Respite Care

“You can make it, but it’s easier if you don’t have to do it alone.” – Betty Ford

Alzheimer’s caregivers may feel as though they are the only ones who can provide the best care for an older loved one, but finding a care partner is vitally important.

As a family member caring for a loved one with dementia, you know firsthand how challenging it can be. It’s definitely never a role that Alzheimer’s caregivers should try to fill on their own. Yet, many caregivers struggle with seeking the support they need, intensifying stress and leaving minimal room for self-care, a vital aspect for those in caregiving roles.

See if you can relate to these top reasons given by family caregivers for attempting to provide care solo, and why they need to be reconsidered:

Dad would not want another … Read More »

Trusting someone you love to the care of someone else is never easy, particularly for a senior family member. Whether at home or in a facility, you’ll have questions you need answered. You will also want to be ready to advocate for an aging parent to proactively address any potential problems and also to quickly take care of issues that do take place.

For instance, review the following common situations and how to most effectively advocate should they arise with an older adult you love:

The person has dementia. A loved one with Alzheimer’s might not be able to effectively communicate their wishes and needs. As an example, a new caregiver may not realize that Dad wears inserts in his shoes and she may put his shoes on each day without them. Dad may not know how to communicate this … Read More »

Dreaming of that perfect vacation while listening to friends and family share tales of exciting getaways? The desire to travel and escape reality for a little while is universal, but when you are caring for an older loved one, it might seem like an unattainable luxury. However, taking a break is not just possible; it’s crucial for both your well-being and the well-being of your older family member.

Why Taking a Break Matters

Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and depression, ultimately affecting the quality of care you provide. So how can you step away and know that the individual you’re caring for will remain safe and well while you’re gone?

These tips are a great place to start:

Talk About It. Initiating a conversation with the older adult about your upcoming break is a crucial step. Transparency builds trust … Read More »

Many of today’s older adults grew up during the Great Depression. They lived through a time when the country was cutting corners and pinching pennies. Frugality was embedded in many of them at an early age and quite often remains firmly in place for life.

So what can you do when an older adult refuses to pay for care, even though they clearly are in need of care at home and have the financial ability to pay for the care?

First, empathize. Understand that the person’s perspective is valid and determined by past life experiences. If the older adult seems to be resistant to the idea of spending money for the care they need, remind yourself of the emotions behind the behaviors. An additional layer of difficulty may be in simply accepting the need for care altogether, something that … Read More »

These three simple steps can help if you’re feeling unappreciated as a caregiver.

From the moment you started your day until its end, you’ve dedicated yourself entirely to the well-being of an older loved one. Your tasks ranged from assisting with daily activities to managing appointments and household chores, all performed with love and dedication. Yet, the acknowledgment you deserve is often absent, leaving you feeling unappreciated as a caregiver. Left unchecked, this can lead to caregiver burnout or depression.

If you’re experiencing this, know that you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help navigate and address the challenge of feeling unappreciated in your caregiving role.

1. Practice Self-Appreciation:

Acknowledge the importance of the work you’re doing and prioritize self-appreciation. Take a moment each week to reward yourself for a job well done. It … Read More »

Working and caregiving together isn’t easy, but these tips can help you find a healthier life balance.

The far-reaching impacts of the pandemic have touched every aspect of our lives, creating unprecedented challenges for many, especially those juggling the responsibilities of both working and caregiving for senior family members. The stress of managing both roles simultaneously can be overwhelming.

If you find yourself in this situation, consider these tips to better navigate the dual demands of caregiving and professional responsibilities.

Understand Finances

The financial aspect is a crucial component of caregiving that deserves attention. Initiate a conversation, albeit potentially uncomfortable, with the senior in your care to assess their financial situation. Address important questions such as the senior’s financial security, the need for setting aside funds for future care needs, the existence of a long-term care insurance plan, … Read More »

Knowing how to find friends as a senior is the first step to enhancing socialization and quality of life.

Observing kids effortlessly form friendships at the playground is a heartwarming sight, but as adults, building connections can be a bit more complex. Friendships are vital, especially for seniors emerging from COVID-related isolation. How can you assist the older adults in your life in enhancing their socialization and making new friends?

While a pick-up game of tag might not be on the agenda, consider these alternative tips for how to find friends as a senior:

Join a Club: Help an older loved one brainstorm their interests, whether it’s reading, knitting, gardening, fishing, or sports. Look online for local groups or explore resources at the senior center. If no suitable groups exist, consider creating one!
Take a Class: Community colleges often offer … Read More »

Learn when it’s a good idea to designate a guardian for a senior parent.

In an ideal world, our family relationships would all be helpful and positive. We would manage transitional times cooperatively, smoothly, and without any disagreement. As our parents grew older, it would be a simple process to satisfy their current needs and their changing future needs.

Keeping two separate caregiving journals for two distinct purposes is most effective.

Most of us are jotting down notes all the time: grocery lists, to-do reminders, appointments, meetings, events…the list goes on and on. If you’re a family caregiver, you’ve got even more reasons for writing, as you manage another person’s life in addition to your own. Journaling is a great way to keep everything together in one concise location. Yet we recommend taking it a step further by utilizing two caregiving journals for two distinct purposes that are equally important to your caregiving role.

The Organization Journal

This type of journal is a great tool for keeping everything linked to a senior family member’s health and wellbeing in one place. Include:

Any condition changes
Information about any troubling symptoms and what could be having an effect on them … Read More »

Being a better advocate for your older loved ones begins with these four tactics.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Serving as an advocate for your older loved ones is perhaps one of the greatest honors – and responsibilities – you’ll have as a family caregiver. It means fully comprehending their needs and wishes, and communicating them to those who can help to make sure they’re achieved.