Caregivers’ Corner Archive

Here is where you can find past Caregivers’ Corner articles.

September 2009

According to the Family Caregivers Alliance and the National Institute of Mental Health, it is important to recognize signs of depression. Caregiving does not cause depression, nor is depression a normal part of aging. But it is not unusual for caregivers to experience mild or more serious depression from the constant demands of care. In addition depression often co-occurs with other serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease and frequently is not diagnosed in older adults.

During October, National Depression Awareness month, we will take a look at the classic signs.

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism or feeling that nothing you do is good enough or life is not worth living
• Nervousness, restlessness, irritability
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in people or activities that were once enjoyed
• Changes in eating habits or sleeping patterns
• Feeling tired all the time and slowed down
• Persistent headaches, digestive disorders and pain.

Depression is a treatable illness. Left untreated, depression can delay recovery or worsen the outcome of other illnesses. Consulting with a trained mental health professional is an excellent starting point. From there the appropriate treatment will be recommended, ranging from medications to various therapies. For caregivers and care receivers, something as simple as the day program can be an effective, therapeutic tool, providing respite for the caregiver and the social support of peers and staff for the care receiver. If you or your loved one is suffering, please seek the help you need.

Summer 2009

The rigors of caring for another person can be physically and mentally challenging. Caregivers often recognize that they are ill-equipped for this demanding fitness level. Along with an array of physical tasks that creep into the caregiver’s responsibilities, there are endless matters to keep juggled in the mind.

Most people are aware of the benefits of regular exercise and activity to perk up  physical fitness. But what about brain fitness?

A national initiative is underway to improve the cognitive fitness of older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has compiled a Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health that has many resources.

These tips are supported by the AARP, the American Heart Association and the Alzheimer’s Association. Many of the recommendations are simple and enjoyable, and could be easily incorporated this summer to involve the caregiver and care receiver.

• Participate regularly in a physical activity. During summer months, choose the cool part of the day, or indoors out of the heat and humidity.
• Consider a fitness evaluation by our Physical Therapist.
• Practice brain exercises such as cards, reading, crossword puzzles or online games. Check out the AARP brain games for starters.
• Include foods that may reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and also protect your brain cells.
• Stay curiously involved in learning, and enjoyable social interaction.

Late Spring 2009

Recognition of Older Americans Month also takes into account the thousands of caregivers who are approaching or already are considered “older adults.” The importance of a healthy caregiver cannot be overstated. Too often the caregiver compromises his/her own health at the expense of caring for another individual, and before long, both parties are on the decline. The Area Agency on Aging points out several key points to consider in healthy, successful aging that are equally important to care partners.

• Follow nutritional eating habits
• Cease smoking, the single most preventable cause of death in the US
• Engage in regular physical activity and adequate rest
• Participate in social community relationships
• Seek mental health counseling if needed.

If you, as a caregiver recognize that you are way off track in pursuing these basic habits, it may be time to examine your care plan. Establishing a care plan that allows both you and your care partner to pursue these basics habits in healthy balance may require some new interventions. Understand that resources are available to assist you in evaluating your situation and in finding the help you need to get back on course with “Living Today for a Better Tomorrow.”

— Taken in part from Area Agency on Aging.

Early Spring 2009

April is Volunteer Recognition Month, an opportunity to thank the millions of persons who volunteer in caregiving roles. These volunteers provide a gamut of services that constitute the majority of care provided for our aging and disabled population. Also of importance during these economically stressed times is the financial significance of charitable care that is provided in our country.

If you are currently in a caregiving role, you may wonder, “How can we access volunteer services to assist our situation?” and/or “How can my care partner and/or I volunteer for a cause?”

Finding the right volunteer situation involves time and energy up front to determine  what is a good match for each party’s time, talents and comfort level. Volunteering through a credible source is equally important to assure safety and liability. A licensed service, faith-based organization, medical association, city or school might be a good starting point.

To Assist You: Here in the Southwest Minneapolis Metro area we have volunteers available to assist with respite care, meals, home chores and transportation.

To Assist Others: Our schools, long term care facilities, day programs, faith organizations, humane society, and social services are wonderful places to volunteer. In addition, many organizations need help with projects that can be worked on in your own home setting.

Check out great connections to get started with volunteerism in the Southwest Metro Area by viewing our Supplement to Care page.

Winter 2009

There are times when the caregiver realizes that the tool he/she needs for the situation, is missing from the tool box. In truth, the caregiver might not be aware the tool is even missing, but senses that something other than his/her own resources would be helpful.

Look into this Starter Tool Kit for the piece you need:

Local or County Social Services: Public Health Nurses and Licensed Social Workers available to assess your needs and recommend resources. Contact your local or county government center.

Disease Associations: Information about specific health care needs and referral to qualified health care professionals and services, such as:

• The Alzheimer’s Association
• Minnesota Stroke Association and the National Stroke Association
• American Parkinson’s Disease Association

Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging: An online directory of service providers, public education and other resources available in the South West Minneapolis area.

Independent Home Living, LLC: A web-based company providing caregivers with tools, knowledge and access to resources.

Family Caregiver Alliance: Practical tools and resources for caregivers and professionals.

Fall 2008

If you are new to caregiving, understand that it is usually for the long term and it is wise to begin learning about this new role. There’s more to it than you think. Caregivers are discovering the convenience of finding information and services through the Internet. You can get started here at our website and link to other excellent sites. Educate yourself early on — before a crisis if possible.

• Don’t be shy about asking for and getting help — you don’t need to be superhuman
• Establish a balance between your work and caregiving roles
• Don’t give up your own hobbies and social activities
• Build caring support networks and healthy relationships
• Keep in touch with professionals who monitor your loved ones health
• Obtain and update legal and financial documents
• Learn and practice creative problem solving techniques

These tips may be challenging to actually execute. Know that skilled professionals are available to help you evaluate your situation and move forward with an effective plan.

— Taken in part from “How to be a Great Caregiver” at Third Age Caregiving

Summer 2008

Summer is often a time for family holidays and rituals to celebrate life’s transitions. However, as a caregiver and care recipient, these important personal connections may present new circumstances. An interesting fact sheet about family stress management condensed from Ambiguous Loss by Pauline Boss can be found on the National Caregiver’s Alliance website. The fact sheet presents tips for coping with the ambiguity of unpredictable circumstances that frequently arises with chronic disease and disabilities. Consider Pauline Boss’ ideas in your summer plans:

• Recognize the importance of human connections during times of sadness
• Simplify your family gatherings rather than cancel them
• Be open to revisions in family roles to accommodate changes in task management
• Imagine something new to hope for. Connect to young people for inspiring new ideas.
• Practice “both/and” thinking to get you through the murky times. For example: “I am both sad about our loss — and happy about our new grandchild.”
• Get to know your community support systems. A reliable resource can provide the physical and/or emotional support you may need and become “like family” to your care situation.

We hope you enjoy your summer and can experience the rewarding spirit of human connections.

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