Could Poor Sleep Rob You of Your Independence?

When you were a small child, you probably complained to your parents at bedtime: “Why do I have to go to sleep? It’s a waste of time!” Most of us spend about one-third of our life sleeping—but sleep remains a mystery to us. We don’t think much about it until we encounter a sleep problem.

Medical research, however, has not been asleep on the job. Advanced observation techniques and brain imaging are revealing things we didn’t know about the role of sleep in healthy aging. Poor-quality sleep raises the risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease and many other health conditions. This year, several research studies offered additional insight into the relationship between sleep and brain health.

Sleep and Memory

Why is sleep important for memory? Nothing happens during sleep that we need to remember except for good dreams, right? It turns out that sleep is the time when memories are secured in our brains. During the day we experience thousands of small events, recalling most of them for only a few seconds or at most a few hours. But it is during sleep that certain short-term memories are transformed into long-term memories. The brain waves generated during deep sleep help move memories from the hippocampus—the part of the brain where short-term memories are stored—into the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain where long-term memories are stored. This is often compared to the way data is moved from your computer’s clipboard to the hard drive.

This year, University of California, Berkeley neuroscientists showed that in older adults, memories may become “stuck” in the hippocampus because of poor sleep, and then are overwritten by new memories. The researchers are investigating ways to enhance the sleep of older adults. Says the study’s lead author Bryce Mander, “Can you jumpstart slow wave sleep and help people remember their lives and memories better? It’s an exciting possibility.”

Sleep and Stress Management

A 2012 study showed that poor sleep worsens the effect of stress on the brains of seniors. Kathi Heffner, Ph.D., of the University of Rochester Medical Center explains that sleep problems increase stress-related inflammation of the brain and body. Says Heffner, “This study offers more evidence that better sleep not only can improve overall well-being but also may help prevent poor physiological and psychological outcomes associated with inflammation.”

Sleep and Senior Independence

Sleep may be so important for senior health that it is a determining factor in how independent we can be in our later years. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers revealed that poor sleep is a factor in predicting which seniors will need to receive care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. “Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression,” said the study authors in the July 2012 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. “Previous studies have also linked disturbed sleep with disability in older adults and impairment in activities of daily living and mobility.”

Are Sleep Problems “Just a Part of Growing Older”?

It is true that our sleep patterns change as we age. Seniors also are more likely to experience difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night and sleep apnea, a disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep. But we shouldn’t think that sleep problems are inevitable.  Experts from the University of Pittsburgh’s Sleep and Chronobiology Center recently released the results of a five-year study on sleep and seniors that demonstrated that more than half of all retired people age 65 and older sleep at least 7.5 hours per night, and between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. Said Dr. Timothy Monk, “Our findings suggest that in matters regarding sleep and sleepiness, as in many other aspects of life, most seniors today are doing better than is generally thought. The stereotype of most seniors going to bed at 8 p.m., sleeping very lightly and being unduly sleepy during the day may be quite inaccurate.”

These studies all provide a reminder that if you or an older loved one is sleeping poorly, you shouldn’t ignore the problem—or the cause. Sleep problems might be the first sign of a serious health problem; indeed, poor sleep can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Many sleep problems are caused or worsened by arthritis and other painful conditions. Depression, isolation, incontinence and inactivity make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. And many common medications seniors take can cause a restless night.

Don’t delay seeking help. Ask the healthcare provider to conduct an evaluation or recommend a sleep specialist. Many seniors experience improved sleep quality by taking steps such as:

• Managing health conditions that cause pain or anxiety
• Following a regular sleep schedule
• Improving the sleep environment of the bedroom
• Increasing physical activity during the day
• Avoiding daytime naps
• Having medications reviewed
• Avoiding caffeine in the afternoon or entirely
• Avoiding alcohol in the evening or entirely

The doctor also may prescribe a sleeping medication. It is important to take these drugs only as recommended and for as short a time as possible. Sleep aid technologies also help many people who are dealing with sleep disorders. It’s important not to give up. A sleep specialist will evaluate your problem and make the best recommendation for helping you make the most of that one-third of your day … at any age.

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.

For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at http://www.rightathome.net/monmouth-middlesex/,  732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Extreme Heat Is Most Dangerous Weather Emergency for Seniors

Every summer, we read of heat waves that take the lives of vulnerable elders. Geriatricians have long known that while high air temperatures can be dangerous for people of any age, seniors are at highest risk.

As we grow older, our bodies are less able to regulate temperature, and we perspire less. Some of the medications we take can interfere with fluid balance. We are less able to tell when we are overheated. It may be hard for seniors to get out of a dangerously warm house or apartment. They may struggle to pay energy bills to cool their home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long stated that in all likelihood, heat-related illness and deaths of older adults have been underreported. Now, in what is being called the most comprehensive study of heat-related illness to date, researchers from Harvard School of Public Health have analyzed data on the relationship between extreme heat and the hospitalization of older adults. The research team examined 127 billion daily hospitalizations of 23.7 million people on Medicare over the course of a decade in almost 2,000 counties of the United States. They coordinated the data with more than 4,000 temperature monitors from around the country.

The study, which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association, confirmed that “extreme heat is the most common cause of weather-related mortality in the U.S.” The greatest risk was from heat stroke (defined below). Extreme heat also was associated with an increase in the number of seniors who were hospitalized for fluid and electrolyte disorders, kidney failure, urinary tract infections and severe blood infections (sepsis).

One important finding: Though the risks were highest on heat wave days, they remained elevated for close to a week after the hottest days had passed.

Protect Older Loved Ones During Summer Heat

Check on elderly loved ones during heat waves just as you would during any emergency or natural disaster. Take these steps to keep them safe:

• If the home has air conditioning, be sure it is in good working order. If your loved one is worried about cooling costs, look into resources that help seniors pay their energy bills. If the air conditioner is an older model, it might be worthwhile to get a new energy-efficient one that is cheaper to operate.
• If the home is not air-conditioned, open windows to let in cooler air during early morning and evening hours. Close drapes and blinds to block out the sun and use fans to circulate air.
• If it is impossible to adequately cool your loved one’s home, get them to a place that is air-conditioned. This might be a great day to take Mom on an outing to the mall, or to see a movie! If your loved one uses in-home care services, work with the agency to find resources to help manage the temperature in the home or to transport your loved one to a cooler place.
• Many communities offer daytime cooling centers, located in community centers, libraries, senior centers, schools and fire departments. Learn about these shelters ahead of time. If your loved one has a pet, find out if there are pet-friendly centers in the area.
• Encourage your loved one to drink plenty of fluids. Our thirst mechanism is less sensitive as we grow older, so offer fluids even if your loved one doesn’t seem thirsty. (People who are on a fluid-restricted diet should consult their physician before changing their fluid intake.) Fresh fruit also is a good source of fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can increase dehydration.
• Help your loved one dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, are coolest. Many synthetic fabrics trap heat and perspiration against the body.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Be alert for signs that your loved one could be suffering from heat-related illness: Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating; cold, pale, clammy skin; weakness; fast pulse; nausea; and fainting. Heat stroke is a serious condition; the symptoms include body temperature higher than 103°; hot, red skin, either dry or moist; rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately, and move the person to a cooler environment. Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or a bath. Do not give fluids.

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.

For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at http://www.rightathome.net/monmouth-middlesex/,  732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Preparing for a Nation of Older Brains

Seniors today are more motivated than ever to make brain-healthy lifestyle choices. But even normal age-related cognitive changes will have an impact as the baby boomers age, say experts.

Most Americans are aware of the challenges Alzheimer’s disease creates for seniors, families and society. It’s understandable that many seniors and even younger people tend to obsess about their memory and thinking, scrutinizing every little lapse with concern! Fortunately, this has motivated many of us to focus on taking care of our brains. For example, more than half of those who responded to a May 2015 Caring Right at Home poll reported making lifestyle choices that support cognitive health.

Neurologists tell us that as we grow older, certain cognitive changes are quite normal. While each of us ages in our unique way, typical changes include forgetting names or words, occasionally forgetting why we came into a room or where we left the car keys, increased difficulty with multitasking, and having to work a little harder to learn new things or make a decision. Most people are relieved to know that these lapses and slowdowns are considered normal.

Yet these age-related changes in our mental function aren’t without impact. Recently, the Institute of Medicine, the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences, released a report on cognitive aging and the lives and well-being of older adults. According to the report, “Aging can affect cognitive abilities needed to perform daily tasks, such as driving, following recipes, adhering to medication schedules, and paying bills.” The report also emphasized that reduced decision-making ability is one factor in financial fraud that targets seniors, who are defrauded of close to $3 billion each year.

Dan G. Blazer, professor emeritus from Duke University Medical Center, said, “Aging can have both positive and negative effects on cognition. Wisdom and knowledge can increase with age, while memory and attention decline.” Said Blazer, who served as committee chair of the study, “Changes in mental functions and capabilities are a part of aging and occur with everyone. The extent and nature of these changes vary widely and are gradual.”

What Can Individuals Do to Protect Cognitive Health?

The committee offered a series of recommendations that serve as an overview of today’s state-of-the-art understanding of brain health. Their top recommendations are to be physically active; to manage health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure; to quit smoking; and to have medications reviewed regularly to avoid side effects that harm memory and thinking.

Other potentially helpful lifestyle and healthcare choices: Be socially and intellectually engaged; get enough sleep and seek treatment for sleep disorders; and avoid situations that could lead to delirium (a temporary cognitive state resulting from hospitalization, illness or medication).

The committee urged caution in regard to certain products that make claims to protect brain health. They say that studies of the benefits of “brain training” computer programs are inconclusive. And what about “brain health” vitamins and supplements? The report said, “Despite widespread publicity about the benefits of vitamins and supplements for brain health and the large expenditures made on these products … the evidence for supplements enhancing cognition or preventing decline is limited, and the medical literature does not convincingly support any vitamin supplement intervention to prevent cognitive decline.”

A Call to Action

Beyond the individual level, society as a whole can play a part. The report calls upon communities, state and federal agencies, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, healthcare professionals and businesses to take a greater role in supporting the cognitive health and well-being of older Americans.

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.

For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at http://www.rightathome.net/monmouth-middlesex/,  732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Paying for In-Home Care

Most seniors want to stay in their homes as long as possible—close to 90 percent, according to the AARP. But the desire for independence, familiar routines, and to be surrounded by cherished memories can put seniors at greater risk for something going wrong—from falling to not having healthful food on hand to leaving the stove on.

That’s why home care has become so popular. Home care allows seniors to retain a large degree of independence while ensuring their most basic needs are being met. Home care can provide a variety of services, such as meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and any physical assistance a senior may need, including dressing and bathing. Simply having someone coming in each day or several times a week provides many families with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are being looked after.

And while home care is usually less expensive than living in a senior living community, many people still find that paying for home care can become a financial challenge. Just as many people are surprised to find out that Medicare covers only limited nursing home care, they also may be unaware that it pays only for medically necessary home healthcare services, such as skilled nursing care and physical therapy. Medicare does not pay for personal care or homemaker services. Here are some ideas that have helped many families pay for in-home care:

Public Benefit Programs. People with income under a certain level may qualify for home care assistance through Medicaid; the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) if their state has one; the Veterans Administration’s Aid & Attendance benefit; or other government assistance programs. Talk to your local Area Agency on Aging for more information.

Long-Term Care Insurance. Many long-term care insurance policies cover home care services. If you already have a long-term care policy, check with your company or agent to find out exactly what it covers. If you’re looking to buy one, do your homework and make sure you’re covered for home care. While the policy may be more expensive, it will pay for itself many times over if you find you need home care services down the road.

Reverse Mortgage. A reverse mortgage is a loan against a senior’s house that allows the owner to convert part of their home equity into cash. The loan and interest are paid back when the home is sold or the owner passes away.

Cashing in a Life Insurance Policy. Life insurance usually is intended to protect a spouse’s and/or children’s way of life, should the policyholder pass away. Seniors who are widows or widowers and whose children are living comfortably on their own may no longer have an urgent need for life insurance. In these cases, it may be possible to cash in the policy to pay for home care.

Family Contributions. When a senior loved one needs care, the lion’s share of the hands-on and managerial tasks often falls to one family member. If this is the case in your family, it may be time for a meeting to talk about a more equitable division of practical and financial support for your senior loved one. Beyond the upfront costs of care, caregivers should share information about the hidden costs of their caregiving duties: having to leave their job or reduce work hours …  less time to spend on their own health … using their vacation time for elder care … feeling torn between their caregiver duties and the time they would like to spend with their spouse or children. Family members who divide the costs usually feel better knowing they are doing their fair share.

Families who use in-home care report that it provides a very high return on investment! Professional in-home care agencies can offer information on financial resources that may be available in your community.

For information on topics related to home care and healthcare, visit our Home Care and Healthcare Advocacy group on LinkedIn.

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.

For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at  http://www.rightathome.net/middlesexnj/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Backyard, High-Tech Cottages for Seniors Provide Peace of Mind for Caregivers

Mom and Dad are moving closer to be near family, so close you can see them right out the backdoor. In the 1970s, the Australians introduced free-standing, backyard dwellings for the elderly, and these mini-cottage-style suites are now catching on in the United States – but with a high-tech upgrade. Some call these prefabricated homes “granny pods,” or specifically a MEDCottage™, a brand designed in part by engineering students at Virginia Tech.

The prefabricated MEDCottage comes in varying sizes, up to 600 square feet, with a living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette and a number of innovative features to monitor safety and health. Worried about Mom’s blood pressure and glucose levels? Medical technology in the cottage can measure the older adult’s key body functions, including heart rate and blood gases, and can send the data to the caregiver and physicians. Are falls a concern? A camera sends live feeds from the cottage to the caregiver’s computer in the main home. Privacy is still respected as the camera only sweeps about a foot off the floor. Other safeguard options include:

• Specialized rubber floors to protect against fall injuries. An egg dropped from 18 inches onto the cushioned flooring will not break.
• An auto light-up mat from bedroom to toilet that activates with foot pressure to help guide seniors during middle-of-the-night bathroom visits.
• Ceiling tracks fit a lift or trapeze hook to help the elderly with mobility or balance issues.

Not every state allows these external dwellings for a family member, but many are considering “granny pod” legislation. The basic MEDCottage starts at $39,625, and cost savings over a nursing home or assisted living facility make the backyard cottages a favorable option. To ensure that aging loved ones still receive assistance with meals, bathing and other home healthcare needs, many family caregivers rely on Right at Home senior care specialists.

Would the backyard cottage arrangement work for you and your aging loved ones?

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of CNJ office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey athttp://www.rightathome.net/middlesexnj/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

The Youngest Caregivers

More minor children are caring for senior relatives.

You’ve no doubt read about the growing caregiving crunch in America. Today, more than 40 million Americans are older than 65, representing about 13 percent of the population. By 2030, there will be about 72 million older persons, representing about 19 percent of the population. And by 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to be 88 million—more than double the number today. Many of these seniors are living with disabilities and need help to be safe and healthy at home.

Combined with our lower birth rate, this population shift is already taxing the caregiving capacity of many families. Spouses and adult children are providing much of the care—but many of them also are busy with their paid work, all the more important because many are helping to support their senior relatives financially.

Today, an often overlooked population is being called upon to provide care: the grandchildren and other minor relatives of seniors. Experts estimate that well over a million children under the age of 18 provide some level of care for a family member who lives with a physical or mental challenge. These children are often referred to as “the hidden caregivers.”

Child Caregivers Carry a Heavy Load

A recent study from the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that caregiving minors spend an average of 2.5 hours each day assisting their elderly relatives. The study authors report, “These tasks include assisting family members with getting around, eating, dressing, toileting, bathing and continence care. Youth caregivers also kept the family member company, provided emotional support, cleaned the house, shopped for groceries, administered medications, translated in clinical settings and handled medical equipment at home.”

This is quite a responsibility for a person who not only hasn’t attended nursing school, but might still be in high school, or even younger!

Children who are put in the role of caretaker face many challenges. Caregiving takes time away from studying and socializing with friends. The National Alliance for Caregiving reports that child caregivers are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and a sense of isolation. They may be more likely to behave antisocially than non-caregivers of the same age.

But it’s important to note that caregiving also seems to benefit children in certain ways. The majority report feeling appreciated for the help they give. Many exhibit greater maturity, self-confidence and a sense of empathy.

Supporting Child Caregivers and Their Families

More communities are taking notice of the needs of these children. Support groups are springing up across the country. The most prominent of these groups, the Florida-based American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), was created to “increase awareness about the effects on children who provide care for family members who are ill, injured, elderly and/or disabled.” The organization has created the Caregiving Youth Project, which works to ease the challenges minors experience when caring for an elderly loved one. Support services made available by the organization—such as tutoring, skills-building classes and activities designed to give the kids a break and let them have fun—have a beneficial impact on their well-being.

The first step is to raise awareness, say experts. When children are serving as caregivers, the arrangement may have gradually developed over time, with families not thinking to investigate support services that might be available. It’s possible that neither the child nor the family member receiving care wants to discuss their home situation. Families sometimes fear that children will be removed from the home, especially if they are missing school.

It is hoped that increased awareness will help families better access resources and services that can lessen the load on children. Families are encouraged to contact their local senior and disability assistance line to find out about local senior support programs. Social workers and professional geriatric care mangers can provide counseling and help locate services. Working parents should talk to their employer about flex time and other support for caregiving employees.

And it may be time to bring in professional in-home care. In-home caregivers provide a variety of services, including personal care, medication reminders, nutrition and meal planning, transportation, light housekeeping, and companionship. Even a few hours of professional help per week can reduce the caregiving load for younger family members and enhance the well-being of their senior loved one.

Learn More

Since 1998, the American Association of Caregiving Youth has been dedicated to supporting child caregivers and their families. Visit their website for news and information for and about young caregivers.

For information on topics related to home care and healthcare, visit our Home Care and Healthcare Advocacy group on LinkedIn.

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of CNJ office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey athttp://www.rightathome.net/middlesexnj/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Eight Tips for New Caregivers

A poll in the July 2014 issue of Caring Right at Home found that 75 percent of our readers provide some level of care for senior relatives. Who better to share their advice for those new to the role?

Mom just had a stroke and Dad is having a hard time caring for Mom, his own diabetes, and household chores. This may put you in the position of having to take on new caregiving responsibilities. Caregiving is a demanding role requiring an abundance of patience, compassion and self-care. Here is some advice people who’ve had some experience with caregiving offer to those who are starting in the role:

Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about your loved one’s diagnosis and what you can expect in both the immediate and not-so-near future. Learning about the changes that are likely to follow will provide you with the information you need to ensure both you and your loved one are well taken care of.

Be gentle with yourself. You will likely go through a range of emotions—grief, anger, resentment and guilt, to name a few. Recognize that these are a normal part of dealing with your new situation and allow yourself to experience each emotion freely as it arises.

Maintain your regular health routine. Continue to exercise, eat well, get enough sleep and keep all medical appointments. Consider learning a stress-management technique such as yoga or tai chi. Keeping yourself healthy is an important part of being the best possible caregiver for your loved one.

Meditate. Find some time to be simply still. Quiet your mind as much as possible whenever things feel like they are moving too fast or you are feeling overwhelmed. One thing most caregivers share is that it’s a great challenge to find time for themselves—yet this should be a top priority to allow you to rest and refresh yourself in body, mind and spirit.

Ask for help. Family members and friends often are more than willing to help caregivers with their duties. But they may hesitate to ask. Speak up!

Bring in a professional. Family and friends can be a great help, but this is just the start. Take the time to find out about resources available in your community, such as senior centers and other senior services organizations. Many families find the help of a geriatric care manager to be well worth the fees these experts charge. And to help keep your loved one safe at home while providing respite for you, professional in-home care is an important part of the care plan. In-home caregivers can provide a variety of services, including personal care, medication reminders, meal planning and cooking, transportation, light housekeeping, and companionship.

Take some time off. Getting away, whether it’s a week-long trip, a weekend escape, or even a single day indulging in something you love, can make all the difference in maintaining your health and sanity. Ask another family member or friend to stay with your loved one. Or take advantage of respite care provided by a reputable in-home care agency. Knowing your loved one is well cared for will allow you to relax all the more during your time off.

Socialize. Continue spending time with your circle of friends. This will help you maintain a sense of self. But if you sense that you’re spending too much of the conversation discussing your loved one and your caregiving challenges, consider joining a support group! Just knowing that you’re not alone can provide a real morale boost. Support groups are also a great place to get practical advice and discover the variety of resources available to you. And you’ll most likely make some new friends.

Caregiving can be both a highly rewarding and challenging opportunity. By following these tips and ensuring you’re taking care of yourself, you can continue to lead a fulfilling and enjoyable life.

For information on topics related to home care and healthcare, visit our Home Care and Healthcare Advocacy group on LinkedIn.  

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of CNJ office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey athttp://www.rightathome.net/middlesexnj/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners

Eight Tips for New Caregivers

A poll in the July 2014 issue of Caring Right at Home found that 75 percent of our readers provide some level of care for senior relatives. Who better to share their advice for those new to the role?

Mom just had a stroke and Dad is having a hard time caring for Mom, his own diabetes, and household chores. This may put you in the position of having to take on new caregiving responsibilities. Caregiving is a demanding role requiring an abundance of patience, compassion and self-care. Here is some advice people who’ve had some experience with caregiving offer to those who are starting in the role:

Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about your loved one’s diagnosis and what you can expect in both the immediate and not-so-near future. Learning about the changes that are likely to follow will provide you with the information you need to ensure both you and your loved one are well taken care of.

Be gentle with yourself. You will likely go through a range of emotions—grief, anger, resentment and guilt, to name a few. Recognize that these are a normal part of dealing with your new situation and allow yourself to experience each emotion freely as it arises.

Maintain your regular health routine. Continue to exercise, eat well, get enough sleep and keep all medical appointments. Consider learning a stress-management technique such as yoga or tai chi. Keeping yourself healthy is an important part of being the best possible caregiver for your loved one.

Meditate. Find some time to be simply still. Quiet your mind as much as possible whenever things feel like they are moving too fast or you are feeling overwhelmed. One thing most caregivers share is that it’s a great challenge to find time for themselves—yet this should be a top priority to allow you to rest and refresh yourself in body, mind and spirit.

Ask for help. Family members and friends often are more than willing to help caregivers with their duties. But they may hesitate to ask. Speak up!

Bring in a professional. Family and friends can be a great help, but this is just the start. Take the time to find out about resources available in your community, such as senior centers and other senior services organizations. Many families find the help of a geriatric care manager to be well worth the fees these experts charge. And to help keep your loved one safe at home while providing respite for you, professional in-home care is an important part of the care plan. In-home caregivers can provide a variety of services, including personal care, medication reminders, meal planning and cooking, transportation, light housekeeping, and companionship.

Take some time off. Getting away, whether it’s a week-long trip, a weekend escape, or even a single day indulging in something you love, can make all the difference in maintaining your health and sanity. Ask another family member or friend to stay with your loved one. Or take advantage of respite care provided by a reputable in-home care agency. Knowing your loved one is well cared for will allow you to relax all the more during your time off.

Socialize. Continue spending time with your circle of friends. This will help you maintain a sense of self. But if you sense that you’re spending too much of the conversation discussing your loved one and your caregiving challenges, consider joining a support group! Just knowing that you’re not alone can provide a real morale boost. Support groups are also a great place to get practical advice and discover the variety of resources available to you. And you’ll most likely make some new friends.

Caregiving can be both a highly rewarding and challenging opportunity. By following these tips and ensuring you’re taking care of yourself, you can continue to lead a fulfilling and enjoyable life.

For information on topics related to home care and healthcare, visit our Home Care and Healthcare Advocacy group on LinkedIn.  

Right at Home, Inc. is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those we serve. We fulfill that mission through a dedicated network of locally owned providers of in home care services.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of CNJ office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey athttp://www.rightathome.net/middlesexnj/, 732-967-0900 or by email at beth@rahcentral.com.

Reprinted with permission from Caring Right at Home eNewsletter, http://www.caringnews.com. Copyright, 2014, IlluminAge Communication Partners