone experiencing changes in brain health or living with Alzheimer's disease can be incredibly difficult and deeply meaningful. Throughout their brain health journey, it’s important to take care of yourself, too — making space for your own needs, as well as for the loss and grief that can come with this role.
As a care partner, family member, or friend, how do I use this resource? How can I support myself along the way?
- Use this tool and others: This Brain Health Journey tool is designed to support care partners, and much of the content is just as valuable for family members and friends who want to understand and stay connected to someone living with these changes. Whether you provide daily care or want to be there in other meaningful ways, you’ll find practical tools, helpful insights, and supportive resources throughout this tool. BrainGuide, Daughterhood, and Hilarity for Charity also offer resources to guide and support care partners.
- Provide support at home and in healthcare settings: Accompanying the person you’re caring for to appointments can help tremendously. Afterward, you can support them with follow-up care and continue being there for them regularly.
- Make space for your emotions and lean into your support system: As a care partner, it’s important to make space for your feelings, too. Grief and loss can occur throughout caregiving — both in anticipating what’s ahead and mourning what’s already changed. These feelings are normal. Consider talking with a friend, family member, or mental health professional about your experience. The Alzheimer's Association also has more information about navigating grief and loss.
Bottom line: Use tools like this one to support both you and the person you’re caring for. Be there for them at home and in healthcare settings as their needs change, but remember to take care of your own emotional well-being along the way. Caregiving is challenging and meaningful work.
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical judgment. Consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding Alzheimer's disease, related conditions, or any medical condition.
