How to Manage Caregiver Stress

We know the job of a family caregiver can be very stressful so it is important to recognize the signs of stress and to get help before you reach the burnout stage.  The Helpguide.org website explains that taking the time to “rest, relax, and recharge isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.” 

Caregivers experience stress for a number of reasons, some of which might include dealing with the changes in the family dynamic, household disruption and financial pressure.  Also caregiving is an everyday, long-term task that is in addition to a person’s regular workload, which may already include a career and raising children. 

Most experts agree that as a caregiver, you need to ask for help, and to do so before you become stressed or burnt out.  You must speak up for yourself and express exactly what it is you need to make the situation work.  Furthermore, be sure to make time for yourself.  Set aside at least ½ hour each day, and make a point to get out of the house and visit with friends or participate in activities you enjoy as often as possible.  Another suggestion is to practice acceptance and focus on the ways you can realistically improve the situation. 

You must be sure to not neglect your own health as you cannot be of help to anyone if you are sick.  Also a caregiver support group is a great place to find people who are going through the same thing you are.  It provides a way to share your experience and to listen to others.  Many support groups are targeted to caregivers in similar circumstances, and if you cannot get out, there are many groups on the Internet.  

SYNERGY HomeCare’s respite care services make it possible for caregivers to take some much-needed time for themselves while still meeting the needs of their loved one.  Contact us to learn how we can help. 

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most respected names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. Currently we have 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015, and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to make sure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources: helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiving-stress-and-burnout.htm

A Healthy Diet is Important for Seniors

We know it is important for everyone to eat well and seniors are no exception.  In fact Help.guide.org, the non-profit guide to mental health and well-being, suggests that for those over 50, “the benefits include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems.”

The USDA recommends that seniors make some simply modifications to their diet to ensure the food they eat is rich in nutrients and vitamins and to try to avoid unhealthy options.   Their suggestions include instead of using salt to flavor food, seniors should get in the habit of using spices and herbs. Also have available sliced fruits and vegetables for snacks and meals.   They also recommend eating foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as fortified cereals and to drink 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk daily.  If you cannot tolerate milk, then eat yogurt, hard cheeses or lactose-free foods.   Most importantly they remind seniors to drink water, not soda or other sugary drinks.  

As some seniors suffer from a decreased appetite due to lack of exercise or from medications, it is even more critical that the food they do eat is nutritional.  In addition eating healthy foods helps to maintain your weight or to lose weight if you need to.  The daily diet for seniors should include colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.  

The National Institute of Aging says physically inactive women over 50 need to consume about 1600 calories a day, and those somewhat active women should get around 1800 calories.  For women over 50 who lead a very active lifestyle, they need approximately 2,000 calories daily.  Men over 50 not physically active only need 2,000 calories, somewhat active men about 22-2400 and very active men require 2400-2800 calories daily.

SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/eating-well-as-you-age.htm choosemyplate.gov/older-adults

Ensuring Your Loved One Gets the Proper Care

Even if your aging parent has reached the point in their life that they require assistance with everyday tasks, it doesn’t necessarily mean they must move into an assisted living facility or nursing home.  Today, families can find quality, professional in home care that can give their loved one the assistance they need to continue to live comfortably and safely at home. 

Agencies such as Denver’s SYNERGY Homecare provide a full range of services including complete care management.  While our services are non-medical, they are nonetheless just as important to the wellbeing of your family member.  When a family opts for comprehensive care management services, our coordinated approach ensures your loved one is enjoying a healthy, safe and independent lifestyle and following their doctor’s orders. 

Our broad range of services includes providing transportation to doctors’ appointments as well as scheduling and attending the appointments.  If appropriate, we facilitate communication between our client and the doctor and family members. 

In addition to assisting with daily personal care activities, we also can provide assistance with light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands and grocery shopping.  If clients are encouraged to exercise, we can help them to do it safely and will also provide medication reminders.  Since services include meal preparation and grocery shopping, we can assist in the management of special dietary restrictions and guidelines to help control diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.  

SYNERGY HomeCare extensive services are available 24/7 and all of our caregiver are thoroughly screened and are matched to your individual needs.  Furthermore, each caregiver receives ongoing training, and is committed to providing the highest quality care. 

     

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Extreme Heat Conditions and the Elderly

Seniors are particularly at risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  A recent University of Chicago Medical Center study reports that 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were among people over 65.

There are many reasons why seniors do not fare well in extreme heat. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) cites the following factors that can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses:

·         Heart or blood vessel problems, poorly working sweat glands, or changes in your skin caused by normal aging.

·         Heart, lung, or kidney disease, as well as any illness that makes you feel weak all over or results in a fever.

·         Conditions treated by drugs such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medicines. These may make it harder for your body to cool itself by sweating.

·         Taking several prescription drugs. Keep taking your medicine, but ask your doctor what to do if the drugs you take make you more likely to become overheated.

·         Being very overweight or underweight.

·         Drinking alcoholic beverages.

In addition as we age, our sense of thirst decreases, which can lead to dehydration.  Signs of heat exhaustion include:  heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and rapid, shallow breathing.  The NIA advises calling 911 if heat exhaustion is suspected and immediately move the person to a cool place.  In addition have them lie down and remove any tight-fitting or heavy clothing, and apply cold water or cold compresses directly to the skin.  If the person is able, have them drink water or juice but avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. 

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source:aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-heat-stroke

nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia