# How to recognize and manage caregiver stress

By  
the PicnicHealth Team  
Aug 09, 2022 • 3 min read

We’ve taken our commitment to the Alzheimer’s caregiver community one step further as a Proud Supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association! Below, you’ll find a free, downloadable guide to help recognize and manage caregiver stress.

[Download Guide](/content/manage-caregiver-stress-brochure/index.html)

### What’s in the guide:

##### 1. Identifying Common Signs of Stress
Managing care for a loved one is often a full-time job and it's important to check in on your stress levels before it's too late. This guide is packed with signs of stress so you can quickly check in with your emotional state.

##### 2. Managing Stress
So you've identified you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, exhausted or perhaps all of the above. Now, what? Reference these tips to help manage stress and be a healthier caregiver.

##### 3. Resources Specifically for Alzheimer's Caregivers
Caregiving for a loved one can feel isolating. The Alzheimer's Association understands how important community is to caregivers and provides resources such as support groups, a free 24/7 Helpline ( [800.272.3900](tel:800-272-3900)), and more. At the end of this brochure, you'll find information on how you can connect with people just like yourself.

## Together, we can make a difference.

Learn more about PicnicHealth’s commitment to the Alzheimer’s community and the Alzheimer’s Association

### Create a List

List the names of all the doctors, hospitals, and other facilities your loved one visits regularly, along with those they have visited in the past. Try to go back as far as you can, striving for at least the last 5-10 years, but do your best. Even if you can’t remember them all, having a strong baseline can help you quickly identify gaps in records.

#### Ensure You Have the Appropriate Legal Status

It is important to make sure that you are fully empowered to make decisions on behalf of your loved one with Alzheimer’s. Your relationship status with the patient may not be enough to legally give you access to your loved one's medical information. It is a good idea to talk to an expert about securing special legal status, such as Power of Attorney (POA).

#### Gather and Organize the Medical Records in One Place

It’s important to have all of your loved one’s medical records together in one spot. This makes it much easier for you and your loved one’s physicians to accurately map the patient’s medical journey. A free resource like PicnicHealth helps you collect and organize all of this information.

#### Review the Medical Records to be an Informed Advocate

The better you understand your loved one's medical history, the better you can advocate on their behalf. Access and understanding of this information will help you to ask informed questions with physicians.

### 1. Build a support network.

When you’re juggling appointment times and insurance claims, putting a robust support system together might not strike you as the most urgent task. Investing the time to cultivate relationships with people can turn to in times of need will pay dividends.

### 2. Stay organized.

The backbone of effective caregiving is organization. Keep medical information, appointment schedules, and medication lists in order. Use a planner or a digital service like PicnicHealth to stay on top of your responsibilities.

### 3. Explore treatments and clinical trials.

Stay in the loop about the latest in medical advancements and available resources that could benefit your loved one.

### 4. Make time for self-care.

It may seem self-centered to focus on self-care—but when you feel good, you can be a better caregiver. Whether it’s exercise, a mindfulness practice, or just time to rest, carve out those moments in the day when you can unwind.

## Having trouble managing your loved one's medical records?

Easily manage all of your loved one's medical records and contribute to ongoing Alzheimer's research with PicnicHealth.