Please check out this internet radio show...Coping With Caregiving. Listen to the archived programs. It offers great advise and you can hear about some very interesting companies that are in business to help caregivers and seniors!
Of course, please listen to my archived interview from May 16th:
http://www.wsradio.com/internet-talk-radio.cfm/shows/Coping-with-Caregiving/archives/date/selected/05-16-2009.html
(You may need to copy and paste the above link)
Showing posts with label stress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stress. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Top 10 Ways To Improve Your Diet
10 Ways for Seniors to Improve Their Diet
10. Eat breakfast every day
9. Choose whole grains
8. Have 3 servings of calcium/Vit D daily
7. Grocery shop with a friend
6. Add herbs and spices
5. Remove skin from chicken and choose lean meats
4. Serve meals attractively
3. Have a variety of colors of veggies
2. Try new foods
AND
1. Eat meals with someone you enjoy!!!!
These are easy ways for seniors to improve their diet. If you are an adult child of a senior, encourage them to make a few changes. Eat healthy today, fell better tomorrow!
10. Eat breakfast every day
9. Choose whole grains
8. Have 3 servings of calcium/Vit D daily
7. Grocery shop with a friend
6. Add herbs and spices
5. Remove skin from chicken and choose lean meats
4. Serve meals attractively
3. Have a variety of colors of veggies
2. Try new foods
AND
1. Eat meals with someone you enjoy!!!!
These are easy ways for seniors to improve their diet. If you are an adult child of a senior, encourage them to make a few changes. Eat healthy today, fell better tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Why Seniors Don't Have A Nutritious Diet
Top 10 Reasons Seniors Don't Have A Nutritious Diet
10. Difficulty chewing and swallowing
9. Digestion issues
8.Loss of taste and smell
7. Financial Reasons
6. Loneliness/Isolation
5. Difficulty shopping
4. Loss of appetite due to medications
3. Living alone
2. Difficulty cooking
AND
1. Been eating this way for 75 years!!!!!!
If any of these reasons seem to effect your loved one, there are people who can help! Our caregivers can do the shopping, help with meal prep and clean up as well as provide companionship so people won't have to eat alone.
Look into your loved one's teeth and/or dentures...that could be a quick fix if there is irritation and dentures are ill fitting.
Look into Meals On Wheels...there are a lot of options once the problems are identified!
10. Difficulty chewing and swallowing
9. Digestion issues
8.Loss of taste and smell
7. Financial Reasons
6. Loneliness/Isolation
5. Difficulty shopping
4. Loss of appetite due to medications
3. Living alone
2. Difficulty cooking
AND
1. Been eating this way for 75 years!!!!!!
If any of these reasons seem to effect your loved one, there are people who can help! Our caregivers can do the shopping, help with meal prep and clean up as well as provide companionship so people won't have to eat alone.
Look into your loved one's teeth and/or dentures...that could be a quick fix if there is irritation and dentures are ill fitting.
Look into Meals On Wheels...there are a lot of options once the problems are identified!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Top 10 Reasons To Start Eating Healthy...NOW
10. Reduce mood swings
9. Sleep better at night
8. Have softer skin
7. Lose weight
6. Have more energy
5. Able to fight illness better
4. Reduce medications
3. Less gastrointestinal problems
2. Prevent/postpone/help manage major chronic diseases
AND
1. Eat better today, feel better tomorrow
Monday, November 17, 2008
The 3 most "germiest" places
I heard a report on the radio the other day about the three most germiest places. If you can't stay away from these places, then wash your hands or use antibacterial gel asap after you visit one of these places.
Number one: the kids playground
Number two: public transit
Number three: the handle on the shopping cart! Use the wipes that stores now provide or start to carry your own. Yechhhhh.
Remember to get your flu shot this year...If you are a current care giver or happen to visit folks in the hospital or senior facility, it is only the right thing to do. It is not only for yourself, but also for all of the other people that you come into contact with throughout the day.
When you are caregiving or under stress, it is easier to catch a cold.
Take care of yourself first, so you can take care of your loved ones!
Number one: the kids playground
Number two: public transit
Number three: the handle on the shopping cart! Use the wipes that stores now provide or start to carry your own. Yechhhhh.
Remember to get your flu shot this year...If you are a current care giver or happen to visit folks in the hospital or senior facility, it is only the right thing to do. It is not only for yourself, but also for all of the other people that you come into contact with throughout the day.
When you are caregiving or under stress, it is easier to catch a cold.
Take care of yourself first, so you can take care of your loved ones!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Reduce Stress-Start Walking
It has been proven that walking does more than help you lose weight. Here are just a few good reasons from Realage.com to put on your shoes and get out there....
1. Creates a feeling of more energy
2. Improves your perspective-because of the circulation benefit, walking can help clear your head and improve cognitive brain function which can help you deal with a stressful situation.
3. Reduce the impact of disease-walking can reduce cardiovascular disease, decrease osteoarthritis pain, reduce the risk of colon cancer, protect against diabetes, and lower blood pressure.
4. Makes you happier-due to less stress, you can feel happier.
5. It's FREE
Anything that you can do to reduce stress in your life, will make you a better person. You will be a nicer spouse, a more pleasant daughter, and a more productive worker. Of course, less stress will make you a better care giver. It will help give you the strength to continue day after day.
If you don't have time for a full workout, park a little farther away at the grocery store. Walk up and down every aisle at the store whether you need an item or not! Take a 10 minute break and take a brisk walk where ever you are: hospital, at work, it doesn't matter.
Remember: the good effects of walking are accumulative throughout the day. A 10 minute walk, a quick walk with the dog, the few extra steps at the store...it does add up.
1. Creates a feeling of more energy
2. Improves your perspective-because of the circulation benefit, walking can help clear your head and improve cognitive brain function which can help you deal with a stressful situation.
3. Reduce the impact of disease-walking can reduce cardiovascular disease, decrease osteoarthritis pain, reduce the risk of colon cancer, protect against diabetes, and lower blood pressure.
4. Makes you happier-due to less stress, you can feel happier.
5. It's FREE
Anything that you can do to reduce stress in your life, will make you a better person. You will be a nicer spouse, a more pleasant daughter, and a more productive worker. Of course, less stress will make you a better care giver. It will help give you the strength to continue day after day.
If you don't have time for a full workout, park a little farther away at the grocery store. Walk up and down every aisle at the store whether you need an item or not! Take a 10 minute break and take a brisk walk where ever you are: hospital, at work, it doesn't matter.
Remember: the good effects of walking are accumulative throughout the day. A 10 minute walk, a quick walk with the dog, the few extra steps at the store...it does add up.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Parenting Your Parent
I have noticed lately that the chief complaint from my clients is regarding their adult children. The kids mean well but they are not asking first. The kids think they are doing the right thing and they may go out of their way to help, but they are not asking their parents what they would like. It is very easy to fall into the trap of role reversal and parenting your parent. No one really wants that situation...the adult children don't like it and the parents don't like it either.
You have to remember that the aging parent is losing control throughout their lives: vision, hearing, driving, memory, etc. They need to have a sense of control in the areas that they can still manage. Whether it is talking about not living alone anymore or not cooking for oneself, the parent must feel like the decision is theirs and that their children are not telling them what to do.
Perhaps the senior is a fall risk and they should not live alone in their house. Instead of telling them that you are going to move them into a beautiful assisted living facility, you should discuss the options that are available. Maybe you and your parent interview a couple of in home care agencies and then let your parent decide which one to go with...of course, you would have already done the leg work. While now she is not alone anymore (which is what you wanted in the first place) , the plan feels like it was the parent's idea and everyone is happy!
Even if you still would like to explore the assisted living idea, make it seem like it is their idea. Ask open ended questions and not yes or no questions. ie: "Would you like to visit A place or B place today?" Just remember that you are still their child and they are still the parent and they deserve that respect even if their health and or mind is failing. It will make for a more pleasant time and a lot less stress, I guarantee it!
You have to remember that the aging parent is losing control throughout their lives: vision, hearing, driving, memory, etc. They need to have a sense of control in the areas that they can still manage. Whether it is talking about not living alone anymore or not cooking for oneself, the parent must feel like the decision is theirs and that their children are not telling them what to do.
Perhaps the senior is a fall risk and they should not live alone in their house. Instead of telling them that you are going to move them into a beautiful assisted living facility, you should discuss the options that are available. Maybe you and your parent interview a couple of in home care agencies and then let your parent decide which one to go with...of course, you would have already done the leg work. While now she is not alone anymore (which is what you wanted in the first place) , the plan feels like it was the parent's idea and everyone is happy!
Even if you still would like to explore the assisted living idea, make it seem like it is their idea. Ask open ended questions and not yes or no questions. ie: "Would you like to visit A place or B place today?" Just remember that you are still their child and they are still the parent and they deserve that respect even if their health and or mind is failing. It will make for a more pleasant time and a lot less stress, I guarantee it!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Tips For A Doctor's Appointment
Going on a doctor's appointment can be very stressful as a caregiver or a patient. Plan ahead and discuss issues with your loved one. If the appointment is for yourself, set some time aside and think about your own issues before you step in the exam room.
Here are some tips to help:
Before The Appointment
1. Make a list of all of the symptoms that have been experience or reported. How long do they last and how frequent are they?
2. Make a list of all recent significant illnesses. (Over the past 2-3 years)
3. Make a list of any allergic reactions and sources.
4. Make a list of all drugs that are being used.
5. Make a list of all health care professionals who are providing treatment. (Including any home care professionals)
During The Appointment
6. Write down information about what the problem appears to be. (A description is more important than a diagnostic name)
7. Make a list of any medications that are being prescribed, an explanation of why, and what effect they should have. Ask about the generic form-is it safe and available?
8. Write down information about when to take the meds, how much and how long.
9. Write down information about the side effects of each medication or interaction with foods or other meds.
10. Write down if there needs to be any changes in diet or lifestyle. Take the meds before a meal, after a meal, etc?
11. Make an appointment for a follow up visit or phone check up, not more than one week later. (Medicines can have strange effects on the older patient)
12. Ask the pharmacist to give regular capped bottles, if the senior can be in charge of their own medicines.
13. If there are any advers reactions to the new meds, call the doctor immediately!
It can be overwhelming at the doctor. Plan ahead and take paper. Remember, it is okay to ask the doctor to explain things again and it is okay to ask the doctor to repeat themselves.
Here are some tips to help:
Before The Appointment
1. Make a list of all of the symptoms that have been experience or reported. How long do they last and how frequent are they?
2. Make a list of all recent significant illnesses. (Over the past 2-3 years)
3. Make a list of any allergic reactions and sources.
4. Make a list of all drugs that are being used.
5. Make a list of all health care professionals who are providing treatment. (Including any home care professionals)
During The Appointment
6. Write down information about what the problem appears to be. (A description is more important than a diagnostic name)
7. Make a list of any medications that are being prescribed, an explanation of why, and what effect they should have. Ask about the generic form-is it safe and available?
8. Write down information about when to take the meds, how much and how long.
9. Write down information about the side effects of each medication or interaction with foods or other meds.
10. Write down if there needs to be any changes in diet or lifestyle. Take the meds before a meal, after a meal, etc?
11. Make an appointment for a follow up visit or phone check up, not more than one week later. (Medicines can have strange effects on the older patient)
12. Ask the pharmacist to give regular capped bottles, if the senior can be in charge of their own medicines.
13. If there are any advers reactions to the new meds, call the doctor immediately!
It can be overwhelming at the doctor. Plan ahead and take paper. Remember, it is okay to ask the doctor to explain things again and it is okay to ask the doctor to repeat themselves.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Tips For The Family Caregiver
Please remember to take care of yourself. The better you feel, the better care you can give. Here are ten tips to remember. Go to www.familycaregiversonline.com for more ideas.
1. Care giving is a job and respite is your earned right. Reward yourself with respite breaks often.
2. Watch out ofr signs of depression, and don't delay in getting professional help when you need it.
3. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
4. Educate yourself about your loved one's condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.
5. There's a difference between caring and doing. be open to ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
6. Trust your instincts. Most of the time they'll lead you in the right direction.
7. Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
8. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
9. Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
10. Caregivers often do a lot lifting, pushing and pulling. Be good to your back.
Remember, it is okay to need a break!
1. Care giving is a job and respite is your earned right. Reward yourself with respite breaks often.
2. Watch out ofr signs of depression, and don't delay in getting professional help when you need it.
3. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
4. Educate yourself about your loved one's condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.
5. There's a difference between caring and doing. be open to ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
6. Trust your instincts. Most of the time they'll lead you in the right direction.
7. Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
8. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
9. Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
10. Caregivers often do a lot lifting, pushing and pulling. Be good to your back.
Remember, it is okay to need a break!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Stess and the Caregiver
It seems that stress is all around us. I was at a luncheon yesterday and the speaker talked about stress and how to handle it. I think that it can help to know that everyone has stress in their lives. You are not unique or alone if you feel very stressed out. The difference for most people is the way they deal with stress. Some people can't handle it and they "take to the bed". They pull their sheets up and ignore everything. That is not really going to work....unless it helps you come to terms with what is going on in your life and you feel better and ready to take on the world. We learned yesterday that it is so important to have an outlet and not internalize the stress. That is when you have real medical problems from the stress. Remember to eat right and get physical exercise.
If you are caring for a loved one in a hospital setting and you are going to be there for several hours, bring some tennis shoes with you. Take 10 minutes and go walk the halls briskly. Do this every hour and that will help relieve some tension.
If you feel trapped in your house caring for another, call a friend for some respite help. If your loved one is in a wheelchair and is up for it, both of you go for a walk and get some fresh air. Care giving, whether for a child or a parent, can be tremendously stressful. You need to find a way to deal with it effectively because your loved one can sense it from you.
There are lots of great tips at www.stress.org
Have a nice Labor Day weekend!
If you are caring for a loved one in a hospital setting and you are going to be there for several hours, bring some tennis shoes with you. Take 10 minutes and go walk the halls briskly. Do this every hour and that will help relieve some tension.
If you feel trapped in your house caring for another, call a friend for some respite help. If your loved one is in a wheelchair and is up for it, both of you go for a walk and get some fresh air. Care giving, whether for a child or a parent, can be tremendously stressful. You need to find a way to deal with it effectively because your loved one can sense it from you.
There are lots of great tips at www.stress.org
Have a nice Labor Day weekend!
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