The health of a caregiver is just as important as the services they are providing to a senior. If a caregiver is not healthy, they will not be able to effectively provide for the senior they are caring for. As caregivers, you need to ensure your own health as well as the person you are caring for. Below is a list of tips that can help caregivers remain healthy.

1. Caregivers need to pay special attention to their own health. It may become difficult, or even impossible, to care for a senior if your own health is failing.

2. Take daily vitamins to promote healthy living. Caregivers, just like seniors, can benefit from exercise. This will be helpful for the physical and emotional well being of the caregiver.

3. It is ok to take a break. Many caregivers can become burnt out. It is important to take respite time. Use this time to relax and rest so you remain healthy and can continue being a caregiver.

4. Some caregivers may begin to experience depression, especially if the senior needs a lot of care. Watch for signs of depression and discuss them with your doctor as they arise.

5. Make sure to have routine check-ups. Flu shots are also advised.

6. Do not neglect your own life. Being a caregiver is demanding, but to remain effective and beneficial to the senior, you need to take time to enjoy life. Stay involved with family, friends and hobbies.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.or

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Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in Seniors

For American seniors, Diabetes is not an uncommon condition. But while it is widespread, not enough Americans are aware of the symptoms that would allow them to recognize a need for medical attention. Senior caregivers also need to be aware of the warning signs that could indicate diabetes to help protect their patients.

1. More frequent urination – if suddenly there’s a more frequent need to urinate with no evident changes in drinking patterns or diet, this can indicate diabetes as the kidneys attempt to dilute the glucose

2. Weight loss – it’s not a apparent in Type 2 diabetes though even gradual weight loss with no obvious cause can be reason for concern

3. Fatigue or physical weakness – it’s not uncommon for seniors with diabetes to become more fatigued or have feelings of physical weakness. Often they attribute this to aging and don’t seek additional help, but these are not symptoms that should just be accepted

4. Extreme thirst – diabetes can cause seniors to feel constantly thirsty. Drinking more frequently is common, but even then thirst can be unquenchable

5. Tingling and Numbness – high levels of glucose, when left untreated can wreak havoc with the nervous system resulting in numbness or tingling in the limbs

6. Skin imperfections – frequent bruises that fail to go away, rashes, itching and dry skin can also appear

Via: about.com http://diabetes.about.com/od/symptomsdiagnosis/p/Symptoms.htm

New Year’s resolutions are too often abandoned just months into a new year. It doesn’t have to be that way during 2010; seniors and caregivers can set goals that they really will achieve and that can improve their lives by following management expert Peter Drucker’s Smart Principles:

1. S – Specific – effective New Year’s resolutions require that specific goals be set. If your goal is to lose weight, simply stating that is not enough. Instead, set a specific weight loss amount for each month or the goal you’d like to reach by the end of the year

2. M – Measurable – set goals that you can track whether they’re being accomplished. Many caregivers and seniors alike vow to stay in better touch with family and friends. Decide how that will be accomplished – set a number of emails per month you’d like to send, or how frequently you’ll attend social events

3. A – Achievable – setting goals that are impossible to accomplish aren’t productive. Striving to be “perfect” in 2010 is not something you’ll ever accomplish. But you can pledge to better yourself by attempting to be more patients, control your temper, or spend more time with your family

4. R – Realistic – set goals that make sense with your life, and are things that will be really beneficial to you

5. T – Timeline – New Year’s resolutions should be accomplished within the New Year; set goals that can be achieved within 12 months and work on a deadline!

Via: LifeHacker.com

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If you celebrate Christmas, here’s a poem that’s sure to bring a smile to the face of all you seniors out there whether you’re already if the holiday spirit or need a little bit of persuading!

A Senior Christmas

’Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest,

And all of us seniors were looking our best.

Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;

Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.

A bed sock was taped to each walker; in hope

That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.

We surely were lucky to be there with friends,

Secure in this residence and in our Depends.

Our grandkids had sent us some Christmassy crafts,

Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.

The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,

And from them she’d crafted a holiday wreath.

The bedpans, so shiny, all stood in a row,

Reflecting our candle’s magnificent glow.

Our supper so festive — the joy wouldn’t stop –

Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.

Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,

Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.

The social director then had us play games,

Like “Where Are You Living?”  And “What Are Your Names?”

Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,

Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.

Our resident wanderer was tied to her chair,

In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.

Security lights on the new fallen snow

Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.

Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter

But we are so deaf that it just didn’t matter.

A strange little fellow flew in through the door,

Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.

’Twas just our director, all togged out in red.

He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.

We knew from the way that he strutted and jived

Our social security checks had arrived.

We sang — how we sang — in our monotone croak,

Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.

And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds

While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.

And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.

’fore long you’ll be with us, we wish you the best.

-Author Unknown

Via: MSGR.ca

Image Source: sxc.hu

Throughout the year senior caregivers have the tendency to put everyone else first. Over the holidays, the focus needs to return to their own well-being. Help them relax and step away from their caregiving responsibilities with the following gift ideas:

1. Respite care – a break from caregiving responsibilities is appreciated by most caregivers, whether they’d admit it or not. Hire a service to provide respite or step in yourself, offering assistance once a month, or even just one time!

2. Entertainment gift certificates – send them for a night out at the movies or dinner with a gift certificate

3. Spa services – a day out at the spa can be rejuvenating for a female caregiver. Treat them to the chance to relax!

4. Subscription to a book club or movie service – this is something they can do to relax while providing care. Movies can be enjoyed with their senior, and books can be shared

5. Service to help them at home – caregivers have so much to take care of, help them maintain responsibilities of their own homes with cleaning services for inside the home or for yard work

Via: AgingCare

Image Source: www.sxc.hu/

Many families anxiously await the day that they are told their loved one will be able to leave the hospital following a recovery period for an injury or illness. However, the time of release is when the real work starts for family members, and they should prepare themselves emotionally and physically; arming themselves with knowledge so that they can ensure their loved one receives the best care. Here are some things that families and caregivers can do to prepare
for a senior’s release from the hospital:

1. Don’t expect too much – release from the hospital doesn’t mean that a senior has recovered; there will be lots of hard work at home for many seniors

2. Ask questions – understand the senior’s diagnosis and their future prognosis. Take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

3. Talk to a hospital discharge planner – a discharge planner can help families determine if a senior will require home care or nursing care after they leave the hospital. They can also advise families on additional supplies and equipment needed

4. Make sure you’re prepared at home – before the senior goes home, purchase any necessary safety equipment; hire a care provider, and make sure you have medications on hand

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – get the contact information of hospital staff who provided care to your loved one, and don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions or concerns after your senior has left the hospital

Via: Caring.com

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Senior caregivers never know when disaster might strike with their elderly care recipient, which is why it’s crucial that they’re well prepared for any eventuality, including a stay in the hospital. By packing a hospital bag in advance for their loved one, caregivers can reduce the planning and care required following a medical emergency, and simply focus on being there for their loved one. Some essential items that caregivers should have in the hospital bag include:

1. The senior’s necessary medications – include a couple of day’s worth of medications in their original bottles with labels for the reference of the hospital

2. Comfortable hospital clothing – some hospitals will allow seniors to wear their own gowns and robes if it makes them more comfortable, so these are items that can be included

3. Footwear – any footwear provided by hospitals is often unsupportive and provides little warmth. Hospitals will allow seniors to wear their own socks and slippers, so these items should be included along with clean underwear

4. Personal hygiene items – though the hospital will provide personal hygiene essentials, seniors can feel more comfortable with their own items. Hospitals will allow them provided they are not heavily perfumed

5. Clothes to go home in – with all of the preparations for seniors to go home, caregivers can overlook the need for clothes to return home in. Having them in the bag will ensure they’re not forgotten

Family caregivers got the recognition that they deserve this year, with an official Proclamation from Barak Obama recognizing the achievement of caregivers and all that they do not only for their families but for society on the whole. Here is a portion of Barak Obama’s official Proclamation; the President is recognizing family caregivers for National Family Caregiver’s Month so make sure you do the same!

The true strength of the American family finds its roots in an unwavering commitment to care for one another. In difficult times, Americans come together to ensure our loved ones are comfortable and safe. Whether caring for a parent, relative, or child, our Nation’s caregivers selflessly devote their time and energy to the well-being of those they look after. During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the individuals providing essential services to family members who could not otherwise look after themselves.

Every day, family caregivers assist loved ones with tasks ranging from personal care and homemaking, to transportation and financial assistance. As the foundation of America’s long-term care system, these individuals give millions of Americans the peace of mind and security that only family can provide.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to pay tribute and support those who are caring for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need of assistance.

Via: The Family Caregiver

Any family who has been through the process of choosing care for a senior loved one, knows that it’s one of the most difficult decisions they’ll make. Trusting the care of one of the most important people in your life is not an easy thing to do, particularly with some level of distrust regarding elder abuse that has received media attention in nursing homes in particular. But, if you’re going through the process, you can find a suitable home care agency that will ensure that your senior receives the best care; you just have to make sure that you ask the right questions and do your research. Consider these tips when exploring home care options and choosing a home care agency:

1. Know what’s out there – to choose the best option, explore them all. Even if you have home care in mind, visiting a nursing home will only help to reassure you of your decision

2. Ask the opinion of others – the best feedback you will receive on home care places you’re exploring is from other trusted friends and family members who have been through the process

3. Interview someone at the service – before you even meet with a caregiver, interview someone in charge at the home care service about what they provide, and what their specific policies are

4. Ask about licensing – the home care service should have appropriate licenses as required by their jurisdiction; ask about this, and also find out if the home caregivers have any specific level of training

5. Be straight forward – to make sure that that important senior in your life receives adequate care, don’t sugar coat what you’re dealing with. If your loved one is difficult with certain tasks or activities, let them know so they can reassure you by talking about how they’d address these circumstances

Via: Family Caregiver Alliance

Family caregivers are unsung heroes. These are the people that sacrifice things from their own personal lives to take care of elderly and ill family members. These amazing people do not get the recognition they deserve. A campaign is in effect to petition for the development of a stamp that will provide awareness to the general public. It is important to acknowledge that these caregivers go above and beyond, often times sacrificing their own needs to care for another. Some important facts about family caregivers include:

• An estimated out of pocket expense of $5,531 per year which include travel and transportation, medical care co-payments, food and household goods

• These additional expenses result in the cutting of leisure activities, personal savings, vacations and putting off home improvements

• More than a third of caregivers use their own savings to provide for their loved one

• Almost half of current caregivers have had to quit their job in order to keep up with caregiving responsibilities

• The annual estimated expense is much higher for long-distance caregivers

• These expenses increase levels of stress and can have an effect on the over-all health of the caregiver

• The financial burden that comes along with being a caregiver can have serious emotional effects

Sources:

caregiving.org

stanford.wellsphere.com