Category: Caregivers
Recent Posts
- Caregivers ·
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Dear Caregiver, More Than a Cliché You’ve heard the expression before – “laughter is the best medicine.” But it’s more than just a cliché phrase. There is some truth behind it. Think about it. We’ve all had a tough day where things just weren’t going right. Then, something made you laugh. You instantly felt better, right? This is because laughter is healing. There is actually science that backs this up. Laughter is Good for Your Health Besides just making you feel warm and fuzzy inside, laughter also has a ton of mental and physical health benefits that are proven to…
- Caregivers ·
Caregiving and Alzheimer’s
Dear Caregiver, If you are caring for a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, you do not need us to tell you that it’s not easy. This progressive disease is difficult to cope with – for both the person living with it and their loved ones. People living with Alzheimer’s may become frustrated when they find themselves struggling to do things they used to do without any problem. And it is hard for you, as the caregiver, to watch the person they once were gradually fade away. They may have brief moments of clarity where it feels like…
- Caregivers ·
There’s an App for That
Dear Caregiver, When you take on the responsibility of caregiver, you also take on a lot of extra stress. Between tracking medications and keeping other family members in the loop, you have a lot on your plate. We want to help lighten the load so we’ve put together a list of a few free* mobile apps that you may find helpful in keeping it all together. *Some apps include both a free version and a ‘full’ version available to purchase. STRESS MANAGEMENT You have a lot going on. With work, home, and caregiving responsibilities pulling you in a million…
- Caregivers ·
Take Care of Yourself, Too
Dear Caregiver, We celebrate you for your dedication to taking care of your loved one. You work tirelessly to ensure they have all they need, often after coming home from full-time jobs and hectic schedules of your own. But in all of your daily appointments and to-do lists, does it say ‘self-care’ anywhere? While we recognize the importance of taking care of your loved one, we also want to remind you of how imperative it is that you also take care of yourself. Stop Feeling Guilty We know you have grown accustomed to putting everyone else’s needs before your own. And…
- Caregivers ·
Keeping Dignity | Caregiver Tips
Your loved one can no longer do the many tasks they once could. They now depend on you for many of these things. The easiest solution may be to simply take over and make decision, but it’s important to be respectful of your loved ones. As a caregiver, you want to protect your loved one’s dignity and sense of self-worth. Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine if your independence had slipped away. You can no longer drive, walk, or get out of bed. These once simple tasks now require help from someone else. How would this make you feel? You…
- Caregivers ·
What is Long-Distance Caregiving?
Every day, people are faced with the task of caring for a sick, disabled or aging loved one. Statistics indicate 44 million adults in the U.S. provide care for someone over the age of 50. It’s a common misconception that caregiving can only happen when everyone resides within close proximity. Actually, a large percentage of family caregivers are also long-distance caregivers. Long-distance caregiving is a unique and challenging situation where the caregiver lives long distance–typically an hour or more away–from the family member who needs their help and support. This occurs more than you might think, and takes a great deal…
- Caregivers ·
How to Tell if a Loved One May Need Alzheimer’s or Dementia Care?
Discerning whether an aging loved one has crossed the line from the normal forgetfulness and missteps of advanced age into the dangerous realm of Alzheimer’s or dementia can be a difficult task, made more-so by the fact that many elders wish to continue independent living past the point that doing so is safe. By understanding the signs that can indicate that your loved one needs care, you’ll be better equipped to make this important judgment, and help your loved one live as long and satisfying a life as possible. Warning areas Medical professionals look at six key areas when determining…
