The Ultimate Guide For Today's Caregiver!
Your caregiver role may be thrust upon you without
much warning or you have slowly slid into it. Either
way, the role of adult caregiver can be overwhelming.
It can cause feelings of isolation, anxiety, sadness,
trepidation, frustration and even resentment. (Then
of course, those emotions bring on guilt.)
These feelings are normal and not at all uncommon
and you can expect them to come and go throughout
your tenure as a caregiver. With these feelings also
come positive moments of appreciation for the person
you are caring for, compassion and understanding.
Every caregiving situation is unique due to various
circumstances but there are various strategies to help
you cope through the times ahead that are universal.
If you find yourself in that adult caregiver role, you
should arm yourself with as much information as possible
so that you can not only learning coping skills but also
create a plan of action which includes alternatives for
anything unanticipated.
6 all-purpose strategies that can help:
1. Establish the groundwork for your caregiving role
so that you can adequately make the necessary
decisions.
Talk with all parties involved from the loved one
you are caring for as well as your siblings and other
family members and even social agencies who may
help in providing care.
You need a clear picture of when the problems started
occurring and in what frequency. This information will
help in preparing a treatment plan.
2. Meet with your loved one's doctors and ensure your
loved one has a comprehensive examination to test
emotional, physical and mental health.
You need to know everything in order to conduct your
caregiving duties effectively. Educate yourself in regards
to what you can expect as your loved one deteriorates
so that you know when and how to react when caregiving
needs change.
3. Assess your loved one's needs and determine
whether they can still live alone with daily help and
intervention or whether they need to move in with you.
Their daily habits will need to be scrutinized. Things
such as:
*Personal care like eating and grooming
*Household chores like cooking, cleaning and
paying bills on time
*Health management such as taking medications
properly and even whether they can be safe by
themselves or maintain personal relationships.
4. Create a plan that addresses the assessment you
have made regarding your loved one. You may have
to hire an adult caregiver during the day so you can
work or find an adult day care.
You might have to give up your job to care for them
full-time or perhaps they could still live alone but you
need to hire a companion to assist them.
Hospitals, social work agencies and even governmental
entities can help you cope with these decisions.
5. Evaluate your finances and that of your loved one.
What type of care can they afford? Does insurance cover
it?
Will you have to pitch in financially? You might have
to consult with a lawyer to outline all the financial assets
your loved one has as well as possibly draw up any legal
papers granting your rights should your loved one not
be able to make decisions any longer.
6. Whether your loved one can still live at home or has
to move in with you, there are likely safety issues you
have to deal with.
For physical infirmities, you will likely have to make
plans to accommodate a wheelchair or install handicap
implements such as a chair in the shower, rails for
hallways and stairs and more.
For cognitive issues, you might have to remove anything
that could be potentially harmful such as knives, knobs
on the stove so it cannot be used, fire-related devices
and you may even have to install an alarm system so
that they cannot wander off and get lost.
The Ultimate Guide For Today's Caregiver!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
How To Prevent Caregiver Burnout
The Ultimate Caregiver's Guide For Today's Families!
Being a caregiver is the ultimate way to show
love, kindness and devotion to a loved one in
need.
At some point in time, a family member will
need assistance with daily living and you will
have to step into the adult caregiver role –
perhaps to care for an elderly parent.
As the general population is growing older
and living longer, there is an escalating need
for adult caregiving and many families step
into that role to fulfill that need.
While caregiving can be rewarding, it is a role
that is also fraught with anxiety, fear, fatigue,
stress and yes, resentment. And...oh, the guilt
that comes whenever you feel resentful!
The possibility of burnout is quite high in adult
caregivers and as a result, there are steps that
should be taken to ensure that not only is your
loved one well cared for but that you are as well.
If you are not happy and are stressed and tired
all the time, how will that translate to your
caregiving role?
Half the battle is recognizing that you are close
to burning out and the other half is doing
something about it.
You have to recognize that your own physical,
emotional and mental health is just as important,
if not more, than your loved one. If you collapse,
what help will you be to anyone?
Plus, you have to know when to ask for help and
not be shy about it. Here are some important
caregiver tips to prevent burnout:
1. Research your options for temporary long-term
and short-term care when you need to take a vacation,
a long weekend away or if you have to leave for an
emergency.
There are many agencies that offer in-home care
or companion assistance, just as there are facilities
that accept short-term patients should your loved
one require constant care. Have these alternate
caregivers waiting in the wings should you need them.
2. Schedule regular time away from your caregiving
role. Enlist the help of siblings, friends and neighbors
who can effectively watch over your loved one so that
you can take a break whether it is going to the movies,
going on a long walk or having a date night with your
spouse.
3. Join a support group through church, on the
internet or even through a local agency. Commiserating
with other people going through the same thing can
greatly help your state of mind. (I would have lost
my mind if not for being able to vent to friends who
truly understood) This does NOT mean you don't love
the care receiver!
Knowing those feelings of anger and frustration are
normal definitely help diminish feeling guilty as well.
Plus, you may learn new ways to cope or find help
that you did not think of before.
4. Indulge in a hobby or something to take your
mind off matters. Gardening, cross stitching, walking,
listening to music and other activities can greatly
help divert your attention away from your stress
and give you a sense of well-being, sort of like
recharging your internal batteries to be able to
cope with your caregiving role more effectively.
5. Find time every day to pamper yourself so
that you have something to look forward to. It
may be waking 30 minutes early to savor a
gourmet cup of coffee in peace or soaking in a
hot tub full of bubbles.
Perhaps it is those precious minutes of reading
time while your loved one sleeps. Whatever
unravels those internal knots, if only for a little
while, is what you should do each day.
Always remember – it is not selfish to want
to be alone and it is ok and perfectly normal
to feel frustrated and angry about your situation.
You will realize many rewards in caregiving
such as getting to know your loved one more
but those rewards do come at a price sometimes.
By taking care of yourself first, you will be able
to take care of your loved ones more effectively
and efficiently.
The Ultimate Caregiver's Guide For Today's Families!
Being a caregiver is the ultimate way to show
love, kindness and devotion to a loved one in
need.
At some point in time, a family member will
need assistance with daily living and you will
have to step into the adult caregiver role –
perhaps to care for an elderly parent.
As the general population is growing older
and living longer, there is an escalating need
for adult caregiving and many families step
into that role to fulfill that need.
While caregiving can be rewarding, it is a role
that is also fraught with anxiety, fear, fatigue,
stress and yes, resentment. And...oh, the guilt
that comes whenever you feel resentful!
The possibility of burnout is quite high in adult
caregivers and as a result, there are steps that
should be taken to ensure that not only is your
loved one well cared for but that you are as well.
If you are not happy and are stressed and tired
all the time, how will that translate to your
caregiving role?
Half the battle is recognizing that you are close
to burning out and the other half is doing
something about it.
You have to recognize that your own physical,
emotional and mental health is just as important,
if not more, than your loved one. If you collapse,
what help will you be to anyone?
Plus, you have to know when to ask for help and
not be shy about it. Here are some important
caregiver tips to prevent burnout:
1. Research your options for temporary long-term
and short-term care when you need to take a vacation,
a long weekend away or if you have to leave for an
emergency.
There are many agencies that offer in-home care
or companion assistance, just as there are facilities
that accept short-term patients should your loved
one require constant care. Have these alternate
caregivers waiting in the wings should you need them.
2. Schedule regular time away from your caregiving
role. Enlist the help of siblings, friends and neighbors
who can effectively watch over your loved one so that
you can take a break whether it is going to the movies,
going on a long walk or having a date night with your
spouse.
3. Join a support group through church, on the
internet or even through a local agency. Commiserating
with other people going through the same thing can
greatly help your state of mind. (I would have lost
my mind if not for being able to vent to friends who
truly understood) This does NOT mean you don't love
the care receiver!
Knowing those feelings of anger and frustration are
normal definitely help diminish feeling guilty as well.
Plus, you may learn new ways to cope or find help
that you did not think of before.
4. Indulge in a hobby or something to take your
mind off matters. Gardening, cross stitching, walking,
listening to music and other activities can greatly
help divert your attention away from your stress
and give you a sense of well-being, sort of like
recharging your internal batteries to be able to
cope with your caregiving role more effectively.
5. Find time every day to pamper yourself so
that you have something to look forward to. It
may be waking 30 minutes early to savor a
gourmet cup of coffee in peace or soaking in a
hot tub full of bubbles.
Perhaps it is those precious minutes of reading
time while your loved one sleeps. Whatever
unravels those internal knots, if only for a little
while, is what you should do each day.
Always remember – it is not selfish to want
to be alone and it is ok and perfectly normal
to feel frustrated and angry about your situation.
You will realize many rewards in caregiving
such as getting to know your loved one more
but those rewards do come at a price sometimes.
By taking care of yourself first, you will be able
to take care of your loved ones more effectively
and efficiently.
The Ultimate Caregiver's Guide For Today's Families!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Taking Care Of Your Parents When The Time Comes
This is a subject close to my heart. You see,
my Mom lived with me until she passed away
in May 2006. It only seems like a few months
ago. I miss her more today than when she first
died.
A Caregiver's Guide!
That may have to do with the fact I'm divorced
and liked to say Mom and I were side-kicks. So
now a vital part of me is gone. Being an "only child",
makes me feel like an orphan.
This is not to say that looking after aging parents
is easy. It's not for everyone. But there are many
facets to this life event.
You may live thousands of miles from your parents.
You have to coordinate things from a distance.
You may have siblings and in a perfect world, you
agree on how to take care of your aging parents.
You may live close by. You may be able to have
an aging parent live with you in your own home.
You may decide to live with them and take care
of them.
So if you are faced with eldercare issues, you have
my prayers. I only wish I would have had more
resources when Mom and I were together.
As I look back, I know I could have done things
better. Yes, guilt is always a part of it. Especially
for daughters! But that's another story!
Today I found something that warmed my heart.
I only wish I would have come up with it!
Take a look to see if it could give you some peace
and understanding as you face the inevitable...
A Caregiver's Guide!
my Mom lived with me until she passed away
in May 2006. It only seems like a few months
ago. I miss her more today than when she first
died.
A Caregiver's Guide!
That may have to do with the fact I'm divorced
and liked to say Mom and I were side-kicks. So
now a vital part of me is gone. Being an "only child",
makes me feel like an orphan.
This is not to say that looking after aging parents
is easy. It's not for everyone. But there are many
facets to this life event.
You may live thousands of miles from your parents.
You have to coordinate things from a distance.
You may have siblings and in a perfect world, you
agree on how to take care of your aging parents.
You may live close by. You may be able to have
an aging parent live with you in your own home.
You may decide to live with them and take care
of them.
So if you are faced with eldercare issues, you have
my prayers. I only wish I would have had more
resources when Mom and I were together.
As I look back, I know I could have done things
better. Yes, guilt is always a part of it. Especially
for daughters! But that's another story!
Today I found something that warmed my heart.
I only wish I would have come up with it!
Take a look to see if it could give you some peace
and understanding as you face the inevitable...
A Caregiver's Guide!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Looking After Aging Parents: You Are Not Alone
Many times I needed help when caring for my Mom
but didn't know where to turn. As an "only child",
I had my share of mini-meltdowns behind my bedroom
door.
Mom is gone now but looking back I am thankful I was
able to have her live with me until the very end. Being
lucid at 95 is something I don't think I'll be able to say!
There are so many areas to looking after aging
parents. Issues that must be faced and dealt with.
The Eldercare Team is just such a place. I wish I
would have found it when I needed it!
Click on the link at the top of this page to learn
more. Good luck and Godspeed!
but didn't know where to turn. As an "only child",
I had my share of mini-meltdowns behind my bedroom
door.
Mom is gone now but looking back I am thankful I was
able to have her live with me until the very end. Being
lucid at 95 is something I don't think I'll be able to say!
There are so many areas to looking after aging
parents. Issues that must be faced and dealt with.
The Eldercare Team is just such a place. I wish I
would have found it when I needed it!
Click on the link at the top of this page to learn
more. Good luck and Godspeed!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Caregivers Who Need To Supplement Income
Easy Way For Caregivers To Supplement Their Income!
Even if you are a 24/7 caregiver, you need a respite.
For caregivers who have left their jobs to look after
an aging parent, these economic times have left many
wondering what's to become of them.
Some caregivers work part-time while having an
elderly parent live with them. (this was my case)
Whatever the circumstances of your caregiving
situation happens to be, money always seems to
be in short supply.
And finding a way to increase the household income
is a godsend. I've known several people who have
provided businesses in their area with vital
information and got paid to do it.
This may be an idea that would work for you in
your caregiver world...
Easy Way For Caregivers To Supplement Their Income!
Even if you are a 24/7 caregiver, you need a respite.
For caregivers who have left their jobs to look after
an aging parent, these economic times have left many
wondering what's to become of them.
Some caregivers work part-time while having an
elderly parent live with them. (this was my case)
Whatever the circumstances of your caregiving
situation happens to be, money always seems to
be in short supply.
And finding a way to increase the household income
is a godsend. I've known several people who have
provided businesses in their area with vital
information and got paid to do it.
This may be an idea that would work for you in
your caregiver world...
Easy Way For Caregivers To Supplement Their Income!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Stress Relief For Caregivers
Caregivers have a very stressful life. Yes,
you love the care receiver. But, if any of
you have cared for someone who is ill or
an aging parent, you know what I'm talking
about.
It is so important that you don't neglect your
own health. You must do whatever it takes
to keep stress under control.
If you need to get someone in to look after
your care receiver so you can take five, then
so be it.
Take a walk. Work in the garden. Meditate.
Visit friends. Read. Listen to music. Just BE!
you love the care receiver. But, if any of
you have cared for someone who is ill or
an aging parent, you know what I'm talking
about.
It is so important that you don't neglect your
own health. You must do whatever it takes
to keep stress under control.
If you need to get someone in to look after
your care receiver so you can take five, then
so be it.
Take a walk. Work in the garden. Meditate.
Visit friends. Read. Listen to music. Just BE!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
How Caregivers Can Find Work From Home Jobs
Mom will be gone 2 years this month and I still think
how much easier it would have been if I would have
been able to have had a work from home job...
Thankfully, she didn't need me full time until the
end and I was able to take a leave from work. Not
everyone is in that position.
If you are a caregiver who must be at home but
still would like a way to have a job and still be
available for your loved one, there now are answers.
I think this is a godsend. There are legitimate
work from home job opportunities for all skills
and qualifications.
I'm sure you will be able to find something on this
work from home job bank that will fit your lifestyle
and needs. Something right for you and your family.
Good luck!
Make Money Online! Visit the Internet's Leading Work From Home Job Bank.
how much easier it would have been if I would have
been able to have had a work from home job...
Thankfully, she didn't need me full time until the
end and I was able to take a leave from work. Not
everyone is in that position.
If you are a caregiver who must be at home but
still would like a way to have a job and still be
available for your loved one, there now are answers.
I think this is a godsend. There are legitimate
work from home job opportunities for all skills
and qualifications.
I'm sure you will be able to find something on this
work from home job bank that will fit your lifestyle
and needs. Something right for you and your family.
Good luck!
Make Money Online! Visit the Internet's Leading Work From Home Job Bank.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Aging Parents and The "Only Child"
Can you say "only child" and "guilt"? Hmmm,
you're feeling guilty, aren't you?
My Mom passed away in May 2006. I'm still
guilty! And I worry. About everything. I used to
think I'd outgrow it. I'm still waiting. And I'm OLD!
Seems to me I had these same emotions when I
was 10 years old. That's when I knew. That I was
the one they were going to depend on "in their
old age".
We "only children" have it both good and bad.
There are no siblings to argue with over what should
be done for our parents and who is going to do it. Good!
There are no siblings to share the load and give you
a hug and emotional support we so desperately need
at this time. That's bad!
Then when we have to say the final "Goodbye", we
go home alone. If you have a partner or children of
your own, they become your lifeline.
If like me, you're divorced/no kids, you are alone.
This is why for the "only child", you must look for all
available help. Call every agency in your area and find
out what services are there for you and your aging parent.
You may be very surprised.
I waited too long. Thought I could do it all myself. But
as Mom became more feeble and unable to do things
for herself, it was heaven to have the help provided in
the community. Don't wait. Even if you don't need help
right now, at least check them out. They will guide you.
So when you both need outside assistance, it's there for you.
Here are two resources you may find right for you...
The CareGiver Community
you're feeling guilty, aren't you?
My Mom passed away in May 2006. I'm still
guilty! And I worry. About everything. I used to
think I'd outgrow it. I'm still waiting. And I'm OLD!
Seems to me I had these same emotions when I
was 10 years old. That's when I knew. That I was
the one they were going to depend on "in their
old age".
We "only children" have it both good and bad.
There are no siblings to argue with over what should
be done for our parents and who is going to do it. Good!
There are no siblings to share the load and give you
a hug and emotional support we so desperately need
at this time. That's bad!
Then when we have to say the final "Goodbye", we
go home alone. If you have a partner or children of
your own, they become your lifeline.
If like me, you're divorced/no kids, you are alone.
This is why for the "only child", you must look for all
available help. Call every agency in your area and find
out what services are there for you and your aging parent.
You may be very surprised.
I waited too long. Thought I could do it all myself. But
as Mom became more feeble and unable to do things
for herself, it was heaven to have the help provided in
the community. Don't wait. Even if you don't need help
right now, at least check them out. They will guide you.
So when you both need outside assistance, it's there for you.
Here are two resources you may find right for you...
The CareGiver Community
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Grieving Process: How Can Anyone Really Help?
Grieving...The hardest part of life's certainties.
If we live and love, we will grieve. Even if the
person we grieve for happens to die at 100, we
always wish for just one more good-bye.
Of course, the absolute worst grief comes when
a parent has to grieve their child. If the child is
stricken with a disease or dies in an accident, it's
horrendous enough. When a child is murdered...
how does anyone ever wrap their minds around that?
I've been fixated on the grieving process, especially
in these last few weeks. A 12 year old child from our
community was murdered. Even people who never
even met her are now in the grieving process.
If someone we know are grieving, how can we help?
How can we help ourselves? When my Mom passed
away, the most comfort to me was just to be hugged.
Or having a phone call, knowing someone cared enough
to let me talk my feelings out. No matter how much
time passes, those gestures are always remembered
by the person in grief.
But many find it hard to comfort someone. They don't
want to say or do the wrong thing. So they do nothing.
If you are at a loss of how to help someone who has
lost a loved one, please...just give them a long substantial
hug.
Being part of this community that is now reeling from
this child's murder, has caused me to look for some
sort of help.
"Is There Anything I Can Do?" is a beautifully written
guide to understanding what to do to help someone
you know and love through the grieving process.
If you'd like to take a look...
Click Here!
And remember, never turn away because you're afraid.
Open your arms and gather them to you. Our town is
doing a lot of that since February 14th....
If we live and love, we will grieve. Even if the
person we grieve for happens to die at 100, we
always wish for just one more good-bye.
Of course, the absolute worst grief comes when
a parent has to grieve their child. If the child is
stricken with a disease or dies in an accident, it's
horrendous enough. When a child is murdered...
how does anyone ever wrap their minds around that?
I've been fixated on the grieving process, especially
in these last few weeks. A 12 year old child from our
community was murdered. Even people who never
even met her are now in the grieving process.
If someone we know are grieving, how can we help?
How can we help ourselves? When my Mom passed
away, the most comfort to me was just to be hugged.
Or having a phone call, knowing someone cared enough
to let me talk my feelings out. No matter how much
time passes, those gestures are always remembered
by the person in grief.
But many find it hard to comfort someone. They don't
want to say or do the wrong thing. So they do nothing.
If you are at a loss of how to help someone who has
lost a loved one, please...just give them a long substantial
hug.
Being part of this community that is now reeling from
this child's murder, has caused me to look for some
sort of help.
"Is There Anything I Can Do?" is a beautifully written
guide to understanding what to do to help someone
you know and love through the grieving process.
If you'd like to take a look...
Click Here!
And remember, never turn away because you're afraid.
Open your arms and gather them to you. Our town is
doing a lot of that since February 14th....
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Caregivers and Feeling Alone
The CareGiver Community
Being a caregiver can be a very lonely time.
Your friends may not even know what you're
going through or dealing with.
Sometimes we feel we should be able to handle
it all on our own. But, this can lead to depression.
As more and more people are becoming caregivers
because of the aging population, thankfully, there
are people out there who care enough to offer
help and "community".
The CareGiver Community
When I was my Mom's caregiver, I didn't know
about this wonderful, supportive site shown to
me by my dearest friend.
You'll want to visit this site if you are caring for
an aging parent, a child, a family member,
whomever!
If I could have my mother back and do it all
again, I wouldn't try to go it alone. I would make
use of all the help available. I would have been
happier and healthier. And I know it would have
been an added blessing to Mom.
Don't live with my regrets. It will be too late,
all too soon.
The CareGiver Community
Being a caregiver can be a very lonely time.
Your friends may not even know what you're
going through or dealing with.
Sometimes we feel we should be able to handle
it all on our own. But, this can lead to depression.
As more and more people are becoming caregivers
because of the aging population, thankfully, there
are people out there who care enough to offer
help and "community".
The CareGiver Community
When I was my Mom's caregiver, I didn't know
about this wonderful, supportive site shown to
me by my dearest friend.
You'll want to visit this site if you are caring for
an aging parent, a child, a family member,
whomever!
If I could have my mother back and do it all
again, I wouldn't try to go it alone. I would make
use of all the help available. I would have been
happier and healthier. And I know it would have
been an added blessing to Mom.
Don't live with my regrets. It will be too late,
all too soon.
The CareGiver Community
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