Greetings!
When we think of spring, we think of flowers, buds on the trees, maybe even spring cleaning. It becomes a time when we can start over again. Many have a renewed energy in the spring, especially on those first few warm days.
This spring, caregivers have a chance to start new again too. Try a new relaxation technique, attend a new program,try something different to help you get through your difficult moments. Consider this your opportunity to start over and start making the positive changes you want. Take a moment to enjoy the energy and rebirth that spring offers us all.  Sincerely,
Sheryl Leary
Family Caregiver Support
Program Coordinator |
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Progressive Muscle Relaxation | |
Do you have a little too much stress in your life? Most would scream "yes" in answer to this question. When we are under stress, we often are not aware that we also tense our muscles. In this way, stress can be both physically painful as well as emotionally painful. Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique you can use at home to relieve stress and relax those tense muscles. It is a technique you can control and will cost you nothing. It is at your disposal as you need it.
With this method, you work through the different major muscle groups and purposefully tense them, hold for a count of ten and then relax the muscle. When you relax the muscle, visualize the tension flowing out of the body and focus on how the muscle feels when relaxed. You will be able to feel the difference between a tense muscle and relaxed muscle. When your body is totally relaxed, you will feel relief from your stress. This method works well at night when trying to get to sleep as well as throughout the day when a de-stressor becomes necessary.
Here is the order in which to work this technique. Hold each part tense for a count of ten and then relax. Remember to visualize that tension leaving your body:
right foot
left foot
right calf
left calf
right thigh
left thigh
hips and buttocks
stomach
chest
back
right arm and hand
left arm and hand
neck and shoulders
face
Using this method will give you the
opportunity to start over again and face the challenges of the day with a relaxed spirit. |
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Gardening Made Easy | |
Many caregivers lament their lack of time and energy to devote to their garden. Many of the family members for whom they care also feel that they cannot garden due to disabling health conditions. However, gardening can be possible despite these challenges when adapted appropriately. Gardening in containers can be both satisfying and productive. What better way to experience the newness of spring and beauty of summer with your own well controlled and managed container garden?
The basic premise behind container gardens is that you have more control of the location, the size, and the amount of work your garden will require. You can choose a small container and have just a few plants or a large container to suit your needs. You can choose the location of the container, including raising it to a higher surface to prevent the need for kneeling down. You can easily control the soil quality for your plant choices. You can choose the location of your container for easy access, for sun or shade needs.  Many vegetables, herbs and flowers do well in containers. For example, the herbs basil, parsley, and rosemary do well. Vegetables such as spinach, squash and tomatoes grow well in container gardens. Flowers such as impatiens, snapdragon, alyssum and geraniums will do well in containers.
This method of gardening can allow you or your family members to return to that excitement every spring of getting out to the garden. It is easy to make the necessary accommodations you need to fit your lifestyle, schedule and abilities.
For more information on container gardens and for a more complete listing of plants that will do well in container gardens, visit www.containergardeningguru.com
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Better Sleep, Better Health |
Getting a good night's sleep is important for your overall health. Caregivers often have difficulty sleeping due to the stress in their lives or because of the nighttime care needs of their family member. Here are some general tips for better sleep. -
Include a report on your sleep patterns when updating your doctor about your health on each visit. Discuss any changes you may have experienced in your sleep as well as the consequences, ie: feeling tired during the day. When visiting with your family member's doctor, report any changes in their sleep patterns to their doctor. If they have heavy care needs at night, discuss this with the doctor to determine if there can be a change in medication regime or care schedules that will allow for a better sleep pattern. -
 Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day or at night.
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Have an exercise routine that provides you with regular exercise earlier in the day rather than at night. -
Eat dinner 2-3 hours before bedtime. -
Establish a bedtime routine to help you relax each night such as reading, taking a bath, completing the progressive muscle relaxation. -
Each night make a "to-do list" for the next day in order to stop worrying about your tasks during the night. - When lack of sleep is ongoing, do not wait for your next doctor's visit, call now to discuss this issue further.
Feeling the energy of spring requires you to sleep and regenerate each night. For more information go to: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/ |
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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 | |
May 16 Older Patients: A Different Approach to Primary Care by Dr. Juergen Bludau, Director, Center for Older Adult Health, 7:00 PM at Brigham and Women's/Mass General Health Care Center, 20 Patriot Place, Foxboro, MA; RSVP by calling 866-378-9164
May 18 Facing Challenging Behaviors: How to Respond in Every Situation" by Peter Ham, M.A., L.M.H.C., 5:00 PM at The Village at Willow Crossings, 25 Cobb Street, Mansfield; RSVP by calling 508-261-1333 (respite care available).
May 24 Fraud & Exploitation of Elders by Bank of Canton, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Bank of Canton, 490 Turnpike Street, Canton, MA; RSVP by calling 781-769-1126
May 26 Legal Issues in Caregiving presented by Attorney Steve Matthews of Metrowest Legal Services 6:00 - 7:30 PM at HESSCO Elder Services, 1 Merchant Street, Sharon, MA; RSVP to Christina Smith at csmith@hessco.org or 781-784-4944 Ext 253
May 26-ongoing Caregiver Care Program by The Center at Medfield,9:30AM - 2:00 PM (with in-home respite care available) at The Council on Aging, One Icehouse Road, Medfield, MA; RSVP to Cheryl Lavallee at 508-359-3665
June 23 The Dementia Experience: Your Window Into Their World presented by HESSCO Elder Services 1:00 - 3:00 PM at HESSCO Elder Services, 1 Merchant Street, Sharon, MA; RSVP to Sheryl Leary at sleary@hessco.org or 781-784-4944 Ext 238
August 23 Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Gain Insight into Understanding and Communicating by Peter Ham, M.A., L.M.H.C., at Community VNA, 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA; RSVP to register@communityvna.com or 774-203-1311.
September 20, Caregiver Day of Resources and Relaxation, annual caregiver's conference by HESSCO Elder Services at Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood, MA.
Ongoing, Stress Management Program, by Jim Sheehan at Norwood Hospital, 800 Washington Street, Norwood, MA, For more information and complete schedule call 781-278-6235
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