Author: Meghan Parsons

How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

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Caregiving can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it can also take a significant toll on the caregiver’s physical and emotional well-being. Caregiver burnout is a condition that can occur when caregivers are exposed to chronic stress and strain without proper support or self-care.

Caregiver burnout can manifest in a variety of ways. Physical symptoms may include chronic fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension. Emotional symptoms may include depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. Caregivers may also experience a decrease in their own quality of life, as they may have less time to pursue their own interests and hobbies.

One of the biggest contributors to caregiver burnout is the lack of support and respite care. Caregivers often feel a sense of responsibility to provide care 24/7, which can be physically and emotionally draining. It’s important for caregivers to recognize that taking time for themselves is not a sign of weakness or neglect, but rather an essential part of maintaining their own well-being.

Many caregivers are thrown into their role without any formal training or support, which can make it difficult to navigate the complex medical and emotional needs of their loved ones. It’s important for caregivers to seek out resources, such as support groups and educational materials, to help them feel more confident and competent in their caregiving role.

It’s also essential for caregivers to practice self-care on a regular basis. This may include engaging in activities that bring them joy, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family. It’s important for caregivers to prioritize their own health and well-being, as this can ultimately lead to better care for their loved ones.

If you or someone you know is experiencing caregiver burnout, it’s important to seek help. This may include reaching out to a healthcare provider, joining a support group, or seeking counseling. It’s essential to recognize that caregiver burnout is a real and serious condition and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

In conclusion, caregiver burnout is a common and serious condition that can have significant impacts on caregivers and their loved ones. It’s essential for caregivers to prioritize their own well-being and seek out support and resources to help them navigate their caregiving role. With proper support and self-care, caregivers can continue to provide the important and valuable care that their loved ones need.

Article provided by:
Home Instead
541-734-2700
www.HomeInstead.com/476

Tips for Engaging Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

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Whether you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or you are a caregiver looking after a patient, it can be challenging to care for someone with memory loss. While Alzheimer’s Disease has varying stages, many patients start to find themselves losing train of thought, have difficulty finding the right words, and even start to speak less often. We’re sharing some tips to help you engage with people with Alzheimer’s disease and minimize communication challenges.

Talk directly

It’s easy for people with Alzheimer’s to get overwhelmed and confused. To reduce this, talk slowly and clearly while making eye-contact with the patient. If possible, try to minimize distractions and background noise such as pausing music or the TV while speaking.

Patience

It can take a bit more time for people with Alzheimer’s to process what they are hearing and how they want to respond. Be patient in waiting for their response and offer reassurance. Don’t interrupt them but instead encourage them to take their time in responding. Be Clear Rather than asking open-ended questions, ask questions with direct or yes and no answers. For example, rather than asking what do you want to do today? Ask, would you rather go for a walk or start a puzzle? This helps the patient to be less overwhelmed and easily answer.

Be Visible

When possible, always approach a person with Alzheimer’s disease from the front, rather than from the side or behind. Try making eye contact, smiling, and matching the person’s mood when appropriate. While the challenges of communicating with someone suffering from memory loss are always evolving, we hope these tips help to ease frustrations and improve communication. Remember to be patient and don’t hesitate to get help if needed.

Article provided by:
New Horizons In-Home Care
541-507-1234
www.NHCares.com

Progress

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“I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy.” – Marie Curie

We worked for over a year to build CareAvailability.com, which took longer and cost more than I ever planned. Now that the site is completed with the advanced features, it was all worth it. Because of the effort, families can search anywhere in the United States, and contact providers directly on a transparent and comprehensive site.

Character

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“Skills can be taught. Character you either have or you don’t have.” -Anthony Bourdain

I am currently interviewing potential new team members. While meeting with each candidate I always consider how they fit with the rest of us and how they will better our team as a whole. “We hire character and train skill” is already part of our Retirement Connection Creed; but it is important that this is always more than just words on a page.

Speak up

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“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
– Pastor Martin Niemöller

Some things are beyond my personal control, but at a minimum, I can protest, write letters, send donations, and offer prayers. I can ensure that the issues that affect the welfare of others are present in my mind and conversations, now and not just when I feel the pain.

Past

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“The Past is a place of reference, not a place of residence; the past is a place of learning, not a place of living.”
— Roy T. Bennett
Our past can shape us, but we should not let it define us. Look at the past through a lens of growth and use that knowledge to look at future possibilities. I fail at something almost every day, but I choose to fail forward. At least next time it will be a NEW mistake.

Willing to Work

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“Normalize I’m willing to work on that instead of That’s just how I am.” — Unknown

I have realized then when someone gives me feedback, I tend to deflect and defend rather than just listen. I am working harder to acknowledge the feedback, rather than reply. I often prefer to solve a problem, rather than just hear the concern. Sometimes the best support we can offer others is a listening ear.

Humble

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“A mistake which makes you humble is much better than an achievement that makes you arrogant.” — Unknown

Success can be an excuse for continued bad behavior because we may not feel the immediate repercussions of our negative actions. We learn faster and grow more from our mistakes, as long as we are willing to pivot. Don’t let a speed bump become a stop sign, keep driving forward!! Embrace your mistakes and fail forward.

Calm Seas

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“Calm seas never made a good sailor.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

Calm seas don’t test a sailor’s skills, knowledge, or perseverance. The same is true in our personal and professional lives. We learn more in rough waters because we are forced to make crucial decisions- without the luxury of added time or resources. We must rely on the knowledge available, and our ability to find that extra bit of energy and grit. For me, the past months have included: sending my oldest to college, my husband’s cancer, and a business pivoting post covid. After the storm, you know where you fell short, where you succeeded, and what you learned. I am still learning!

How to Reduce Fall Risks

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In 2019, there were 3 million emergency visits for older adults who had fallen. Falls among adults 65 and older resulted in 34,000 deaths that same year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Thankfully, falls are not an inevitable part of aging. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of falls and remain independent.

Why Do Falls Happen?

Those who are younger or living independently are at a lower risk of

injury from a fall than those who are older, more frail or institutionalized and require assistance or support. Frail adults are the most likely to experience a serious injury, fracture, traumatic brain injury or death from a fall than any other age group.

What Can Older Adults Do to Reduce Their Fall Risks?

Understand the Reality of Falls

It is important that older adults accept that falls are not a normal part of aging and if they are falling, there is almost always a reason why. Discussing noticeable changes with a physician can identify underlying causes.

Become a Fall Risk Manager

The primary role of a fall risk manager is to pay attention every day. Regularly screening for risk factors will allow for early identification and intervention.

Manage Medications

Older adults and their families need to know that many medications can lead to an increased risk of falls and other problems. Be aware of medications that cause confusion or sleepiness.

Manage Nutritional Status

Older adults’ nutritional needs change. The better they eat, the more energy they’ll have to engage in the activities that keep them strong and steady on their feet.

Increase Activity

Most older adults lead sedentary lives. The more we sit, the weaker our legs become and the more likely we are to experience a fall due to lack of strength and poor balance.

Consider Home Safety

Home is one of the safest places to be, but it is important to educate older adults to continually monitor for fall risk factors and modify as needed. Place daily items within reach. Ensure clear pathways and ample light throughout the home. Install grab bars in bathrooms and inside showers.

Aging can impact our balance and other risk factors associated with falls. However, understanding what can lead to a fall is the f rst step in reducing your risk of falling along with managing risk factors which lead to improved outcomes. Request a fall screening, look

at ways to make your home safer and don’t accept that falls are a normal part of aging.

Article Provided by:

ComForCare

503-400-6637

www.ComForCare.com/Oregon/Salem