Best way to prevent caregiver stress

December 12th, 2011

Anyone who cares for an elderly relative can easily fall victim to caregiver stress. Just dealing with the emotional toll alone can be damaging to your health as well as the relationship you have with the person for whom you are caring. Ideally, recognizing the symptoms of caregiver stress early on is the best way to prevent them from escalating into something more serious.

Taking care of yourself as a caregiver is one of the most important ways to stay healthy. Here are a few ways to accomplish this:

  • Become an educated caregiver. As the disease progresses, new caregiving skills are necessary. Find information on alz.org or contact your local Alzheimer’s Association.
  • Take care of yourself. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Make time for shopping, lunch with friends or even a golf outing.
  • Give yourself credit, not guilt. You are doing the best you can. Don’t feel guilty because you can’t do more. Your loved one needs you, and you are there – that should make you feel proud.

One of the most important things to remember is that there IS help available. You are not failing as a caregiver by asking for assistance. Taking advantage of the services offered by a professional home care company can often be the ideal solution.

Posted in Caregivers, Elder Care, Home Care | No Comments »

Searching for an outside caregiver

October 31st, 2011

Outside caregiver

When caring for an aging relative becomes too much for one person to handle, they often consider using the services of an outside caregiver to help with day to day activities. The right caregiver can make a significant impact on the quality of care your loved one is receiving, as well as alleviating some of the stress that naturally occurs when you are struggling to balance your existing responsibilities while still providing the care that your loved one deserves.

But how do you go about choosing the right person? And what is the best way to determine what level of skill you need to search for? Here are some things to consider before searching for an outside caregiver:

  • Make a list of daily activities: By reviewing the activities of a typical day of the patient you will be able to determine the specific duties required. It helps to create a timeline of activities so that you plan for meals, naps and regular appointments.
  • Assess the degree of specialty: If the patient suffers from any degree of dementia or physical disability make sure you look for a caregiver with appropriate knowledge and experience.
  • Determine the need for meal preparation: Not only should you make a choice for a caregiver on their ability to prepare meals if necessary, but also their understanding and ability to create diet-specific meal choices.

Once you have your specific needs detailed, it will make searching for an outside caregiver much easier.

Posted in Caregivers, Elder Care | No Comments »

Managing stress as a caregiver

October 26th, 2011

Taking care of elderly parents

It’s estimated that 34 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers for other adults, usually elderly relatives, and that they spend an average 21 hours a week helping out, according to a study being released today by AARP. In addition, many more individuals devote at least some time every week to calling and/or checking on aging parents.

Taking care of elderly parents can place significant strains on the caregiver’s health and emotional well-being. Caregiver’s report having one or more chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, at nearly twice the rate of all Americans. They often times also experience emotional stress as they struggle to care for their parents and their own families at the same time.

In order to mitigate the strain that being a caregiver can bring, it’s important to reach out to others in the same situation. Sometimes, simply hearing another caregiver express their issues can go a long way towards relieving the stress and isolation which can result when you have assumed the role of primary caregiver. Take time to look for support groups in your area, as well as searching for services such as adult daycare centers, which may allow you to take an occasional break and help prevent becoming overwhelmed.

Tags:
Posted in Caregivers, Elder Care | No Comments »

10 Signs a Senior May Need Help

October 14th, 2011

Oftentimes, seniors are reluctant to seek outside help because they want to keep doing things the way they always have. Dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive problems, may impair seniors; judgment as well as their memory. That is when, with an older adults input, a caregiver can intervene to promote a safe environment and help ensure quality of life.

By helping adult children identify the types of resources that a senior might need to remain independent, we hope that families can avoid some of the stresses that come with caring for an aging loved one.

So, now let’s look at the 10 questions:

  1. Has food spoiled because your loved one can’t get to the grocery store?
  2. Has your loved one’s declining health prompted his/her to purchase more convenience foods, and neglect proper nutrition?
  3. Are household tasks to difficult?
  4. Have shaky hands spilled food on the carpet or floor?
  5. Are bills not getting paid?
  6. Is medication not being taken correctly?
  7. Is personal hygiene being neglected?
  8. Has the normal daily routine changed to be less social?
  9. Are phone calls being avoided?
  10. Is your loved one not calling familiar faces by name anymore?

Posted in Elder Care | No Comments »

Who is the Senior Resource Group of SC?

October 14th, 2011

The Senior Resource Group of South Carolina is a group of elite professionals assisting families to navigate through the medical and financial challenges of aging.

The panel is made up of leading professionals experienced in home care, assisted living, home health care, Veterans administration, estate planning, long term care and a commercial insurance broker. This group of experts is here to advocate both for our seniors and for their friends and families. We want you to get to know us before you need us.

This resource group believes that planning and preparation are key. Everyone has a story to share and all have a common theme. People say, “If I only knew I would have done xy and z differently”’ or “I do not know where to go or what to do”.

The Senior Resource Group is here to arm you with information. So when you have to make tough decisions for a loved one you have an arsenal of knowledge to assist make the best choices for your loved one.

Tags: ,
Posted in Elder Care, Home Care | No Comments »

« Older Entries