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The Happy Place: A Dementia Caregiver's Refuge

Writer's picture: Barbara HuelatBarbara Huelat


The term "Happy Place" has been trending recently for several reasons. First, it is a popular term used on social media. People often use the hashtag #happyplace to share photos and videos of their favorite places, as well as quotes about happiness. Second, there is a growing awareness of the importance of self-care. People are increasingly prioritizing their mental health and well-being, and finding a happy place is a great way to do this. Third, the current global pandemic has made it more important than ever to find ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Many people have found that their happy place is a place where they can escape from the worries of the world and find peace and tranquility.

Dementia caregivers carry an enormous burden of stress, which has led to more caregivers talking about the importance of finding a happy place, both physically and emotionally. A happy place can be a physical location, such as a beach, a forest, or a park. Or it can be an emotional state, such as a feeling of peace, contentment, or joy.

Here are a few tips for dementia caregivers to find their happy place:

  • Think about what makes you happy. What are your favorite memories? What are the things that make you feel relaxed and content?

  • Visualize your happy place. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a place where you feel happy and peaceful. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel?

  • Create a physical reminder of your happy place. This could be a photo, a fragrance, a painting, or even a piece of jewelry. Something that will remind you of your happy place when you're feeling stressed or down.

  • Make time for your happy place. Whether it's a few minutes each day or an hour each week, make sure you schedule time to visit your happy place. It's a great way to recharge your batteries and come back to your everyday caregiving feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Here are a few examples of happy places for dementia caregivers:

  • A quiet room where you can read a book or listen to music.

  • A park where you can take a walk or sit and enjoy the scenery.

  • A bathtub filled with bubbles where you can soak and relax.

  • A sunny spot in your garden where you can garden or just sit and enjoy the fresh air.

  • A favorite coffee shop or restaurant where you can meet up with friends or family.

  • A place of worship where you can find peace and solace.

No matter what your happy place is, it's important to make time for it. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a challenging experience, but it's important to take care of yourself, too. Finding your happy place is a great way to do that.

In addition to the tips above, here are a few more things dementia caregivers can do to find their happy place:

  • Talk to other caregivers. Talking to other people who understand what you're going through can be a great way to feel supported and less alone. There are many support groups available for dementia caregivers, both online and in person.

  • Seek professional help. If you're struggling to cope with the stress of caregiving, talking to a therapist or counselor can be helpful. They can provide you with support and guidance and can help you develop coping mechanisms.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you find your happy place and cope with the stress of caregiving.


Where is your “happy place”? Please share your "happy place" in the comments below. Let's inspire each other to find our happy places and take care of ourselves!


Next week we will focus on a “Happy Place” for our loved ones with dementia. Tune in again to my blog post for more on dementia caregiving!

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