Family Caregiver Support

     Did you know that about 1 in 3 adults serves as an informal caregiver to another adult, like an aging parent or disabled relative? Here are some other noteworthy facts from Caregiver.org about family caregivers:

• About 43.5 million people offer unpaid caregiving in the US

• About 15.7 million caregivers are helping someone with a memory illness

• About 75% of caregivers are females

• About 57% of caregivers perform clinical tasks

• The average caregiver is 49 years old

• Family caregivers spend 24.4 hours caregiving a week on average

• 40% of caregivers are in high-burden situations 

     Do you fit into these statistics? You balance your workday with check-ins on your elder Mom or Dad who live nearby, or you stop in every Saturday to help your neighbor manage his medications. There may be wounds on a loved one that need dressing, lawns that need mowing, and meals that require preparation. Although many family caregivers find the opportunity to care for a loved one a privilege, it can also be demanding. Over time, financial difficulties, limited personal free time, and lack of other caregiving options for a loved one can lead to caregiver burnout. Here are some tips on how to cope effectively:    

-Ask for and accept help because even if only temporary, there may be others in your care circle willing to assist with tasks.

 -Set realistic goals by considering saying “no” to extra requests and demands.

 - Connect with others through support groups or friends who listen and understand.                       

 -Make yourself a priority by ensuring you get enough sleep, exercise, and self-care.  Don’t take short cuts on your health and wellness needs.

This article was written through our partnership with Clear Care.

In recognition of Alzheimer's disease's "Longest Day": 10 tips for brain health

On June 20th- the summer solstice and the day with the most light- people from across the world unite to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s disease through awareness and fundraising events.  Check with your local Alzheimer’s Association for details on these events.  The Alzheimer’s Association encourages you to care for the health of your own brain by following these ten tips:

1) Break a sweat.  Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

2) Hit the books.  Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.

3) Butt out.   Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

4) Follow your heart.  Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke — obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes — negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.

5) Heads up!  Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.

6) Fuel up right.  Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.

7) Catch some Zzz's.  Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking concerns.

8) Take care of your mental health.  Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

9) Buddy up.  Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community — if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an after-school program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.

10) Stump yourself.  Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain.

Is your loved one struggling with memory loss?  At Home Senior Care now offers Peace of Mind Membership Packages!  We work with you to identify your needs and potential concerns and tailor a program to create a peace of mind for you and your family.  Call 802-768-8565.

Important Steps to Resolving Caregiver Stress

     Caregivers have hearts as big as the moon, as filled with compassion as the ocean of its water. When we are in our groove, nothing can stop up from being our best selves, but the truth is something always eventually stops us- at least for a little while. 

     Caregivers arrive at this “Wit’s End” when they are stressed. Sometimes we see it coming a mile away; other times, it suddenly overcomes us leaving us to feel vulnerable, exhausted, and oh so guilty that we now must invest time taking care of ourselves rather than those we serve. It is difficult for caregivers to put their health first, but without doing so, we become run down faster than a second grader’s pencil point, and in that grumpy, stressed-out state, how are we to help those to whom we provide care?

     We can better understand stressors when we track our trigger points. With the world’s current situation, the coronavirus pandemic-and the many snarls of problems it has created- is a leading cause of stress among caregivers. Other common triggers are limited downtime, emotional or physical exhaustion, lack of sleep, and lack of support. Once a caregiver has a better understanding of what is causing the stress, he or she can customize a plan to relieve it. The following are some coping strategies to help in dealing with stress.

Get a support system in place. Talk therapy is important, so is physical support. Nurses, care managers, physicians, clergy, friends and family members can offer assistance in both these areas. People care about you- let them help!  

Focus on what you can do, not what you cannot. We can only do so much. Trust that you are giving your senior loved one your 100% and that you are thoughtful about every decision and action you are doing on their behalf. No one can be a “perfect” caregiver but believe that you are doing the best you can.  

Get sleep. Get exercise.  It’s easy to say but harder to accomplish.  Make sleep a priority, and if you have trouble falling asleep, develop a calming bedtime routine, or consider talking to your physician.  Exercise in a way that will be consistent for you. Schedule a morning walk each day, or sign up for a virtual yoga class. Dance in your living room, move a rake across your yard- do any exercise that you enjoy, and that gets your body moving. 

Don’t lose your identity.  If you love movies but haven’t watched one in months, commit to viewing a flick this weekend. If you once were a social butterfly, but are now a hermit, reach out to your friends and set up a way to meet online. Blow the dust off your camera and snap a few photos, or finish that sewing project you abandoned. Make a point of taking time to be YOU.

If you are alone in your caregiving journey and looking for support, At Home Senior Care can help.  Call us at 802.768.8595.