| Greetings!
This issue of The Journey focuses on caregiver health. Caregivers are the link that allows our elder population to remain safe at home. If caregivers are not caring for themselves, that link starts to deteriorate. Caregivers need to understand that their own physical and mental health is as important as their family member's. Caregivers often tell me that they spend so much of their time at doctor's offices, but they are never talking about themselves. When the focus is on your family member, it is hard to shift the concern to yourself. The purpose of this issue is to remind you to think of your own health needs as part of your care plan.  Find out more about caring for your physical health and mental health through this newsletter. By taking charge of your care, you are taking charge of your life, allowing you to be the caregiver you want to be.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Leary
Caregiver Specialist |
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Healthy Caring |
Caregivers often neglect their own health because they are so busy caring for another. The Family Caregiver Alliance has this to say about caregiver health "A substantial body of research shows that family members who provide care to individuals with chronic or disabling conditions are themselves at risk." ( http://caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1822)
This Fact Sheet goes on to explain that caregivers experience many physical illnesses at higher rates than the general population. It is important to know that because you are a caregiver, you have higher risk for developing your own medical conditions which may be quite serious. For this reason, you must care for yourself more now than ever before. Follow these basic guidelines to manage your own physical health:
- See your doctor or health care provider on a routine basis
- Get your flu shot and preventive screenings as recommended by your health care provider
- See your dentist on a regular basis (poor oral health is linked to many physical conditions)
- Develop an exercise routine that is manageable with your current caregiving schedule and appropriate for your physical abilities. See your health care provider for more information and visit the National Association for Health and Fitness for ideas: http://physicalfitness.org/
- Develop a nutrition plan that works for your lifestyle and will provide you with a healthy balanced diet. Visit the ADA website for ideas: http://www.eatright.org/Public/
Taking these 5 steps will put you on the road to great physical health. When you are healthy, the care you provide is healthy! |
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Caregiver Mental Health |
Caregivers often do not think their mental and emotional well being is affected by their caregiving until they suddenly feel like they cannot provide care anymore. Even when your caregiving situation is typically positive, it can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Caring for your own mental health needs to be a part of the care plan. Here are some basic steps you can take for positive emotional health.
- Give yourself a Time-Out. Take a break from the day to day caregiving and enjoy some time in an activity just for you. Arrange respite care if necessary so you can enjoy this time knowing your family member is cared for.
- Come up with 5 stress relieving activities. You should have a list of at least 5 different stress relieving activities that you can do on a regular basis. At least 3 of these activities should be accessible to you with minimal planning and expense. Some ideas include: making a cup of tea, taking a hot bath, reading a chapter in a good book, prayer, meditation. For a more complete list of different stress relieving activities, email sleary@hessco.org with Stress Relief in the subject line.
- Talk to others about your situation. Either attend a support group or let people in your social circle know about your caregiving situation. Talking to others can help relieve your stress, gives you access to supportive feedback and ideas, and helps you gain perspective on your situation.
- Know when you need to use professionals. There is a network of elder service providers that can help in many ways. You may be able to access respite care, have a caregiver consultation or be directed to mental health professionals that can provide you with specialized care. To learn more go to www.hessco.org.
- Learn what triggers negative reactions in you. Look at your day and decide what gets you the most upset and causes you to feel emotionally drained. Knowing your triggers will allow you to work with them, even if you cannot eliminate them from your day. Plan your stress relieving activities around your trigger moments.
Taking charge of your mental health enables you to be the caregiver you want to be. |
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Finding the Balance |
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It is very hard for caregivers to find the balance in their lives between all that they want to do, and all that they have to do. Caregivers will find their balance when they come to a level of acceptance about their abilities and their limitations. We cannot be all things to all people. But we owe it to ourselves and our family members to do our best to find the balance. Here are some ways to help you find the balance:
- Be honest about how much you really can do. Taking on too much and then feeling overwhelmed does not help you or your family member.
- Let others know what they can do to help the situation. Do not expect other family members or friends to understand what you or your care recipient needs for help. You need to explain the needs and ask for the help!
- Keep your tasks manageable. Every day make a list of the 3 most important things to do for that day. Keep focused on your list so you can accomplish your most important tasks.
- Understand that you may have limitations but you also have tremendous strengths. We all have things that we are good at and things with which we struggle. Make a list of your strengths and review this list when you are feeling overwhelmed. If you do not know your strengths, contact the Family Caregiver Support Program at HESSCO (781-784-4944). This is a strengths based program that helps caregivers discover what they are good at.
Finding the balance is not easy and does not come naturally to caregivers who want nothing more than to do whatever their family needs them to do. Finding that balance will offer you greater physical health, emotional health and mental health and therefore, makes you a better caregiver for others. |
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Know Another Caregiver? |
Do you know someone else who could benefit from this newsletter? Click on the "Forward Email" on the bottom of this email.
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Upcoming Events |
February 4: Alzheimer Advocacy Action Day, Location: State House Grand Staircase, Boston, Time: 10:00 AM Join the Alzheimer's Association in advocating for those with Alzheimer's disease. For more info go to www.alz.org/manh
February 6: Planning for your Best Life, Location: Community VNA, Time: 12:30 - 4:30 PM, RSVP or learn more by calling Martha Gallacher at 774-203-1311 or register by email at register@communityvna.com
February 25: Challenges for the Adult Caregiver, Location: HESSCO Elder Services, Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM or 6:30 - 8:00 PM, RSVP by calling 781-784-4944 or email sleary@hessco.org
February 25: MyWay Village Information Session, Location: NE Sinai Hospital,
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM, Presentation of the Neponset Valley Alzheimer's Partnership, No RSVP necessary, for more information call 781-784-4944 Ext 238
March 24: Caregiver 101, Location: HESSCO Elder Services, Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM or 6:00 - 7:30 PM, RSVP by calling 781-784-4944 or email at sleary@hessco.org
April TBA: The Alzheimer's Experience, Location: HESSCO Elder Services, Time: TBA, More information will be forthcoming.
May 18: Caregiver 101, Location: HESSCO Elder Services, Time: 10:00 - 11:30 or 6:30 - 8:00 PM, RSVP by calling 781-784-4944 or email at sleary@hessco.org
May TBA When to Collect Social Security, Location: TBA, Presented by Wes Rickard, CPA with QRGA, LLP. For more information email Mary Raczka at mraczka@hessco.org | |
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