Did you know that dementia caregivers are at higher risk for developing symptoms of depression compared to the general population? Research shows that 25-30% of caregivers experience anxiety, 15-20% have depressive symptoms, and over 70% experience emotional stress or feel burdened. There are numerous wellness options in the Austin-area, ranging from exercise to massage to float tanks (you can learn about the different kinds of wellness services in the 2020 Austin Wellness Guide from Tribeza). Our website provides links to a sampling of local services to help you care for yourself. For additional lists of providers of wellness-related services, check out Yelp, ThreeBestRated and Expertise.com. You can use these search engines to find yoga studios, massage, acupuncture, meditation, and other excellent wellness services in your area. Think about trying something new, like a float room or a salt cave. Like dancing? Check out Where to go Dancing by Visit Austin. Need to find a counselor or therapist? An extensive listing of providers can be found here.
Highlighted Program: The YMCA of Austin offers many wellness-related activities such as group fitness classes, boot camps, personal training, yoga, cycling, swimming, live streaming, and on demand classes.
Especially for Seniors:
General exercise programs:
- AARC senior programming
- Ballet Austin Active Aging
- Senior Fit at Pilates Center of Austin
- Silver Sneakers
- YMCA Senior programs
Other Physical Activities:
Cognitive Stimulation and Socialization
- Austin Community College- Lifelong Learning
- Austin Senior Centers
- Lifetime Learning Institute of Austin
- University of Texas-Austin- Lifelong Learning
For all Ages:
Wellness Programs and Retreats:
- Alive and Well Austin
- Lake Austin Spa Resort
- Lizard Yoga
- Miraval Austin
- Presence Wellness
- 3rd Eye Lounge
Active Health Facilities:
Mobile Wellness Services:
- Exercise: Fit Mindset
- Haircuts and styling: Spadash, Nluvhair
- Massage: Mobility Massage Austin and more
- Manicure/pedicure: Cherry
- Spa service: Synergy Mobile Spa
- Yoga: Austin Private Yoga, Liz Davis, 2UYoga, YogaRx, and more
Apps/books/podcasts
- Headspace Meditation app
- Calm meditation app
- Quick daily meditation book
- Gratitude 5 minute journal
- Mindset mentor podcast
References
- Alfakhri AS, Alshudukhi AW, Alqahtani AA, et al. Depression Among Caregivers of Patients With Dementia. Inquiry. 2018;55:46958017750432. doi:10.1177/0046958017750432
- Martín-Carrasco M, Ballesteros-Rodríguez J, Domínguez-Panchón AI, Muñoz-Hermoso P, González-Fraile E. Interventions for caregivers of patients with dementia. Actas Esp Psiquiatr. 2014 Nov-Dec;42(6):300-14. Epub 2014 Nov 1. PMID: 25388772.
- National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer’s Caregiving: Caring for Yourself.