HESSCO Elder Services
The Journey 
Care. Support. Solutions.
May 2012
Care for the Caregiver
Greetings!  

Heading towards summer is usually a nice time. There is anticipation of warmth and sun that seems to cure our winter doldrums. Summer offers us the opportunity to get out of the house without the fear of ice and snow. This issue of The Journey will offer you opportunities to get out of the house as well as tackling the more difficult aspects of caregiving when you do not live with your care recipient. In addition, HESSCO will be having a special meeting for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. If you are in this situation or know someone who is, please review this meeting notice.

Sincerely,                                                          

Sheryl Leary
Family Caregiver Support 
Program Coordinator          

Caregiving While Living Apart 

  

 

The Alzheimer's Association now reports that as many as 800,000 individuals with Alzheimer's disease live alone. There are many other seniors and adults with disabilities living alone with health conditions that require family or unpaid caregivers to assist and support them in many ways. If you are one of these caregivers who feels forever "on the road" between your home and your care recipient's home, you clearly are not alone. Here are some tips to help you through your situation.

  1. Respecting your care recipient's right to independence is crucial. As a caregiver, you will have to forever balance your care recipient's right to live how they want versus their safety. Frustration and resentment can easily build when caregivers lose sight of how important their care recipient's fight for independence may be to them.
  2. Stay organized when providing care. If you have to drive a distance to get to your care recipient's home, plan those trips sensibly around the other driving trips you need to make such as the pharmacy, and grocery store errands. Mapping out your routes to accommodate all the stops needed will save gas, money, time and stress.
  3. Find something fulfilling to do while in your car. Create an oasis of calm as much as possible while driving. Books on tape, having specific play lists, or listening to special interest  music and/or radio programs can take some of the stress out of driving. Using deep breathing exercises while driving is another way to stay calm in the car.  
  4. If you are getting more concerned about safety in the home, talk to professionals about the specific situation. The Family Caregiver Support Program or the Center for Independent Living near you may be able to help. For more information, contact HESSCO's Caregiver Specialist, Christina Liston at cliston@hessco.org.
  5. Always have a back-up care plan in the event you cannot get to your care recipient. Unexpected weather events, car trouble, and your own health issues can all lead to possible problems in your ability to provide care. You have to consider what will happen if you cannot get to your care recipient. If your care recipient cannot be alone for more than a day or even a few hours at a time, you need to have a designated back-up person who can fill in for you on an emergency. If you want help creating a contingency or back-up care plan, talk to Christina Liston, Caregiver Specialist, cliston@hessco.org.

Being a caregiver is never an easy venture. Nevertheless, caregivers are committed to helping and caring for their care recipients. Follow these tips in order to lessen your stress as much as possible.

 

Local Get-Aways
 
 For a variety of reasons, caregivers do not always have the luxury of being able to enjoy extensive travel opportunities. Review these ideas for low cost, or local ideas for how to make the best of your summer.  

1. 50 Under $50, review these 50 attractions within  Massachusetts to enjoy a day trip on a budget. http://www.massvacation.com/50under50.php

 

2. Review this list of Accessible Beaches to make a beach day possible even if the person you care  for has difficulty walking on the sand. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/universal_access/a-swim.htm  

3. Do you love the woods and hiking, but not sure it is an activity you could enjoy now? Review the Department of Conservation and Recreation list of accessible trails. These trails are .25 - .75 miles long and are either paved or made of packed stonedust. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/universal_access/a-trail.htm

 

4. Expand your horizon to include other New England states. You can often access these fun outings during a day trip or quick get away. http://www.visitingnewengland.com/fun.html 

 

Whatever you choose to do, make the most of the summer weather, the time with your family and the attractions available nearby.  

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 

Are you a grandparent raising a grandchild? HESSCO may be able to help. Please take our survey or attend an upcoming listening session on May 24, 2012 so we can better understand your needs. You can participate in our survey by clicking on the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/caregiversupportsurvey

 

If you would like more information contact Christina Liston at 781-784-4944, ext. 253 or e-mail cliston@hessco.org.

Upcoming Events

 

May 15, Technology Road Show, 5:00 - 7:00 PM Presented by the Eldercare Alliance of the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce, if you received a new IPhone, IPad, Droid, Laptop or electronic device and don't know where to begin, stop by for some help. Event held at Right at Home, 10 Lincoln Road, Suite 116, Foxboro, MA.

 

May 24, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Listening Session, hosted by HESSCO Elder Services, 1 Merchant Street, Sharon, MA. Contact  Christina Liston for more information cliston@hessco.org.  

 

June 20, Caregiver 101, 10:00-11:30 AM or 6:00-7:30 PM, Presented by HESSCO Elder Services, 1 Merchant Street, Sharon, MA. For more information or to register, contact Christina Liston, cliston@hessco.org.

 

August 16-September 20, My Life My Health, Thursdays 2:00-4:30 PM for 6 weeks, Workshop for individuals with chronic health conditions or their caregivers, presented by HESSCO Elder Services, hosted by Brigham and Women's/ Mass General Health Care Center at Foxborough, 20 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA. Contact Sheryl Leary for more information, sleary@hessco.org.

 

SAVE THE DATE: September 18, 2012 Caregiver Day of R & R , hosted by HESSCO Elder Services at Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood. This day-long event offers educational sessions, lunch, a chance to meet area service providers, and the opportunity for rest in our "relaxation room" with massage and reiki.

 

 
In This Issue
Caregiving While Living Apart
Local Get-Aways
Upcoming Events
Quick Links
What's New 

 

 

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Do you want to learn more about help that is available to caregivers? Whether you are caring for someone age 60 and over, an individual with dementia, or if you are a grandparent raising a grandchild, there is support available to you. The Family Caregiver Support Program connects caregivers to services and gives caregivers the tools they need to manage the stress in their lives. For more information visit the Support For Caregivers tab under Services at www.hessco.org.