Nearly half (53%) of all informal caregivers reporting a decline of health
affecting their ability to provide care.  In an effort to be there for the health
of a loved one, many caregivers sacrifice their own health

Caring for an aging loved one can be a challenging experience. It can be difficult to
slowly watch a family member lose their independence and often, their mental
capacities. More often than not it is a middle aged family member who takes on
the responsibility of being the primary caregiver for their parents. Without
additional support, this caregiver can quickly find themselves overwhelmed and
depressed. While many caregivers find themselves up for the challenge, others
may find it more difficult to adjust to the constant demand of being a home
care provider.

Stress and depression can come in many forms. Often, caregivers have to take a leave of absence from work, or they have to cut back their hours to be at home more often. As a result, both parties have to sacrifice and do without. The
loss of monthly capital can lead to stress as it becomes harder to pay the
monthly bills. Additionally, the loss of personal interactions with colleagues
in the workplace can leave a caregiver feeling lonely and isolated. Managing
one’s family can also be difficult and being a caregiver can also lead to
stress in the marriage and immediate family. To avoid sacrificing one’s health
and family for the care of a family member, a caregiver must provide care for
themselves first so they may be able to care for another

There are various ways for a caregiver to stay positive during the time they spend caring for someone. Rather than feeling trapped, a caregiver should do their best to encourage social interactions for both themselves and their aging parents or patients. Dinner socials, poker/bridge nights, and birthday parties should all be encouraged to maintain a festive attitude throughout the home, and to avoid it from feeling like a prison. Maintaining a clean home can help keep good spirits and inviting visitors will
give you a good reason to clean and to stay positive. The caregiver should also make an effort to invite their family to these events to help maintain closeness and to promote family interaction during this time of change.

While maintaining social interactions can help a caregiver stay healthy, many others find success by turning inwards and focusing the time on improving themselves. Some may choose to take up a hobby or learn a new skill, while
others may choose to begin an exercise regimen to improve their own health.
This can be light to moderate exercise; just enough to get your blood pumping.
Feel free to invite your aging family member to also get moving as much is
safely possible. Regardless of age, most seniors can benefit from staying
active.

Submitted by Gabriela F. Brown, CSA

Owner, Constant Companions Home Care
Website: http://www.constantcompanions.net
gbrown@constantcompanions.netPhone and Fax: 888.883.8393

Dementia is a broad term that describes the process of a decline in cognitive abilities that interferes with activities of daily living. The most recognized and prevalent form of dementia is Alzheimer’s
Disease which accounts for 50-70 percent of all dementias. There are, however, other causes of dementia:

·       Depression

·       Vascular disorders, such as multiple strokes in the brain

·       Infections that affect the central nervous system, such as HIV dementia complex and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

·       Chronic drug/alcohol use

·       Hydrocephalus – Accumulation of fluid in the brain that can result from developmental abnormalities, infections, injury, or brain tumors

·       Degenerative neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s

See More information on Dementia 

Our 360 approach:

By the time our office receives a call to provide dementia care to a senior the family has usually been very involved for an extended period of time, providing most of the daily care. The call comes because the family is in need of support and guidance. Our 360 approach is just that, an all-encompassing circle of support for the entire family. During our extensive intake process, we identify where the home care worker can provide support for family members as well as the senior themselves.

We don’t aim to replace the family, we are there to support and only take over the duties that prevent family members from enjoying their time together, due to caregiver fatigue. If you are in need of a helping hand, call us.

“It is our mission to enrich the lives of each of our clients by providing the best in compassionate care, second only to family.”