Some of the biggest problems we face in dementia care are stress, sadness, and depression. As a result, we need to take proactive steps to insure we avoid deep sadness and stay on mission.

Sadness is a normal human emotion. Sadness is often triggered by a difficult, hurtful, challenging experiences, or situation.

In our case, caring for someone living with dementia can lead to a deep sadness.

Deep sadness often feels like depression.

When this happens we sometimes lose our ability to function properly. It sometimes feels hopeless.

In order to reduce sadness we as caregivers must take action to insure we don't fall into the trap that often comes with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.

1. Don't take on more responsibility than you can handle. Learn to ask for help when you need it. Consider putting together a team of friends and relatives to share the burden. Don't go it alone.

2. Adult Day Services. Adult day care services take place in a professional care setting in which adults living with dementia, receive individualized social and health services for some part of the day, or all day. Typically, caregivers avoid day services when their loved says they will refuse to go. This is common. In fact, while most dementia patients complain about this they actually thrive in day services.