Caring for Yourself as a Family Caregiver

Written by Francesca Robinson | 29 March 2012
Posted in Family Caregivers

Are you the primary caregiver for your loved one? You are not alone. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, approximately 44 million American family members and friends provide unpaid care to another adult, sometimes around the clock. Wives, husbands, daughters, sons, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers—provide approximately 80% of the long-term care in the United States.

In order to provide quality care for your loved one, you must take care of yourself first. As a family caregiver, you know that it is easier said than done. However, it is important that you provide self-care in an effort to prevent burn-out and even depression.   

First, you need your own support. This can be as simple as a phone conversation with a friend or as involved as joining a caregiver support group. Make time for the simple pleasures that you enjoy such as walking through a park, reading a book, or having a cup of coffee with a friend.

Second, learn to say “no”. As a family caregiver, it may be difficult just to get out of the house to get groceries let alone to provide care for yourself. Learning to say “no” to certain requests is an important step in knowing your limits. Say “no” to bringing a dish to a potluck or hosting a party if those events drain your energy. Focus instead on saying “yes” to the activities that encourage and refresh you.

Third, find time to rest. Getting a good night’s sleep is an important step in avoiding illness and reducing stress. Rest helps maintain a healthy body and soul. In order to get your necessary rest you may need to find other people to help with care, whether it involves other family members or a home care company.

As a family caregiver you are not alone. Preferred Care at Home can help by providing resources on your loved one’s disease (such as FamCare, free educational modules) and also offers affordable respite care. Whether you have just recently begun caring for a loved one or have been caring faithfully for years, Preferred Care at Home wants you to know that you are not alone and that we are here to help in any way we can.

Free Video Chats Keep Elderly Parents, Adult Children in Touch

Written by Leigh Ann Otte | 02 February 2012
Posted in Family Caregivers

Listening to a voice on the telephone can only tell you so much. Often, your eyes give a better assessment than your ears.

But when you don’t live near your elderly parents, you may feel a phone call is the only option to personally check in on them. In this day and age, though, there’s another way: a video chat.

In a tips list for long-distance caregivers that’s based on advice from the National Institutes of Health, AARP and interviews with caregivers, the Associated Press recommends embracing technology* and says not to underestimate your elderly parents’ learning capacity:

Keep in regular contact with your loved one and, if possible, use video chats so you can make visual assessments. Seniors often defy stereotypes with their handle on technology and can master useful tools like Skype or other video chatting services, such as on the iPad.

Such video chats are often free. And they allow you to watch for some of the signs that your parents are depressed or having trouble taking care of themselves. If you see such signs, well-chosen in-home caregivers in your parents’ own hometown can give compassionate, skilled aid.

*AP stories may be available online for a limited amount of days.

During the Holidays Evaluate Elderly Care Options

Written by Administrator | 01 December 2011
Posted in Family Caregivers

Many families of today are separated by miles upon miles of distance and as a result mobile communication becomes the number one source of interaction between them. This leaves us unaware of the extent of elderly care needs that our parents may have. However, a holiday visit provides the perfect opportunity to evaluate their needs by examining their living conditions.

How are they really doing? – If you do not live close to your parents this is the perfect chance to see how they are doing and what professional help they may require. You may not have a clear picture of where they stand health wise if you mostly communicate with them over the phone. Here are some things that you should pay attention to:

• How is their hearing?

• How is their sight?

• How do they look?

• How do they smell?

After examining these areas you will know whether or not they are attending to their personal hygiene, if senses like their hearing or sight are on the decline, and by looking at their appearance you can evaluate their health. Look out for any skin discoloration, bruising, and the feel of their skin. Pay attention to how they are handling the care of their home as well; are they able to manage it? A relaxed setting for a discussion – During the holidays you get the chance to enjoy a good home cooked meal, you get to laugh and connect with your family, and most importantly surround yourself in a relaxed setting. This is your opportunity to speak with them about how you feel and gain insight into their feelings about elderly care as well.