5 Practical Ways to Relieve Caregiver Stress

Life is full of responsibilities. As we age, our responsibilities increase in significance and broaden to include a wider circle of individuals who depend on us to meet their emotional and physical needs. With a myriad of tasks that demand our attention and sap our energies, juggling families, jobs, social networks, and personal needs all at once proves to be as equally challenging as it is rewarding.

Family carers charged with overseeing their elders’ well-being have an additional weighty responsibility that affects their day-to-day living. With decision-making, emotional care, financial considerations and physical needs constantly requiring their attentiveness, an additional measure of resilience and support is critical for care success. Family caregivers play an invaluable role in enhancing their loved one’s quality of life and ensuring their overall well-being. Therefore, it is crucial for carers to confront the complexity of their role by taking time out to care for themselves, as well.

When asked what gets in their way of caring for themselves, family carers’ responses echo various sentiments:

“I just don’t have time.”

“I feel guilty taking time for myself when my Mom needs me.”

“It feels selfish to block out everything else I need to tackle.”

“I can’t delegate. No one can take care of Dad the way I do.”

These statements only highlight how heavily the responsibility of caring for their loved one rests on their shoulders, and how crucial it is for caregivers to prioritize scheduling slots for occasionally invigorating themselves.

We’ve compiled a list of 5 practical ways for family carers to relieve stress and avoid burnout, ensuring that they can continuously provide for their aging loved one with dedication.

1. Create a self-care routine.

Building self-care slots into your daily schedule creates a default for healthy emotional regulation. Daily self-care can be as basic as sitting down for a coffee break at midday, taking just 10 minutes of reading in quiet, enjoying a brisk walk around the block, or gaining some time to think along a 5-minute drive taken without company while running an errand. With self-care, consistency is key, and keeping the time sacrosanct is what will make the difference between being exhausted or energetic in the role of caregiver.

2. Get support from peers.

There are various formal support venues available to those providing in-home care for elders. Whether through a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly meeting, in person or virtually, connecting with others who share your struggles and stresses can be a helpful tool in alleviating stress, gaining validation, or sharing your experiences. Search forums online, or find out if your community offers caregiver support groups at the local senior activities center. With an appropriate forum for sharing your caregiving dilemmas and challenges, you’ll eliminate resentment and find it easier to stay focused, positive, and helpful to your loved one.

3. Consult with a therapist.

With so many complexities and responsibilities to juggle at once, keeping your mind focused and clear can be quite a challenge. Meeting consistently with a skilled therapist can be a practical and comfortable space for processing your feelings, learning how to set boundaries, and improving communication with your loved one who is aging in place and other family members. Building rapport with an objective professional can go a long way in limiting tensions, misunderstandings, and emotional overload.

4. Embrace your limitations.

Caring for a loved one should be and could be a labor of love, even if it seems out of reach. By recognizing the areas in which you are limited and learning to accept them, you can deliver higher quality care that is stress-free. Keeping a constant reminder of how much you are doing for your loved one, will make it easier to accept the areas in which you can’t deliver, even if you wanted to.

Overwhelmed by nutritious meal preparation that consumes too much time? Consider stocking the freezer every two weeks to offer your loved one healthy choices that can be easily reheated. Want to make housekeeping more efficient? Invest in color-coded bins to keep things neat, categorized, and within reach, so you can maintain order with less effort and save time spent on putting things away. With practical tricks and a healthy outlook on how much you’re doing, you can feel calm and positively redirect energy that would otherwise be drained when focused on where your caregiving lacks.

5. Delegate as much as you can.

No one said you have to be doing everything. Caring for a loved one takes its toll emotionally, physically, and financially, and therefore, it is crucial to pursue options that can alleviate at least some responsibility, some of the time. Taking a much-needed respite from caregiving duties can also go a long way in invigorating your role. With constant demands from your loved one, it can be hard to carve out time to totally disconnect for a short while in order to return refreshed and recharged. Also, making temporary caregiver arrangements can feel far from ideal at the moment, yet, prioritizing pockets of self-care, as addressed earlier, will only strengthen your commitment to your loved one and enable you to continue giving without burnout.

In addition, there has been much public reform on the issue and value of aging in place, and therefore are countless resources available to adults in any financial bracket. Putting in some time to research your loved one’s Medicaid eligibility can open new doors for your family that can prove to be revolutionary. You may discover stimulating senior day programs, subsidized aide services at varying levels of care, transportation assistance, and emotional support that can all contribute to significantly lowering stress levels, saving time, and cutting costs.

Family members caring for the elderly should keep in mind that home caregiving services significantly relieve many of the stresses associated with eldercare responsibilities. Hired caregivers can offer valued assistance with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and various other daily household or personal care tasks. Aides can also afford the patient a sense of safety, companionship, and the comfort of remaining autonomous in a familiar environment. This doesn’t mean you’ll be giving up the privilege of caring for an elder, it will only enhance your quality of life and allow you to focus solely on what you enjoy doing most for your loved one.

Feel free to peruse our variety of additional caregiver resources throughout our website, and explore relevant topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family. Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

The Benefits of In-Home Care Services

Dorothy, the protagonist in the timeless Wizard of Oz, is not the only one to believe that “there’s no place like home.” A recent national poll conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons revealed that over 76% of participants 50 years and older prefer to stay in their current homes or communities for the long term. 34% of poll participating seniors also reported that they believe home renovations would be necessary in order to suit their changing physical and health needs as they age. However, many are still motivated to make these adjustments, despite the costs involved. This is due to their deep value for the comfort of remaining in their familiar environment, including vendors, neighbors, and their personal property. It’s not difficult to understand why most people feel comfortable aging in their current homes. Moving to an assisted living facility can be difficult. New friends and routines can be challenging, as can the prospect of giving up belongings accumulated over several decades.

Caregiving family members of seniors, as well, believe that aging in place is the ideal choice, both for the well-being of the patient and for the peace of mind it can afford their family members. Yet, caring for an aging loved one demands significant amounts of energy, and often brings on heightened stresses. With this in mind, family caregivers are most often eager to learn about Medicare or Medicaid benefits their loved one qualifies for and rely on professional assistance for easing the myriad of responsibilities caring for an elderly loved one entails.

Research on the topic of aging in place has shown that older adults who live at home enjoy various benefits that would otherwise be inaccessible to them if they would transfer to a facility. Here we offer a comprehensive outline of how hired caregivers can be of assistance, as well as the benefits patients enjoy while living at home:

1. Increased Independence

Older adults who remain in their homes enjoy much more freedom and independence than those who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Moving from an apartment or private home to a senior living facility or skilled nursing facility may address immediate safety and health concerns, but the trade-offs can be steep for older individuals who are still capable of living mostly independently. Having to live in someone else’s space involves living by another’s rules, including conforming to set meal times, structured activity schedules, and numerous regulations that can be less than appreciated.

Seniors who age in place are able to live life on their own terms, with more privacy, even when under the professional care of a hired aide. When aging in place, older adults are able to exert a greater level of control over their personal lives, choosing their routines, making decisions, and maintaining a sense of stability in the house they invested in and transformed into a home. This can lead to higher levels of happiness, fulfillment, and personal satisfaction– all critical factors that contribute to better physical function, improved mental health, and a higher quality of life.

2. Connection to Family and Friends

Keeping the same social network as they age allows seniors to continue to stay connected to their friends and family. Not only do older adults have the opportunity to remain near their friends, but they can also host social events in their homes if they wish. On the other hand, in an effort to maintain professional standards, facilities need to enforce regulations and restrictions that limit a resident’s family members and may cause them to find visiting their loved one less than convenient, formal, or even unpleasant. Children are more likely to visit their elderly parents in an environment that is familiar and comfortable for them, allowing seniors to host and connect with the younger generation consistently. With the assistance of an in-home caregiver who can moderate conversation or make introductions, visits can become a lot less stressful or draining on the adult and visiting family members, alike. Caregivers can also be helpful in allowing the senior to prepare for hosting in advance by having a conversation about the upcoming visit, or preparing snacks, drinks, or gifts to have on hand.

Often, communities offer vibrant and active senior centers, volunteer opportunities, and other senior groups that provide opportunities for adults to expand their social circle by participating in various events and activities.

3. Companionship

Living at home with a hired caregiver affords seniors the opportunity for individualized care and constant companionship. Community Home Healthcare vets its staff and provides intensive quality training to ensure the caregivers working with your loved one are qualified to tend to their physical needs and are sensitive to their emotional well-being, as well. In-home caregivers are eager to provide stimulating activities and conversation, as well as accompany seniors to appointments or on errands. Having a specially trained companion who is committed to caring for your loved one while respecting your family’s values and dynamics affords both the patient and their family safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

4. Holistic Care

An older adult living independently often requires assistance and supervision for personal and health-related matters. With a highly qualified caregiver, grooming, toileting, and other personal care needs are attended to with utmost sensitivity to your loved one’s dignity. Caregivers can also be helpful in overseeing dietary considerations at mealtime, encouraging daily exercises, or giving reminders to take medications.

5. Affordability

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are enormously expensive. In addition, it’s important to consider the fact that by the time it comes to making a decision about long-term living arrangements, many seniors have almost paid off their home mortgages or already paid them off completely. Therefore, in addition to the comfort and familiarity that staying at home offers, it also becomes even more attractive from a financial planning standpoint. With Medicare coverage, seniors can receive part-time home care assistance by staying at home. Medicare pays for part-time, in-home skilled nursing care and home health aide services, provided they are ordered by a physician and the patient meets Medicare criteria for being homebound. Even without Medicare help, in-home care is usually more affordable than assisted living or nursing homes. At Community Home Health, our staff is eager to guide you in understanding your benefits eligibility and planning a caregiver arrangement that best fits your lifestyle.

Family members caring for the elderly should keep in mind that home caregiving services relieve many of the stresses associated with eldercare responsibilities. Caregivers offer valued assistance with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and various other daily household tasks, while affording the patient a sense of safety, companionship, and the comfort of remaining autonomous in a familiar environment. Feel free to peruse our variety of additional caregiver resources throughout our website, and explore relevant topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Creating a Senior-Friendly Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of every home. It’s the place where families gather to chat, cook, and share memorable moments. Having enjoyable experiences in the kitchen is vital for a senior’s overall health and functioning. Easy accessibility to gadgets, storage, and appliances is essential to keeping meal preparation safe and efficient, while allowing older adults to maintain their independence and self-esteem, as they feel productive in accomplishing household tasks with ease.

Remodeling a kitchen to accommodate an older adult’s evolving needs can be costly and beyond the means of many. Replacing appliances, cabinetry, or utility access involves large expenses that may be unnecessary once minimal effort is put into smart planning. While considering some of the common challenges seniors face in the kitchen, we’ve compiled a helpful list of various budget-minded adjustments you can make to ensure safety, independence, and convenience at home for your loved one.

1. Senior-Smart Storage

Putting a bit of thought into how kitchenware is being stored can go a long way. Do a full check to make sure that items most commonly used are positioned at a height that is easily reached without bending or using a stool. Avoid keeping cookware in higher cabinets, and opt for cutlery organization at waist level. There are countless storage solutions available for purchase, as well. Consider installing pull-out shelves to lower cabinets, keeping bottled ingredients on a lazy susan, or organizing spices on a 2 tier spice rack for easy access.

2. Better Lighting

Vision clarity is essential for seniors working in the kitchen. With sharp tools, heat, and a variety of items to choose from when cooking, proper lighting can spell the difference between danger and protection. By increasing lighting above and inside cabinets, over work areas, and in storage areas, seniors will find it easier to locate what they’re looking for and more enjoyable to work in well-lit areas. In addition to adjusting the brightness in the kitchen, consider replacing standard light switches with rocker switches to accommodate adults with weakened muscles or decreased hand-eye coordination.

3. Comfortable Seating

Being able to sit comfortably for long periods of time can increase efficiency in meal preparation and allow seniors to get off their weary feet while accomplishing tasks. While seniors’ living spaces are often far from spacious, it is important to consider seating options that accommodate company and convenience in the kitchen area. A medical kitchen stool offers padded seating, adjustable heights and arm supports to maximize comfort and productivity. Now your loved one can be active in the kitchen, pain-free!

4. Lower Workstations

Adding spaces that accommodate a wheelchair or lost height is another practical way to encourage your senior to take an active role in the kitchen. Installing a lower island or corner table makes meal prep simpler and more enjoyable for someone who finds standard counter height to pose a daily challenge. Being able to stay seated while accomplishing important tasks will offer your loved one a chance to relax and feel productive simultaneously.

5. Upgraded Sink

Upgrade the faucets at the sink to lever-style fixtures instead of twist knobs to make them easier to operate. For people with limited mobility, motion-activated faucets can be installed to reduce the need for reaching. In addition to eliminating the need to grip, these innovative faucets also eliminate the possibility of forgetting to turn off the water. Save effort, save money, and let your elder enjoy simple conveniences that make a difference. Alternatively, adding a motion sensor faucet adapter is a simpler and less expensive option to consider, as well.

Washing at the sink can also become a breeze with a faucet sprayer attachment that includes a lever for controlling water flow. Use the powerful water spray function to rinse hardened food remnants on dishes, or opt for the gentle water flow function that is more suitable for rinsing fruits or vegetables, and clearing the sink.

6. Useful Handheld Gadgets

Older adults often struggle with chronic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, poor vision, and fatigue. Many are also challenged by post-stroke effects that significantly limit their mobility and coordination. To aid seniors with their daily activities, geriatricians and experts recommend installing adaptive kitchen aids for your loved one’s meal preparation. Explore useful senior-friendly gadgets like automatic openers for jars, cans, and bottles, as well as oversized grip utensils, and more.

7. Effortless Reaching

Help your elder reach with ease. This lightweight reacher grabber stick allows older adults to navigate hard-to-reach places and enjoy their independence more. No more asking others to pick up, reach, or return items to their places! This product offers a strong gripping device that can handle both small items that require strong fine motor skills, like coins, as well as larger items that demand strength and flexibility, like pieces of fallen trash. Easy to handle, easy to store, this is a worthwhile investment for your senior’s kitchen.

8. Improved Time Tracking

For seniors challenged by maintaining focus or memory loss, cooking times can easily be forgotten and result in food that is all too well done, or no longer edible. Prevent your loved one from feeling frustrated when dishes prepared with effort are lost due to time oversight and add this magnetic timer to their kitchen routines. With minimal effort, the large knob can be set to pace cooking times and remind those present to monitor readiness. It can also be a useful tool in setting goals, motivating seniors to focus on specific tasks around the house for limited time frames.

Regardless of which kitchen upgrades you choose to undertake, your loved one will surely appreciate increased accessibility and independence in their kitchen experience. Paying attention to details that can improve task performance and kitchen safety can go a long way in making aging at home a pleasant experience. In addition to planning home improvements to accommodate senior needs, family members caring for the elderly should keep in mind that home caregiving services relieve many of the stresses associated with eldercare responsibilities. Caregivers offer valued assistance with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and various other daily household tasks. Feel free to peruse our variety of additional caregiver resources throughout our website, and explore relevant topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Communication With Dementia Patients

Dementia is one of the most challenging conditions associated with aging, both for the patient, and for those around him. Although there are multiple forms of dementia, all affect damage to the patient’s brain cells and impede the individual’s ability to process information, make decisions and communicate verbally. Therefore, the patient and his caregivers, family, and friends are often confused and frustrated by the challenges of daily functioning and interacting with one another.

Initially, your loved one may have trouble finding the right words to describe things or complete thoughts, confuse sequences when telling a story, or forget what they just said or intended to say. In a more progressive stage, the older adult may have a hard time following your words, take more time to respond to others or to join a conversation, and ask repetitive questions. As the disease progresses, the dementia patient only uses very few words each day, speaks strangely, or constantly repeats what was already said.

In light of the challenge of this diagnosis, how can family members and caregivers create an environment that still enables sharing experiences, laughing, and talking together? We’ve gathered some pointers that are sure to enhance your relationship with someone whose communication abilities are compromised because of their declining condition.

1. Recognize communication as a new challenge.

No one chooses to relinquish their faculties. A debilitating condition is hard both for the patient and for their loved ones around them who struggle to give support. By allowing ourselves permission to mourn the difficulties, we can more effectively deal with discomforts and replace negative attitudes with proactive strategies.

2. Remind the older adult who you are.

When meeting someone who suffers from dementia, be aware that they might not recognize you immediately. Introduce yourself and others by giving the older adult some background information, and gently explain how you are related to them. This can bring back memories that help the adult feel comfortable. It can also create a feeling of security once they have clarity on who is talking to them. A caregiver in the home who is more familiar with the adult may be able to make them feel more comfortable if they seem especially disoriented or frustrated.

3. Pay attention to nonverbal communication.

When communicating with a dementia patient, it’s important to keep in mind that this is someone who means a lot to you. You want to demonstrate that you care about them and the time you spend together and therefore do your best to communicate in a way they can grasp. While words can become a source of frustration, focusing on body language is a helpful tool for getting a message across without having to explain your intent. A caregiver can communicate more effectively by being careful to match their body language and facial expressions to the message being conveyed in their words. It is also important to remember that adults with dementia can still sense emotions, especially if the speaker’s tone doesn’t match their words. By focusing on non verbals, we can eliminate confusion, agitation, and anger and also increase the older adult’s cooperation and ability to follow the conversation.

4. Focus on the pace and style of your words.

Long sentences and impressive vocabulary can be confusing or frustrating for someone who struggles with communication. Caregivers should focus on keeping sentences short and pausing frequently so that the older adult can digest the information. Paying attention to the older adult’s facial expressions can often give the speaker valuable feedback on how much they’re following the verbal exchange.

5. Remove distractions to maximize focus.

Staying focused on something when there are distractions around is hard for all of us. For patients with dementia, it’s even harder. We recommend observing the environment or checking in with in-home caregivers to see what distractions can be removed. You can create a calm, quiet environment by simply turning off the TV, setting electronics to silent mode, or asking other people to lower their voices or move to an adjoining room. By taking an objective look around and minimizing overstimulation, you can make it easier for your aging loved one to stay focused on the conversation or the task at hand.

6. Remember that being present is most important.

When visiting someone with dementia, simply spending time with them goes a long way. At a phase when actively connecting with others is a challenge for the patient, having social interactions becomes even more valuable. Therefore, family and friends should consider visits and conversations meaningful to the older person, even when they are not getting such feedback. Practice actively listening to whatever verbal exchange you have with an older adult and let them know you’re listening to their ideas. Nodding and responding in validation gives people the feeling that you are engaged and want to hear more. For a dementia patient who struggles with expressing themselves, these cues are even more beneficial.

Family members should also keep in mind that in-home caregiving services can also make the time spent with an elderly loved one more enjoyable, especially if it is becoming challenging to manage essential tasks. You can find additional caregiver resources on our website, and explore a variety of timely topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family.
Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Helping Seniors Stay Active at Home

This time of year presents a significant challenge to seniors because of the lull following the holiday season, the cooler temperatures, and the increased risk of contracting viruses and COVID-19. Minimizing exposure and limiting outings in winter weather are valuable safety precautions for everyone to take, especially older adults, who are at higher risk of contracting an illness. At the same time, it is equally important to consider mind and body wellness by continuing daily activities that keep your loved one active. We’ve compiled some of our favorite ways that caregivers can help seniors feel active, stay safe, and enjoy the warmth of home in good company. Here are some ideas:

Get Busy With Games and Puzzles

Engaging and stimulating indoor games and puzzles can help seniors stay active and motivated. There are a variety of puzzles and games on the market available to suit a wide range of interests and abilities, as well as an array of price points. Even with the gifting season behind us, friends and family can surprise their loved one with a gift delivered to their home. Caregivers can also spend time with seniors, choosing one together online or at a local store.

Explore the full range of activities and virtual products that sites like Relish or Being Saavy.com offer for keeping older adults active. Caregivers can engage seniors at various functionality levels in interactive games, such as Boggle, Rummikub, or Chess. Bananagrams is also a practical option, specifically because the game is available in a senior-friendly version that features larger letters.

Board games or puzzles require handling pieces, and are wonderful opportunities for seniors to stimulate their minds, while keeping their hands nimble. Caregivers will need to adapt their entertainment selections to the older adult’s ability, and choose puzzles that contain an appropriate amount of pieces. Some may be able and motivated to work on a long-term project, while others may need fewer, larger pieces that accommodate their limited vision or dexterity. When enjoyed in the company of a companion, friends, or family, games and puzzles can prove to be a truly memorable shared experience.

Design A Craft

Keeping active becomes easy with knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Older adults will find it rewarding to design and create their own masterpieces that can later be displayed, shared, or put to practical use. Caregivers can accompany seniors to their local craft supplier, such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels, where they can draw inspiration and shop for materials to create a work of art.

Knitting or crocheting for charity is a meaningful way for seniors to share their skills and make a difference. There are numerous organizations that accept donations of knitted hats, shawls, scarves, blankets, and more. For more information about using these unique skills to help benefit others, click here.

Take on an Exercise Routine

Staying active through movement improves emotional well-being and promotes good health. Caregivers can explore online exercise classes available on YouTube or other sites, and easily help seniors gain access to exercise routines that are geared specifically for older adults. There are many options for low-impact exercises that are free of charge and possible to do at home. Incorporating exercise into the daily routine will help seniors experience increased energy levels and maintain their health.

While being inside is encouraged, older adults can still remain active outdoors as well. On days that allow being outside, caregivers can accompany seniors on walks around the neighborhood, in a local park, or on a guided trail that is smooth and dry.

Regardless of how you choose to spend the days indoors, you can always find additional caregiver resources on our website and explore a variety of timely topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family.

Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Sharing the Holidays With Seniors

The holiday season is upon us, bringing along its familiar sounds, smells, spirit —and stresses. Our families are planning get-togethers, feasts, gifting, and more, all to maximize this exciting time of year. Regardless of age, children and adults alike anticipate the holiday cheer, sharing, and memorable moments created during this time. Yet, what happens when the older generation is dependent on the younger generation to make the season a joyous and memorable one? How can caregivers juggle the multi-generational dynamic and celebrate with everyone’s interests and well-being in mind? We’ve gathered some helpful pointers that address this sensitive issue and are sure to maximize and enhance everyone’s holiday experience.

Be Proactive

It’s no secret that holidays can be demanding and overwhelming, as much as they can be joyous. For family caregivers, juggling multiple ages and needs can prove to be daunting. Therefore, proactive planning is crucial to avoid having the holiday experience feel anything but wonderful for anyone involved in senior care.

To begin with, you should determine what’s meaningful to you, your family, and your elder, and find out what is or isn’t a priority. This may mean having a candid conversation with children or seniors about their expectations or hopes for what celebrating looks like and planning logistics in a way that encourages everyone to be flexible. When everyone in the family’s preferences can be considered in holiday planning, you’re more likely to feel confident in your decisions and eliminate unnecessary disappointments.

For example, you may need to hire a part-time in-home caregiver to help ease the responsibilities, so that you can spend time shopping with the kids. It may be beneficial to rely on home health care staff to spread holiday cheer while you attend your children’s holiday performances or corporate dinner. Alternatively, try thinking about allowing someone else to host the big family dinner or purchasing a ready-made dish for the office potluck instead of making it yourself so that you can take the time to visit Mom or Dad. It’s all about striking a balance between the top few things that are most important. This will ensure that you don’t find yourself exhausted, or even worse, sick in bed, unable to join any of the excitement.

Maximize Inclusion

Having physical or cognitive limitations does not have to prevent older adults from enjoying the holidays. You don’t have to plan exciting activities or even leave the comfort of home in order to make the holiday season special and meaningful. It’s about spending time together, feeling included, and enjoying good company – even if it’s done virtually. Invite your loved ones to watch you decorate or wrap gifts via Skype, FaceTime, and other digital platforms. Playing and singing Carols, or looking through photos of past holidays can also create a positive atmosphere and help your older adult enjoy the season. No matter how you choose to spend shared time, be mindful of the pace and noise level to keep older adults from getting too tired or overstimulated.

Additionally, engaging the younger generation in elder care exposes them to the cycle of life and trains them to approach the responsibility with positivity and respect. You may include your children in decorating Grandma’s tree and create a personal and memorable holiday experience for everyone. Your family probably doesn’t fully appreciate how much effort you put into keeping everyone healthy and happy. Involving them might inspire a deeper sense of appreciation for all that you do for your loved ones.

Senior Gift Giving

Everyone loves receiving something special. Somehow, the challenge for most is determining just what to gift each person with. Considering varying interests, abilities, and budget constraints, you can still be sure to gift your elder with something they’ll appreciate.

1. Gifts for seniors to look forward to:

Holidays are a time to spend with others. Even when it isn’t always possible to attend an in-person celebration, there are many virtual ways to continue gifting from afar. For example, book tickets to an online comedy show that your loved one can enjoy from the comfort of home. Treat them to membership in a virtual fitness program designed specifically for older adults if they’re looking for fun ways to stay active. Pay attention to options for online access to media, educational courses, or exclusive entertainment venues for a variety of suitable gift options that don’t come wrapped in paper.

2. Gifts for seniors to use:

A meaningful gift does not have to be large and expensive a hat, slippers, or gift cards are among the most popular gift items that seniors appreciate. A gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or meal delivery service can be the perfect gift for those who enjoy a good meal.

3. Gifts for senior entertainment:

Books, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and magazines can serve as a great source of entertainment, keep the mind active and prevent boredom, especially if a senior is isolated or homebound. Consider gifting your loved one with a monthly subscription box to deliver a surprise to their doorstep every month. Choose from countless options and themes available, allowing your loved one to enjoy a gift that keeps giving through the year.

As you prepare for your holiday celebrations, it’s important to believe that the season can be memorable for everyone, even with some compromise. Allow yourself time and space to embrace this reality — and then remind yourself and your loved ones of the true reasons you celebrate.

At Community Home Health Care, we’re here to help you. No matter the caregiving challenge, you can navigate this holiday season with hope, peace and joy. Find additional caregiver resources on our website, and explore a variety of timely topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours. We’re here for you and are happy to assist your family at this wonderful time of year. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

Happy holidays from your friends at Community Home Health Care!

A Proactive Approach to Loneliness and Social Isolation In Seniors

Although the prevalence of loneliness and isolation in seniors has been an enduring concern, the outbreak of the current COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased awareness and sensitivity to the issue. As a result of pandemic impacts, other populations are suddenly faced with a new social reality, prompting friends, family, and service providers to understand the elderly human experience more deeply and strive to minimize its negative outcomes.

Prevalence rates suggest that nearly 30% of older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation and 5% report often or always feeling lonely. As reported by the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and social isolation can have long-term negative effects on older adults’ physical and mental health, including:

● Poorer cognitive function

● High blood pressure

● Heart disease

● Obesity

● Weakened immune system

● Anxiety

● Depression

● Cognitive decline

● Alzheimer’s disease

● Death

Individuals can become socially isolated for a variety of reasons. These reasons include growing older or weaker, the deaths of their spouses and friends, limited mobility, illness, or leaving the workplace. Older people also often have limited access to transportation, and fear that they will become burdensome to their family and friends. This may motivate them to stay at home, or refuse to accept offers for participating in family and social activities. Regardless of the circumstance, it is crucial for social workers, family, and caregivers to compensate wherever necessary and provide seniors with opportunities for social engagement, in order to mitigate the effects of loneliness and isolation.

Recognizing Isolation and Loneliness

Research shows that social isolation and loneliness overlap significantly, and are often used interchangeably. In social isolation, individuals lack contact with their social network. On the other hand, loneliness refers to a state of feeling alone, separated, or separate from others. This can be defined as an imbalance between desired and actual interpersonal contact. Even though gerontological researchers and social workers distinguish between loneliness and social isolation, they acknowledge that both of these issues negatively impact older people’s health and well-being, and thus emphasize the benefits of interventions that address both.

Addressing Loneliness and COVID-19

In light of the recent pandemic, loneliness and social isolation heightened amongst seniors who were forced to be separated from loved ones for extended periods of time. In residential facilities, patient isolation remained a priority, as well as a significant concern. Since families were unable to enter the facility, senior programming directors were challenged to come up with creative ways to alleviate their residents’ loneliness and isolation. Visiting from outside windows or from a distance in outdoor premises, became the new norm. Utilizing technology, such as Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, and Hangouts has also been incredibly effective in keeping at-risk adults isolated, yet socially active. Re-thinking how to offer group activities with appropriate social distancing, or organizing compassionate visits for persons at the end-of-life posed an additional challenge for those who most appreciate the significance of social interaction for their patients.

Older adults living independently at home can face these challenges as well. Thus it is crucial to ensure the adult has a variety of occasions to engage in meaningful social activities. For loved ones living apart it is also important to keep consistent, open communication with on-site caregivers, or the elderly individual, to be assured that there are a variety of opportunities for social engagement, despite living independently.

How We Can Help

There are a variety of techniques on how caregivers can help reduce social isolation. With increased focus on the issue and a bit of proactive planning, caregivers, or even family and friends can easily help their loved one be set up for success. Here are some ideas:

Make a schedule

Creating a structure in day-to-day life, even if it may be difficult, offers the individual a sense of stability and purpose. Try setting an alarm to start the day at a reasonable time. Begin the week with a basic plan that outlines goals or activities for each day. Incorporate a combination of leisurely activities and chores, such as attending senior events, shopping, cooking a meal, a doctor’s visit, or taking a walk in a local park. Be sure to include something enjoyable and involve someone else’s company when planning the schedule.

Keep a Pet

Several studies have shown that pet attachment can alleviate loneliness by providing social support and companionship for the pet owner. Studies that evaluated the role of pet attachment or animal-assisted therapy demonstrated favorable effects on emotional well-being. A caregiver can help with pet care and maintenance so that the adult can enjoy full benefit, stress-free.

Discover New Friends

Facilitating opportunities to connect with new people is another way to alleviate isolation. Seniors can pursue their hobbies with like-minded peers, such as by joining a library society, sports venue, or knitting club. Caregivers can offer escort and companionship to adults pursuing their hobbies. There may also be local opportunities to connect with volunteers who are eager to join and facilitate new friendships.

Learn to love computers

In a fast-paced digital age, older adults often feel incompetent and isolated amidst a younger, tech-savvy generation. Explore opportunities for seniors to learn technology-related skills, such as corresponding by email, or following social media. Researchers have found that seniors who completed a 3-week computer training course and internet tutorial reported a significant decrease in loneliness. Caregivers can also offer ongoing assistance in this new experience.

Regardless of how you choose to fill the week, we encourage taking a proactive approach to combat loneliness and mitigate its effects. You can find additional caregiver resources on our website, and explore a variety of timely topics such as medical assistance, personal care, and senior companionship.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our team of caring and experienced personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides who expertly serve families just like yours.

We’re here for you and happy to assist your family. Give us a call at (845) 425-6555 with any questions.

References:

Gardiner C, Geldenhuys G, Gott M. Interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older people: an integrative review. Health Soc Care Community. 2018 Mar;26(2):147-157. doi: 10.1111/hsc.12367. Epub 2016 Jul 13. PMID: 27413007.

Cacioppo JT, Cacioppo S. Older adults reporting social isolation or loneliness show poorer cognitive function 4 years later. Evid Based Nurs. 2014 Apr;17(2):59-60. doi: 10.1136/eb-2013-101379. Epub 2013 Jun 8. PMID: 23749730.

Connections

Connections are vital for every human being. These connections may be even more important for older adults, who may struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness. In addition, many of these older adults may also experience negative effects on their physical, mental, and emotional health when these connections crumble. However, the Covid-19 pandemic and the importance of social distancing has made maintaining these connections much more challenging. One way to maintain connections is via online tools, and caregivers can play a vital role in maintaining and fostering these connections. 

The Importance of Connections 

Connections with family and friends can have myriad positive impacts on seniors. Some of these benefits are relatively obvious, but other pluses do not always get the same degree of attention.  What are some of the most important benefits: 

  1. Connected seniors often live longer, and their quality of life may be dramatically better, from both physical and mental health perspectives
  2. Connections can increase a person’s sense of belonging in a community, leading to a positive spike in their self-esteem. This can generate a wide range of spillover benefits. 
  3. Connections can also dramatically reduce the risk that an older adult will be abused. Seniors that are alone or those that have a small social network are at the greatest risk of being abused because they are less likely to report it.  

Connecting Seniors in the Covid-19 Era

As noted above, connections are vital to maintaining an older adult’s physical and mental health. But, these connections are even more complicated during the Covid-19 global pandemic. Older adults are uniquely vulnerable to poor outcomes with a Covid-19 infection. Upwards of 90 percent of individuals who have died from Covid-19 have been over the age of 55, and most of these older adults have lived in congregate facilities, such as nursing homes.  

These harsh medical realities mean that it is simply not advisable, at present, for connections to be made through in-person activities. So, if in-person activities and meetings cannot happen, then what is the best approach? The best approach is using the Internet to foster connections. 

Using Technology to Collaborate

There are many different ways that older adults can connect to family and friends with technology. For example, they can up their connections by regularly e-mailing and texting with friends and family members. Also, instead of merely calling loved ones, older adults can arrange Zoom phone calls that can include a large circle of people, or they can even FaceTime, with an Apple product, so that they get video images. These tools can help people feel more connected to their loved ones. 

However, these are not the only technological options available. Increasingly, churches and other organizations have set up online options, often via Zoom, where people can feel connected without attending an event in person. 

However, even though all of the approaches outlined above are great and extremely beneficial to people who participate, there is a hiccup with this approach. 

What is the Hiccup? 

In this case, the hiccup is relatively straightforward. Many older adults are not technologically savvy. New technology may intimidate them, and they may also have physical or cognitive challenges that make some tools very complicated or frustrating. Plus, this frustration may mean that the older adult withdraws and does not adopt these new approaches. 

How Can Caregivers Help Seniors Connect Online? 

Without assistance, many older adults quickly become frustrated with new technology and ultimately give up. This is where caregivers can and should step into the process and help navigate the natural hiccups that may occur. 

The amount of navigation needed by the caregiver may vary depending on factors, such as: how technologically savvy the person is, what types of technology the person had previously used, and any medical issues that the person may have?  

#1 One-time Tutorials

For a relatively technologically savvy older adult, the caregiver may only have to give a one-time tutorial to get the older adult started on something like Zoom. It may also be beneficial to leave a clearly spelled out instruction sheet that the person can refer back to later if they have questions! 

#2 Ongoing Tutorials

Suppose the older adult is less technologically savvy or is struggling with a range of health issues. In that case, it may be necessary for the caregiver to take a more active role in connecting the person online. The caregiver may need to set up an online email account, as well as establishing passwords that both they and the person that they are caring for will know. Sometimes, simply setting up the account will be enough. In other cases, the caregiver may need to sit next to the older adult while they are Zooming, stepping in to correct any technological glitches that may occur. 

#3 Determining Technological Needs

Another critical issue to remember is that successfully connecting a senior online is not merely about teaching a person how to use a new technology or application. It may also be necessary to purchase the essential tools for the senior. For example, Zoom can be used via a smartphone. But, many people find it easier to use on a laptop computer. The caregiver can play an integral role in determining what technology needs to be purchased and communicating these needs with other family members. 

It is also crucial for the caregiver to navigate this entire process with compassion. Remember, it can be scary and intimidating for an older adult to feel like they need to learn a wide range of new skills.  To minimize these feelings, the caregiver may want to involve the older adult in the purchasing process, asking them about their preferences from a limited range of options. It may also be beneficial at times for the caregiver to step back and allow the person that they are caring for the opportunity to succeed via trial and error.

Finding the correct balance between independence and help can be challenging. It may depend to a large degree on both people’s personality types. Some people may embrace receiving help, whereas others could potentially find the help frustrating or even insulting. 

Get Connected With A Caregiver

Connections are integral in helping older adults maintain a high quality of life, from both a physical and emotional perspective. In years past, connections were relatively easy to establish. But, Covid-19 and its self-isolation requirements have thrown a wrench into this. So, creative solutions need to be carved out. One solution is to use new technology, such as Zoom, to connect individuals via the Internet remotely. 

If you’re looking for a caregiver to help your loved one navigate technological solutions so they can stay connected, contact Community Home Health Care at 845-425-6555. You can also visit our website at https://old.commhealthcare.com/home/.

Mental Health for Seniors: How to Identify Problems and Get Proper Care

Have you noticed that an older adult in your life is sleeping more than usual, seems angry and irritable, or is having suicidal thoughts? Did you know that these could be signs of a mental health problem?

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one in four older adults—about 7 million—are living with a mental disorder such as depression or anxiety. By 2030, NCOA expects the number to double to 15 million.

The sad fact is that two-thirds of older adults with mental disorders do not receive treatment for their conditions. Untreated mental disorders can lead to poor overall health, higher health care costs, disability or impairment, compromised quality of life, increased caregiver stress, a higher risk of suicide, and death.

For these reasons, it’s important to recognize the warning signs and risk factors associated with depression and anxiety—and know how to get treatment for your aging loved one.

Depression in Seniors

The most prevalent mental disorder among seniors is depression, according to a brief released by the Healthy Aging Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD). Depression in seniors can lead to health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, and the condition can make it difficult for the sufferer to seek treatment.

Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Depression in Seniors

As a caregiver, it’s important to know the signs and risk factors of depression to ensure that the senior in your life receives treatment as quickly as possible. As with most mental health disorders, depression has numerous symptoms. Some seniors may only experience a few symptoms, while others may show signs of several.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists the most common warning signs of depression in seniors as:

  • Persistent Sad, Anxious, or “Empty” Mood
  • Feelings of Hopelessness or Pessimism
  • Irritability
  • Feelings of Guilt, Worthlessness, or Helplessness
  • Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Hobbies and Activities
  • Decreased Energy or Fatigue
  • Moving or Talking More Slowly
  • Feeling Restless or Having Trouble Sitting Still
  • Difficulty Concentrating, Remembering, or Making Decisions
  • Difficulty Sleeping, Waking Early in the Morning, or Oversleeping
  • Changes in Appetite
  • Changes in Weight
  • Thoughts of Death or Suicide
  • Suicide Attempts
  • Aches or Pains, Headaches, Cramps, or Digestive problems—Without a Distinct Physical Cause

Do you think an older adult in your life for is suffering from depression? If they have experienced any of these symptoms for a majority of the days over a two-week period, their health care provider should screen them for depression.

In addition to the warning signs, there are a few risk factors associated with depression in seniors. These include:

  • A Personal or Family History of Depression
  • Major Life Changes, Stress, or Trauma
  • Certain Physical Illnesses and Medications

Anxiety in Seniors

Anxiety is another prevalent mental health condition for seniors, and it often is associated with depression. In fact, nearly half of older adults who are diagnosed with depression also experience anxiety, according to the CDC and NACDD brief.

Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Anxiety in Seniors

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common type of anxiety. Seniors with GAD are typically over-anxious and worrisome for a majority of days for at least six months. From personal health and everyday routines to work and socialization, GAD can affect nearly every aspect of a senior’s life.

Like depression, there are numerous warning signs when it comes to anxiety. According to the NIMH, caregivers should be aware of the following signs and symptoms of GAD in seniors:

  • Feeling Restless, Overly Excited, or On-Edge
  • Being Easily Fatigued
  • Having Difficulty Concentrating
  • Mind Going Blank
  • Irritability
  • Experiencing Muscle Tension
  • Difficulty Controlling Feelings of Worry
  • Having Sleep Problems (Difficulty Falling or Staying Asleep, Restlessness, or Unsatisfying Sleep)

Besides these signs and symptoms, chronic health problems such as thyroid conditions or heart arrhythmias can lead to or increase anxiety symptoms. Drinking caffeinated beverages, substance abuse, and certain medications can also cause anxiety.

According to the NIMH, research has shown that genetics and environmental factors can increase the risk of developing anxiety. A few of the common risk factors associated with anxiety disorders are:

  • Shyness During Childhood
  • Exposure to Stressful or Negative Life or Environmental Events
  • A Family History of Anxiety or Other Mental Illnesses

Treating Depression and Anxiety in Seniors

The typical treatments for both depression and anxiety in seniors include medication and psychotherapy—or a combination of both. Caregivers need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of each condition since treatments are generally more effective when they begin during the early stage of either condition.

Whether you’re a caregiver in a long-term care facility, assisted living facility, or a home health care provider, several activities can help promote the mental health and wellbeing of seniors. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends enhancing your caregiving routine with the following types of activities:

  • Healthy Activities: Walking, exercise classes, interactive games, gardening, relaxation classes, yoga, Quigong, or Tai Chi.
  • Intellectual Activities: Reading books, discussing current events, crossword puzzles, card games, chess, or strategy games.
  • Artistic Activities: Arts and crafts, creative writing, music, drama, and dance.
  • Skill-Building Activities: Classes to learn about computers, cooking, sewing, carpentry, gardening, finances, or grandparenting.
  • Spiritual Activities: Attending religious services or prayer groups, celebrating religious holidays, or meditation classes.
  • Volunteer and Mentoring Activities: Intergenerational activities with children, teens, and young adults.
  • Coping Activities: Classes on loss and bereavement, caring for a spouse, problem-solving, or socialization.

If you’re an older adult living with depression, anxiety, or another mental health disorder, there are a number of things you can do to while you’re being treated for your condition to help improve your quality of life:

  • Be Active and Exercise Regularly
  • Set Realistic Goals
  • Spend Time with Friends or Family
  • Don’t Isolate Yourself—Reach Out for Help
  • Know That Your Mood Will Improve Over Time—Not Right Away
  • Postpone Major Life Changes (Getting Married or Divorced, Changings Jobs, Etc.)
  • Discuss Major Decisions with a Trusted Relative, Friend, or Your Caregiver
  • Educate Yourself About Your Condition

Do you have a loved one that is living with a mental health disorder? Community Home Health Care has a dedicated staff of experienced and trained in-home caregivers, including personal care aides, registered nurses, and home health aides. To learn more about our services, visit our website and fill out our simple online form. You can also visit us in person or call (845) 425-6555 to speak with a caring representative today. Whether you need medical assistance, personal care, or friendship, we’re here to help!

 

Feeling at Peace: How to Lose the “Caregiver Guilt”

If you’re feeling negative emotions when caring for an elderly loved one, you are not alone. For many, the demands of caregiving are only deepened by a sense of guilt—and often the worry that we aren’t doing enough, providing enough, or taking care of everything that requires our attention. 

There are many forms of caregiver guilt, depending on the caregiver’s life circumstances. For many, the guilt is a result of our sense of responsibility for things we feel we could’ve changed for the better—even if the events or choices were outside our control.  And when the complicated challenges of caring for an elderly loved one may not go as planned, our guilt makes us shoulder the disappointment and self-blame in how things turned out. 

If you’re feeling caregiver guilt, the following statements may sound familiar: 

  • We feel guilty we don’t spend enough time without loved ones, or that we spend too much time with them at the expense of others.
  • We feel guilty for moving our loved ones into a senior facility or assisted living, or that we’re hurting them and others by keeping them in their own home or moving them into our family’s home. 
  • We feel guilty for own feelings: for resenting the burden of caregiving, for frustration at our parent’s limits, and for being selfish if we do prioritize our own needs.  

Caregiver guilt is almost unavoidable. Our care and desire to make the best choices for our loved ones means that we can hold ourselves to high standards of behavior—and blame ourselves when the stress of caregiving shows on our careers, family life, or mental health. 

But there are steps you can take to mitigate your unwarranted feelings of guilt. Relying on others, taking time for self-care, and focusing on the positive helps you balance your emotions. And a happier, healthier caregiver can provide better care. 

Tip 1: Accept Help

The first step to alleviating guilt is to rid yourself of the expectation that you need to handle everything on your own. Reach out to other family members, or even consider hiring a caretaker to provide care and companionship when you can’t. If those options aren’t available, think about which errands in your personal life can be delegated or hired out. While paying for supermarket delivery or extra cleaning help may seem selfish, the benefits of your ease of mind will go a long way. 

Tip 2: Remove the “Should”

As a caregiver, your to-do list is full of “shoulds” for every minute of the day, but it may be time to renovate that list. Make a chart of “shoulds” and “needs,” and categorize all your tasks honestly. You may find that some of your most difficult or time-consuming tasks are “shoulds”, such as taking Mom for her doctor appointments, that can be delegated or given up to make way for the most important needs without compromising on your caregiving. 

Tip 3: Focus on the Positive 

Guilt has a way of keeping you focused on the things you haven’t done right, but you can keep negative feelings at bay with mindfulness and self-reflection. Keep in mind, your goal is to keep your loved ones safe and provided for—and no one can truly “do it all”. Take the time to reflect on your accomplishments, to give yourself positive reinforcement, and to reassure yourself that the caregiving role is a challenging one for anyone—and your efforts go a long way to keeping your loved one happy and healthy. 

Tip 4: Do For Yourself, Too.

There’s no quicker way to drain your emotional health than denying yourself the habits that keep you happy, healthy, and upbeat. When your schedule is full, it’s tempting to sideline your gym hours, social life, or even just some “me time”. But going for too long without any space for yourself will only leave you angrier, stressed, and unable to stretch yourself further. Put your self-care on your to-do list to keep it a priority, and focus on getting in your personal time—even if that means removing other tasks from the list (takeout is fine for dinner, sometimes!) 

Tip 5: Find Support 

Believe it or not, there are plenty of people in the same boat as you—or ready to offer an understanding ear. Search online for support groups in your area, or ask friends and family if they know a fellow caregiver. Speaking to others lets you share stories, tips, or even just enjoy the company of someone facing the same challenges with positivity and a healthy mindset.

Caregiving can be overwhelming. But when it comes to making the right decisions for your loved one, finding trusted home care shouldn’t be. Learn more about finding compassionate caregivers focused on dignity and quality of life by reaching out to Community Home Health Care at 845.425.6555. We’re always happy to answer any questions and connect you with the right care for your family.