Popular Caregiving Experts Share Caregiving Advice Here And Now

Caregiving Advice

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Caregiving Experts Share Caregiving Advice

These caregiving experts share caregiving advice here about your most pressing caregiving questions. Becoming a caregiver can happen at a moments notice. It can be overwhelming, frustrating or scary. I have made it to my 100 posts and am excited to be able to help family caregivers around the world.

Caregiving Advice

Popular Caregiving Experts Share Caregiving Advice Here And Now

Caregiving AdviceTena Scallan

Tena L. Scallan is a passionate healthcare professional, business owner, and published author. She has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry.

She has dedicated her life’s work to work in many departments of hospitals and running her own in-home caregiving agency. Also, providing coaching and guidance for family caregivers. And became a private caregiver to see what was lacking in the industry. She was able to be on both sides of the fence. And feels that she is knowledgeable enough to teach everyone about everything caregiving.

Her firm believes are that both home and lifestyle can be preserved by in-home compassionate caregiving in the face of aging or illness.

Check out her website at Https://www.theultimatecaregivingexpert.com

Helpful Caregiving Advice from Tena Scallan

What is the biggest challenge in caregiving?

I have been in the caregiving field for 25 years and dealt with every know challenge. But what I run into the most is our loved ones not wanting other people to care for them. They feel that they have cared for their children and their children should care for them. Today it is extremely hard to do this. Life is so busy with so many things going on. How I handled this in business or with my own family, I slowly introduce the caregiver into the home. I make sure the caregiver has something in common. And increase the time slowly until they are both comfortable with the arrangement.

How to talk about tough issues with your parents?

First of all, we must remember to respect our elders and realize giving up their independence is hard. Start off by gathering all the facts, then sitting them down in a comfortable environment. Then, gently tell them what is on my mind, without getting upset. If there is a great deal of negativity, try to compromise with them. Talking about tuff issues is hard enough at any age, but especially hard when you are older and set in your ways.

How to handle stress and frustration in caregiving?

Caregiving can be very stressful and frustrating, but very rewarding as well. We must always remember that when your loved one does not feel good, they are going to be snappy, and unpleasant. When you start to feel stress, walk away for a moment and breath. If you can take a longer break, take a walk, read a good book or take a soothing bath.

How to separate marriage and caregiving?

Separating marriage and caregiving can be a serious balancing act. Make sure to take special time for each other and support each other as much as possible. It is never easy because caregiving can be very demanding. And stress can spill over into the marriage. With patience, understanding and compromising anything is possible.

What to do when caregiving happens suddenly?

The first thing is to remain calm, then get organized. Create a plan of action and involve the family members and friends. Check out local caregiving to get some support. Also, talk to your hospital’s case management to research the diagnosis. Finally, prepare the home for the aftercare. Or check out any facilities needed for aftercare.

What is the ultimate caregiving advice?

  • Have patience
  • A sense of humor goes a long way
  • Get organized
  • Ask for help when needed
  • Remember it is not personal and your loved ones do not feel well

How to handle getting old?

Getting old can be a good thing and a bad thing. If you keep yourself in good shape old age will be good to you. But if you are abusing yourself, then old age will come with many problems. So, stay fit, social, and have a good frame of mind. Life is what you make it.

`CaregivingDonna Thomson

Donna Thomson cares for her son Nicholas (29) who has severe disabilities and for her Mom who is 96. She is the author of The Four Walls of My Freedom (House of Anansi Press, 2014). And blogs regularly at The Caregivers’ Living Room (donnathomson.com). Donna advises on research projects related to caring across ages and abilities. And teaches families how to advocate for help at home.

Expert Caregiving Advice fromDonna Thomson

What to do when caregiving happens suddenly?

A new caregiver will have many, many questions. But there are a few that are vital to ask in the early days. “Can I do this alone? Who will help me?” At first, identifying one friend or key ally who will promise to make personal support a priority. This will be a big first step toward positive action and healing in the caregiving family. Building a coordinated team of support will come later. But for now, securing a commitment of abiding friendship from a single support person is enough.

“Live in the moment, minute by minute and day by day” may sound like a trite adage. But for caregivers who find themselves newly minted in the first days post-diagnosis of their loved one, this is a viable mantra. Take it slowly and look at your loved one. Look into their eyes and look at their hands. Strength for the long road is in the immediate and in the bond that exists between caregiver and loved one. Care is love in action and that bond is where it all begins.

Caregiving Advice

Carol Marak

Carol is an advocate at Seniorcare.com and has researched and written on the topic of solo aging. She helps healthcare, technology, housing, financial, and transportation companies and startups. She helps them to fully understand the distinct needs and concerns of those aging alone. As compared to the older adults who have someone to rely on. My sisters and I helped our parents with elder care needs and issues. Our father lived with Alzheimer’s disease and mother lived with congestive heart failure. After the death of our parents, I realized, `there is no one who will do that for me!` Since I have no spouse, partner, or offspring, aging alone requires a stronger effort and mindful dedication and planning.

Carol Marak Gives Caregiving Advice About Aging Alone

How to handle getting old?

Over ten years ago, I helped both parents with their elder care concerns and experienced through them the hardships of growing older. What I learned, `There is no easy way to transition through the stages.` However, since I’m in the mid-sixties, I have learned and now practice a healthy lifestyle. The top of my wellness focus is aging-in-place safely and independently. That’s why I choose to live in a walkable environment, which encourages me to stay active and keep moving.

The second focus is healthy eating. My meals include mostly a vegetarian diet. I strive to eat 5 fruits a day and mostly vegetables and legumes. And then, creating a social connection is just as significant. It’s the same reason I chose a high-rise condominium in an urban area. This lifestyle allows close connections and social activities. What’s wonderful about high-rise living? It is seeing familiar faces each day and never going without conversation.

These are my tips on handling growing older.

`Caregiving

Anthony Cirillo

Anthony is the president of The Aging Experience. He helps family caregivers thrive and individuals make educated aging decisions. His has written a book, Who Moved My Dentures? dispels myths about aging and an executive board member of the Dementia Action Alliance. He is a passionate advocate for family caregivers and older adults. He helps them lead a quality life through a platform of educated aging – physically, emotionally and financially.

Anthony Cirillo Shares His Best Caregiving Advice

What is the biggest challenge in caregiving?

The biggest challenge in caregiving, in my opinion, is self-care. When you are immersed in the caregiver journey, you often neglect your own health and well-being. Far too many caregivers pre-decease the one for whom they are caring. So schedule time for yourself; eat properly and get exercise. And view your caregiving journey as not a burden by a once in a lifetime opportunity.

How to get your parent to accept care or someone to help?

Talking to a parent well before the need for care is the key for them to better accept care when needed. Over time make the case to a loved one that you and/or your siblings will not always be available to help and that some of the help is beyond your capability. Find stories from their friends who accepted care and wish they did so sooner. That will make mom or dad more comfortable and be accepting.

How to talk about tough issues with your parents?

As with so many things senior-related, talking to a parent well before the need is key. Look for cues that can help start a conversation. For example, if there is a big weather storm coming and the news is reporting on all kinds of accidents. That is a perfect time to talk to mom or dad about driving when older.

What to do when caregiving happens suddenly?

When you are thrust into a caregiving situation, to avoid going crazy, just jump in and do, respond and act. Truly, don’t think too much about it. There will be plenty of time later. What you come to realize is we have far more resilience than we think, and that can serve us for future challenges in our lives.

How to handle getting old?

I don’t think one can avoid getting chronologically older but we can have a young mindset. And by surrounding yourself with people of all ages, not just your age, you can surround yourself with youth and vitality. The overall key in all cases is to keep moving. Stretching, walking, weight training are all vital to remaining younger than your actual age.

`Caregiving

Joy Loverde

Joy Loverde is the author of Who Will Take Care of Me When I Am Old and the bestseller, The Complete Eldercare Planner. Joy’s media credits include the Today Show, CBS Early Show, and National Public Radio among many others. Joy also serves as a mature-market consultant. And a spokesperson for some of America’s best-known companies and associations. Visit her website at www.elderindustry.com.

Joy Loverde Shares Her Caregiving Advice on Caring for the Elderly

How to handle getting old?

If you are not anticipating aging solo, you should be. One in three baby boomers falls into the category of separated, divorced, widowed, or never married. As people make their way from adulthood through elderhood. The unmarried category will grow as individuals continue to experience divorce and widowhood.

Are you ready for what the upcoming years have in store? You need not be alone in old age unless you want to be. Stay open to learning how to anticipate the challenges you’ll face and prepare to meet them early on.

I have spent years accumulating advice, tried-and-true tips, “secret formulas.” And guiding principles from experts in the aging industry—the old people themselves. They are my truth detectors. You can do the same. Learn the ropes from people who are already living in your future – people at least thirty years older than you have a lot to teach you.

Here’s the deal breaker. You must promise that from this moment on you will be completely honest with yourself about the fact that you are getting older. Sixty is not the new thirty. Sixty is sixty.

Acceptance of your own aging paves the way for breakthroughs of all kinds. Instead of feeling powerless and a victim of circumstance, choose to face old age with self-respect and dignity. Plan ahead.

`Caregiving

Carol Bradley Bursack

Carol Bradley Bursack is a veteran caregiver and an established columnist. She is also a blogger, and the author of Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. Bradley Bursack hosts a website supporting caregivers and elders at www.mindingourelders.com.

Carol Bradley Bursack Shares Her Caregiving Advice on Talking to Your Parents about Difficult Topics

How to talk about tough issues with your parents?

Your parents will always be your parents and you will always be their child – adult or not. Approach them with respect for this dynamic in mind so that it doesn’t seem as though you want to take over their lives just because they have gotten older.

Talking to Your Parents about Finances

Start the talks about health and financial Powers of Attorney early. And in a natural, conversational manner so that you don’t encounter problems in a crisis. One method of starting the talk is by mentioning unfortunate situations that have been in the news. Or that you’ve both heard of through people either of you knows. Stories about people incapacitated by health events or even car accidents are common enough. Most of us could cite examples of what can happen when the family is not legally prepared to make decisions for one another.

Another approach is that you can tell them that you are getting your Powers of Attorney drawn up since everyone needs to do this. It has nothing to do with age. This may provide your parents with an opening to ask if they can go along with you to do the same. Even if they don’t take the bait, get your own legal documents set up. You will have planted the seed.

Talking to Your Parents about Safety

Another issue is safety. Accept your parents’ choices of activities and living arrangements even if their choices involve some worry on your part. They have the right to live their own lives. To swath them in bubble wrap while they safely wither away in their recliner is not helpful. They have every right to live their lives and enjoy themselves. If that involves some risk, so be it. Life is about quality, not quantity.

Even if your parents are cognitively impaired they deserve choices. These choices will have to be simplified, often to the point of choosing which shirt to wear. But still the opportunity to make choices respect their dignity. No matter their condition, try to see life from their view. If you are honest, you may think, “I’d hate being treated this way.” If that’s the case, reframe your approach. Mentally and emotionally remember your place in the family dynamic and approach your parents as your parents. If your approach is based on respect for your parents and the lives that they’ve lived, you will be on track.

Ultimate caregiving advice

  • Accept imperfection as the norm because no one will be a perfect caregiver.
  • If joy can’t be achieved accept contentment as good enough.
  • Put yourself in the place of your loved one when you make decisions.
  • With dementia, never argue. Find a way to agree, work around, distract, or re-direct. Just don’t argue.
  • If you lose respect for your loved one as a separate human being you are likely facing burnout. Hire some help or look for assisted living or nursing home placement for both of your sakes.

What is the biggest challenge in caregiving?

Finding a way to take care of the caregiver. Your health is as important as that of the person for whom you are caring. You are partners in care which can have several meanings. But one of them is that if your health goes down you cannot provide the best care for the person who needs it. So do your best to take care of yourself even when it seems impossible. This may mean hiring respite care. If family members and friends can relieve you then you may need to hire in-home help or look into assisted living or a nursing home for your loved one. You will still be a caregiver or advocate but no one can provide care 24/7 long-term alone without breaking down so somehow you must find a way.

`CaregivingShelley Webb

Shelley Webb is a retired R.N. who started her blog IntentionalCaregiver.com after her father, who had dementia, came to live with her. The site developed into a definitive source for educational materials, encouragement, and strategies. To help caregivers navigate the often stressful role of caregiving. And is now including information to help women over 50 live their best lives. Shelley went on to become an expert contributor to Dr. Oz’s website ShareCare.com. and has written for several online boomer, aging, and caregiving-related websites. She has been quoted or featured in Huff Post, The New York Times, and is currently a brand ambassador for O, The Oprah Magazine. She can be found on page 79 of the April issue of O, The Oprah Magazine (out now).

Shelley Webb Shares her Caregiving Advice from Personal Experience

What is the biggest challenge in caregiving?

The biggest challenge in caregiving is to provide good care without losing yourself in the process. It begins innocently enough: you cancel a dinner out to spend time with a parent. Or you decline an invitation because you feel guilty that a loved one wasn’t invited. Pretty soon, you are canceling enough invitations that your name is no longer top of mind or people assume that you just can’t get out. It’s so important to maintain friendships while caregiving. There will come a day when your caregiving role is over and you’ll want to be able to resume your relationships without too much work.

What to do when caregiving happens suddenly?

I think that many caregivers find themselves in this role suddenly. It was true in my case. My father came to live with me and it was immediately apparent that he had dementia. The first thing to do is to arm yourself with information on all the medical conditions your loved one has. Also, who their physician is and what meds have been prescribed. Ask to be allowed to accompany them to their medical visits and to be able to receive information. Next, seek out public resources. You might start with your local Area Agency on Agency or the Alzheimer’s Association.

They are a wealth of information even if there is no diagnosis of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a series of classes for family caregivers each year. And they’re open to all family caregivers, not just those caring for a loved one with dementia. And the third item I would recommend is to hold a family meeting including all family members so that you can all be on the same page from the beginning. If needed, find an elder mediator or a geriatric care manager to help moderate the meeting.

How to avoid common medical mistakes?

One highly under-utilized professional is your pharmacist. Pharmacists are a wealth of information on drug interactions (even with over-the-counter medications). Also, dosages and methods of intake. For instance, they can create a liquid version of some pill-form medications for easier administration). Some pharmacies are also able to create pill-packs so that doses are enclosed in a card pack bubble with exact listings of times to be given.

`Caregiving

Christopher MacLellan

Christopher MacLellan is the founder of TheWholeCareNetwork.com and an author of `What’s The Deal With Caregiving?` And Host of Healing Ties Podcast. Christopher MacLellan is affectionately known as “The Bow Tie Guy” in the vast network of family caregivers. Chris’ Master Degree thesis entitled, “Spiral of Silence: Caregiving, Stress and its Impact in the Workplace”. It was accepted by the faculty at Gonzaga University where Chris earned a Master’s degree in Leadership and Communication in 2016. Chris presents frequently on topics that impact family caregivers, their employers and The Whole Care Network in 2017.

Christopher MacLellan shares his Caregiving Advice on Family Caregiving

What happens when caregiving ends?

There are two common aspects of caregiving that everyone experiences. There is a beginning and an end, and in most cases, we are not prepared for either one of these life-changing events. Caregiving is not something that is planned, or on anyone’s bucket list of things to do in life: Caregiving just happens! It’s an untimely diagnosis or an unfortunate accident and suddenly you are a caregiver. Caregiving is an intense experience that will ask you to surrender your own needs for the needs of someone else. It goes beyond making a person feel comfortable. In fact, it takes relationships to new levels, binds souls and gives you strength to do things that you never thought you could do. There is no greater honor bestowed on us than to be entrusted with the care of another human being.

Then just as suddenly, life transitions and you are no longer a caregiver.

I believe there are four emotions we experience when caregiving ends; Relief, Sadness, Guilt, Acceptance. There is no magic formula I can provide you that will tell you when you might feel these four emotions. Or how you will react when this day comes. But I will ask you to be kind to yourself, surround yourself with family and friends, cry, laugh, hug someone, sit by yourself if need be. Because, that old cliché’ is true, time heals all wounds, but wounds heal in their own time and in your time, you will be Okay too.

`Caregiving

Adrienne Gruberg

Adrienne Gruberg is the founder of thecaregiverspace.org

After six years of caring for her late husband and mother-in-law. Adrienne conceived of an online support space all caregivers could come to.

She founded AYA Creative in 1982. An award-winning graphic design, marketing, and advertising company. Her design training has helped shape the website. And her personal and professional experience continues to inform and influence the caregiver centric support experience she has created in The Caregiver Space.

Adrienne holds a BFA from Boston University.

Adrienne Gruberg shares Caregiving Advice on the Many Challenges that Comes with Caregiving

What is the biggest challenge in caregiving?

It’s awfully hard to narrow the scope of challenges down to “the biggest”. Since there are so many different situations that caregivers find themselves in. Financial hardships, marital strain, time management——but if I had to pick just one that seems to cross all economic and social differences. I’d have to say the feeling of isolation——the sense that I’m the only one going through all this, and in many ways you are. Your sensations are unique, but with almost one-third of the U.S. population finding themselves as adult family caregivers. You are most definitely not alone.

How do you get your parent to accept care or someone to help?

As we grow older, we grow more set in our ways. We also become less able to do all the things we’ve learned to do over the course of our lives. Admitting, “I need help” can be humiliating for a parent or anyone finding them unable to fulfill their normal tasks of daily living.

The first time I had to deal with this situation was with my mother. Who was fiercely independent (or so she thought——my dad did an awful lot behind the scenes to let her think she was fiercely independent). I knew enough not to let her growing problems diminish her emotionally, so I made it about me. I lived in New York. She lived in Florida.

Once my dad was gone, she really did need help, but I told her how much better I’d feel if she had someone looking after her. “Mom, you need someone to drive you places and to do some chores for you. I know you can call for a car and get to the chores. But I’d feel much more secure if you had someone helping you with things that might be getting more difficult for you.” She wanted to make me feel better, so the stigma of having an aide was avoided. “I’ve got some help now because it makes my daughter feel better.”

How to talk about tough issues with your parents?

This is never easy, but I found there is a right and wrong time to have these conversations. The wrong time is definitely in the heat of the moment. Setting up a time to talk about “family affairs” worked for me. Whether it was with my parents or my husband, the tough questions were not hot buttons—which time had passed. Now it was all about preventing future occurrences. We all wanted the same things and whether we liked it or not, we all had to admit we knew what was coming down the pike. We were prepared.

How to handle the stress and frustration of caregiving?

A caregiver needs to understand the stress and frustration of being a patient or of being someone in need of assistance. It works both ways. Recognizing there is a common bond here interdependence—helps take the edge off a bit.

When I was caring for my husband, I found help in an online support group. These are easier to find these days than in 2005. When Steve passed, I made it my chief goal to make emotional support available to anyone who needed it, online. I founded The Caregiver Space, Inc. as place caregivers could meet up, chat, vent, ask questions and read pertinent articles. It seems to have been a successful formula. I also wanted to make sure it was a space where caregivers could find some respite from the patient-centric world and keep the focus on their needs.

What to do when caregiving happens suddenly?

People don’t have to be getting on in years for caregiving to happen suddenly in the form of a heart attack or stroke. I know lots of couples that get a call at work “Your husband (or wife) has been in an accident. Please come to the emergency room immediately.”

Life can change on a dime and it doesn’t necessarily mean the accident was life-threatening or had long-term residual results. My husband had been in an accident that involved eight months of intensive wound treatment and preparation for a skin graft. I had to come home from work every day at lunchtime to clean his wounds and change his dressings. My life was upended in the blink of an eye. As soon as I could, I brought home all the work I could and took a little bit of it with me to the hospital every day he was there.

You just have to keep as cool a head as possible, realize you will survive this experience and realize your life isn’t all about you anymore. Let go of some control. Ask for help from friends. If you don’t tell them you need help, they can’t be there for you. People are far more likely to be willing to help out if you’re prepared with a list of things you can assign others to do. For example, picking the kids up from school or babysitting while you find some private time for yourself.

What is the ultimate caregiving advice?

—The one people are tired of hearing…”You have to take care of yourself first, ‘cause you’re no good to anyone if you get sick.”

—Don’t be ashamed to ask for help.

—Learn to practice being patient.

—Don’t take everything personally. The patient is frustrated and angry too.

—Get enough sleep; or as much sleep as you can

—Try not to isolate. Stay in touch with friends. You can use your friends as a “normal” space when you need to.

—Do your homework. Find out as much as you can about whatever problems you are currently dealing with.

—Find and join an online support group and/or a neutral party to discuss problems with

—Keep a journal and write your feelings down on the page.

How to handle getting old?

Do it gracefully and with an open mind. Stay mentally active. Don’t isolate.

How to avoid common medication mistakes?

Because this problem has reached epidemic proportions as of late. The best solution I’ve found so far comes from the few companies that pre-package doses of a.m. and p.m. meds. As a caregiver, you aren’t necessarily available to the patient. Setting alarms, making timely phone calls, and keeping simple charts can be of help.

`Caregiving

Dr. Douglas Fitzgerald

Dr. Fitzgerald has a long-standing history of working with Baby Boomers. He founded and created Boomer-Living.com and then Boomer-LivingPlus.com. He later becomes CEO of Boomer Authority and founded and created Key Life Benefits.

Dr. Fitzgerald holds BME, MME, ME and Ed.D Degrees. And certifications from East Carolina University, Villanova University, Penn State University and Immaculata University. His honors include Alumni of the Year – East Carolina University. Guest Conductor of Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Festivals. Guest Conductor in England, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Belgium.

Dr. Douglas Fitzgerald shares his Caregiving Advice on How to Connect, Protect, and Respect as Caregivers

Becoming a Caregiver is a life-changing event and often appears unexpectedly. One day all is well, and the next you’re dealing with major decisions that directly influence and affect the life of someone very dear to you.

The sudden change in life’s responsibilities may lead to isolation and feelings of not being able to cope. The caregiving experience can be overwhelming.

CPR for Caregivers

Many of us recognize the acronym CPR as Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. This CPR refers to meeting 3 basic human needs Connect, Protect and Respect. When faced with life’s challenges, use these three components to help adjust, adapt and solve your respective challenges.

Connect

When facing the realization of being a Caregiver, people need to connect with others. Connection, Communication, and Collaboration provide comfort, support, and assurance. That you are not alone and there are others in the same situation- who face similar challenges.

Connect with local and national caregiver organizations. If you are not familiar with these groups, explore the following:

  1. https://theultimatecaregivingexpert.com Tena Scallan is a resource for Caregivers. Connect with her.
  2. http://www.caregiversummit.org Go to the Expert section and meet over 50 caregiver experts who can help direct you to the solutions you’re looking for. Connect with them.

Protect

Protect yourself and your loved one. There are several areas of protection you need to explore.

  1. Personal Health: If you are incapacitated who will take care of you and/or your loved one?
  2. Your loved one has rights: Make sure they are addressed and protected. Use the
    experts listed above.
  3. Legal Issues: There are a number of issues in this area. Home, possessions and your Will and Estate. Use the experts listed above.

Respect

Throughout your Caregiving experience look for people you trust. Who has integrity and like select and who treat you with respect. Ask for references and evaluate how they treat others and what type of results they have produced. If you feel uncomfortable, move to another source. The experts listed above should provide all the help, with respect; you need to thrive as a Caregiver.

Hopefully, you can use this method of CPR to help you through the caregiving experience. Caregiving can be very rewarding. Make sure you remember CPR.

`Caregiving

Gary Barg

Gary Barg is a noted speaker, writer and publisher on caregiving issues since 1995. He is also the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of the first national magazine for caregivers, Today’s Caregiver. As well the original online caregiver community, caregiver.com.

Today’s Caregiver magazine and caregiver.com combine information, advice and reader’s stories. With interviews with celebrity caregiver such as Leeza Gibbons, Rob Lowe, Dana Reeve, Barbara Eden and Debbie Reynolds, among others. Gary created The Fearless Caregiver Conferences, hosted across the country. Which brings together caregivers to share their knowledge and experience and wisdom. His book, The Fearless Caregiver, is filled with practical advice, poetry and inspirational stories. His new book, Caregiving Ties that Bind include many of the over 150 celebrity caregiver cover interviews that he has conducted since 1995.

Gary Barg shares his Caregiving Advice on Dealing with Parents Who Need Your Help and Care

How to get your parent to accept care or someone to help?

The best solution I have heard was from a caregiver at a Fearless Caregiver Conference in New Haven Ct. The caregivers’ mother had mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease and was living with her. Her mom would not accept (but desperately needed) in-home care. So, considering that her mom had been a bank president before her diagnosis, this intrepid caregiver told her that she was hiring her a new administrative assistant (instead of a home care aide). Which was a concept that her mother readily accepted, and she agreed to the aide coming to the home. After the first day of care, the caregiver asked her mother what she thought of the new assistant? And after thinking about it for a while, her mom said “Well, she was good, help but maybe next time she comes, she can take me for ice cream.

How to talk about tough issues with your parents?

I believe that no matter the level of their mental acuity, your parents understand when they are being respected. And do not ever want to feel as if they are being parented by their kids. So, the more professional you make the conversation and the more prepared you are with emotions fully in check. The better chance you have of a successful outcome.

What is the ultimate caregiving advice?

You have taken on a new job role as a family caregiver and that is what we call being the CEO of Caring for your Loved One, Inc. You need to find those resources that can help, in your community or with your family and friends, and let them know what you need. And (this is the tough one) you need to make sure that, as well as you take care of your loved one. You must also take care of yourself, including getting respite, eating well, and not isolating yourself from others. Self-care is the toughest, yet most necessary thing you can do in order to be up for all the challenges you will face as a family caregiver.

How to avoid conflict about care?

When it comes to family members, it is best to employ open and honest communication. While creating a personal care team where everyone can offer support in the way that is best for them. On caregiver.com, we developed a plan called the Reverse Gift List. Where you analyze that is best suited to supply which elements of the care that is needed. Maybe your sister, who lives out of town, could be responsible for paying for incontinence supplies. Or your nephew who is a handyman can be responsible for helping around the house. Even a concerned neighbor can stop by before going to the drug store, to see what you and your loved ones need. So many times’ conflicts occur when people are willing to help but have no idea what they can do in support of your caregiving.

How to avoid common medication mistakes?

Make sure that all physicians know what medications, over the counter drugs and even vitamins your loved one is taking. Pay attention to disbursement schedules using whatever method is most effective. Whether it is medication management apps, disbursement machines or even old-fashioned daily pill organizers. Utilizing only one pharmacist for all medications helps, as well.

Caregiving Advice

Scott Collins

Scott Collins is one of the founders of familycaregivercouncil.com. And the president and CEO of Link-age created to address opportunities in managed care. Today Link-age is comprised of three companies: Link-age Connect, Link-age Solutions, and Link-age Ventures. With more than 460 senior living communities in 16 states. Collins previously was a vice president with GE Capital Commercial Asset Funding. Scott was a nominee for the Ernst &Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2012.

Scott Collins Thoughts on Caregiving Advice

What to do when caregiving happens suddenly?

This is an issue many of us will face at some point and when that time comes it can be quite overwhelming. Whether you find yourself in the position of having to provide care for someone in your hometown or across the country. It’s vital that you are able to access critical resources quickly and from a source, you can trust. There is quite a bit of curated content available online that will help you navigate through the process of hiring help. Also, locating housing for your loved one (should the need arise). As well as understanding finances and transportation options.

In addition, there are resources designed specifically to support you in your role as a caregiver. While being a caregiver can be rewarding. It can also severely compromise your personal time and impact your physical as well as emotional wellbeing. So please do remember to access resources that will support you in this challenging role. For more detailed information that addresses the topics above and much more go to. https://theultimatecaregivingexpert.com/ or http://familycaregivercouncil.com/

Caregiving Advice

David Nassaney

Dave Nassaney is the founder of davethecaregiverscaregiver.com. Also, host a popular iTunes podcast called, The Caregiver’s Caregiver Radio Show, and a best-selling author of my 3rd book, “It’s My Life Too! Reclaim Your Caregiver Sanity”. I have appeared on over 25 TV morning shows so far during my National book and media tour. And even spoke at Harvard with Suzanne Somers, and NASDAQ in New York. Sharing my all-important message, “How to Prevent your loved one’s illness from actually killing you!` I am also a caregiver to my beautiful wife, Charlene, since 1996.

David Nassaney share his Caregiving Advice on Marriage & Caregiving

How to separate marriage & caregiving?

My wife Charlene and I had a fairy-tale courtship, romance, and marriage for the first twenty-one years of our lives together. Then one morning, Charlene complained of a bad headache that she had for a few days. We didn’t pay much attention to it. But then, the headache ceased being only a headache.

By the time the ambulance arrived, it was too late. The woman I loved had a massive stroke and became severely speech impaired and paralyzed on her right side. Our world immediately turned upside down, and our lives have never been the same.

Charlene became angry and bitter because she was grieving her loss. Then I became angry and bitter for the same reasons. I grieved that my wife was no longer the woman that I married. Yes, I still loved her, but it was very hard being on the receiving end of her anger brought about by her grief.

This left me feeling guilty. In fact, I came to a point that I didn’t know if I could do it any longer. One day, I sat down and wrote her a letter: “Charlene, why are you so mean to me? It’s so hard being your husband, taking care of you all the time, without feeling any love in return.

I know it’s hard for you, but you are making it even harder for me to care for you. I just don’t know if I can be with you any longer. I’ll take care of you financially, but I don’t think I can be with you.” I read that letter over and over again, but I just couldn’t give it to her.

Then, one day I remembered that someone at the hospital invited me to a caregiver’s support group for people just like me: burned-out caregivers, so I went. Going to that group changed everything for me. I found hope again, and I discovered that I had to take care of me before I could take care of my wife.

They tell us on airplanes that in the event of an emergency, we are to put our oxygen mask on first before we attempt to help our loved ones with their masks. That’s such a great metaphor for all of life: You have to take care of yourself first, not out of selfishness, but out of survival.

I no longer cared about how she made me feel, I just took care of me, so I could take care of her. To my surprise, she started to slowly change, and became her old self again, slowly at first. Our love became rekindled.

I wanted to share what I learned with other caregivers who are also suffering, so they don’t give up like I almost did. That’s why I wrote my book, It’s My Life, Too! Reclaim Your Caregiver Sanity by Learning When to Say Yes, and When to Say No.

This book is perfect for caregivers who know they should put their needs first, but just don’t know how. Go to www.CaregiversCaregiver.com to find out more about joining this wonderful support team of caregivers.

`Caregiving

Lori La Bey

Lori La Bey is the Founder of www.AlzheimersSpeaks.com Lori La Bey is a passionate and inspiring keynote speaker and the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks, a Minnesota based advocacy group and media outlet making an international impact by providing education and support for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia’s. Her own mother struggled with dementia for over 30 years. Her radio show is also believed to be the first program dedicated to dementia in the world, along with the first webinar series called, “Dementia Chats™,” whose experts are those diagnosed with the disease.

Lori La Bey shares her Caregiving Advice and Challenge

What was my biggest challenge in caregiving?

Letting Go – Releasing Judgement of Siblings

Like most people, the role of caregiver morphed over time for me. I started out “just being” a daughter supporting her mother with dementia and her dad who was moms primary care partner. As the disease progressed my role expanded. Then, Dad got sick and I was caring for them both.

Looking back, my biggest challenge was letting go of “my need, my want” to have my siblings more involved. Yes, I could have used their help, but I didn’t want them to miss out on the extraordinary experience I found caring to be. I found my brothers saw me as a “CONTROL FREAK.” I, of course, saw myself as organized with clear objectives to best serve my parents.

How could we be on such opposite pages when it came to caring? Easy. We never talked about caring in an honest fashion. We talked about “the to-do lists.” We never talk about maintaining our relationships with our parents.

My suggestion to others would be to have a real conversation about who can do what and when but be careful with the “how.” This is what caused a rift in our family. The “how” is really the piece that people seem to judge. How each of us completes a task reflects our individuality and our relationship with the person we are caring for. It deserves our appreciation and respect. We must allow relationships to stay in tack as we care given they are not harmful to others. Learn to let it go.

`Caregiving

Carolyn Lookabill

Carolyn Lookabill is the Brand Ambassador for www.americanseniormagazine.com, a national lifestyle publication with a pro-aging focus. She is a tenured senior living executive with over 40 years of experience at the local, regional and corporate levels of operations for senior living operations, community agency, and healthcare consulting providers. She has been a Director of Social Services and Admissions, Corporate Director of Marketing, Corporate Director of Alzheimer Programming, Health Planning Specialist, Regional Director, CEO, and Vice President of Operations.

Carolyn has worked with both For Profit and Not For Profit providers across the country to help design resident directed programming to enhance the quality of care and services provided to elders. She is a frequent speaker to professional and trade association audiences across the United States and has authored numerous blogs, whitepapers, and articles about the challenges facing the industry.

Carolyn Lookabill Gives Us Caregiving Advice and Perspective on What to Do When Caregiving Happens Suddenly

What to do when caregiving happens suddenly?

We find a comfort in the routine of each day. Most people are creatures of habit. Some of us plan our day. For others, the day plans us. No matter our personal style, when a crisis occurs and we are called upon to become a caregiver, it can throw us for a loop. Our routine is shattered and it can be very unsettling.

First things first….breathe.

Even when things are happening at whirlwind speed, decisions needing to be made, tasks accomplished, etc., it is important to take a step back and recognize that we can be in control, not the other way around. Try to identify the top priorities and decide which items may not be the top priority and we can let go of or give to others. For instance, in order to be at the hospital with a relative, can someone else pick up Jimmy from soccer practice, get dinner, run errands, etc.

Here is some caregiving advice that may help:

  1. Put all appointments on your smartphone or use a regular calendar. This will help you not lose sight of something.
  2. Get a notebook and use it to document visits with professionals, phone calls, dates and time of messages, etc. Write your own notes for follow up. When we are caregivers over a longer period of time, it can be difficult to remember which medical appointments came first, second, etc. over time. We might not easily remember who said what.
  3. Keep all business cards together. If you are super organized, you can get plastic sleeves and put them in a notebook alphabetically. You can scan them into your phone with software designed for salespeople, spend moments while you are waiting endlessly and enter the information from a business card into the contacts on your phone or your computer laptop or tablet, keep them together with a rubber band and keep them with your notebook. Some caregivers keep everything together in an old tote bag or backpack. Some hospital systems even provide a notebook and tote bag at the time of admission just for this purpose.
  4. Get a small telephone/address book or put the numbers of key contacts and family members into your phone contacts. It can be very frustrating to try to find a number that you have misplaced.
  5. If you are in a family caregiving crisis, think about asking someone to be the family spokesperson to communicate with friends and family who are trying to be supportive. Even though appreciated, It takes a lot of time to respond to the calls and emails we receive. Ask someone else to field those calls, comments, responses, etc. at least in the short term. You can set up a group email, a conference call to update all family members at once, use Facetime or a chat service via your smartphone.
  6. If someone offers help, let them know what you need most. Is it a meal, is it mowing the lawn, picking up items at the store, rides here and there, etc. Do you need a gas card, money for parking, gift cards for meals, something like that? If you would do that for a friend or family member in need, then let them do it for you. When you let someone help you, you are actually giving others who care about you a gift.
  7. Ask for a social worker, a care manager and/or a patient navigator to help you identify needs, resources and solutions for caregiving. They may be able to make referrals directly, provide information that you wouldn’t otherwise know about and listen. Sometimes we need that most…just someone to listen. When in doubt, call 211. That is the universal number for Information and referral across the United States. 911 for emergencies. 411 for directory assistance and 211 for information and referral. Explain your need and see if the person on the other end of the call can help direct you to a resource.
  8. Depending on your need for the same type of information over and over, create a file that you can access via your laptop, tablet or smartphone. You can save those documents to a flash drive if you don’t want to include them on your laptop or smartphone. Most of our devices are either password or fingerprint protected anyway. Include copies of medical insurance cards, ID cards, list of medications (any pharmacy can print this out for you and you can scan it), copies of Healthcare Power of Attorney, Living Will, Financial Power of Attorney, Guardianship, etc. etc.
  9. Be sure to take care of yourself. Remember to stay hydrated, not just with coffee and soft drinks from vending machines. Eat real food, not what you can grab. Even in the moment, you can take two minutes to close your eyes, breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Listen to some calming music in earbuds when you can. Wear comfortable clothes, slippers, etc. if you are spending long periods of time bedside. You might even want to put together a backpack that has toiletries, a change of clothes and underwear, a sweater or wrap, a book or magazine, snack foods that are high energy, something spiritual if that is comforting to you, etc. etc. If that bag is in your car, it will be there when you need to grab it quickly. It was very helpful to me to have that bag “ready to go” when needed. My mother was in and out of the hospital at the end and I appreciated that I was more settled when I had my own things with me.
  10. Lastly, remember that Superman and Superwoman are fictional characters, we don’t have to live up to expectations that are not achievable. Pace Yourself, Forgive Yourself, Love Yourself.

Caregiving Advice

Amy Goyer

Amy Goyer is AARP’s Family and Caregiving Expert and author of Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving she spends most of her time in Phoenix, AZ where she is caregiving for her 94-year-old dad, Robert, who lives with her and has Alzheimer’s disease. Follow her blog and videos and connect with Amy on Twitter @amygoyer, Facebook, LinkedIn, and amygoyer.com. Find more great caregiving tips, tools, and resources at www.aarp.org/caregiving.

Amy Goyer Shares Her Ultimate Caregiving Advice

What is the ultimate caregiving advice?

As a family caregiver for more than 35 years for multiple family members, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that I have to keep filling my own tank in order to have the energy to care for others. One day, when I was exhausted and overwhelmed and up to my eyeballs in caring for my parents, I went to the gas station and my car was running on fumes – I was so relieved that I made it there without running out of gas! After I filled the tank and began driving again I thought to myself, “It’s so funny how you can really tell a difference in how the car runs when it has a full tank of gas!”. Duh, right?!

I immediately realized I was expecting myself to run just as well, just as efficiently, on a mostly empty tank. I was giving it all away and re-filling my tank. The analogy worked for me – it made me realize that it’s not selfish – it’s just practical to do things to fill my own tank and care for myself so I can care for others.

Now I find ways to work in quick tank fillers (cup of coffee, text or call a friend, walk, hug my Dad etc.), premium fill ups (going to a movie, lunch with a friend, taking a class, exercising etc.), tune ups (a few days or hopefully a week or two when I’m not caring for anyone – a vacation, a retreat etc.) and of course the routine maintenance (sleep is my top priority!) including eating healthy foods, doctor appointments, exercise etc.). Little by little I keep filling my tank. It has to be an ongoing process!

Caregiving Advice

John Schall

John Shall is the CEO of the non-profit Caregiver Action Network. For more information and resources for caregivers, visit CaregiverAction.org

John Schall shares his best Caregiving Advice

 

10 Tips For Family Caregivers

CaregiverAction.com has been so gracious to allow me to use their 10 tips for family caregivers.

  1. Seek support from other caregivers. You are not alone!
  2. Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.
  3. Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.
  4. Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.
  5. Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often.

For the rest of the tips, please go to the original post at http://caregiveraction.org/sites/default/files/10%20Tips%20for%20Family%20Caregivers.pdf

Caregiving Advice

Dr. Zachary White

Dr. Zachary White earned his Ph.D. in communication from Purdue University and is an Associate Professor in the James L. Knight School of Communication at Queens University of Charlotte. Dr. White’s research and teaching focus on helping people manage meaning and communicate life experiences amidst high levels of uncertainty and stress. An award-winning university professor, he teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses addressing topics such as provider-patient communication, caregiver communication, the patient experience, health and illness narratives, digital health literacy, interpersonal communication, social support and disclosure, and sense-making amidst life transitions.

Dr. White’s academic research has been published in Management Communication Quarterly, Journal of Family Communication, Communication Research Reports, OMEGA: Journal of Death and Dying, Health Communication, and Volunteering and Communication: Studies from Multiple Contexts. Additionally, he is the founder of “The Unprepared Caregiver,” a popular blog and resource for caregivers.

Dr. Zachary White shares his Caregiving Advice and Biggest Challenges of Caregiving

What is the biggest challenge in caregiving?

While caregivers often feel like they only have the energy to manage the endless care tasks in front of them, understanding the meaning of their role is also vitally important—but almost never talked about. Caregiving must be constantly negotiated amongst our ongoing roles and relationships as spouses, parents, children, mothers, fathers, employees, and friends. Caregiving isn’t just about what we give. It’s also about how we explain our experiences. Without a way to make sense of our care experiences, we can too easily become lost, overwhelmed, embittered, and disconnected from others (and ourselves). Finding meaning in our new roles and relationships don’t happen by accident. It takes effort, time, energy, and yes, other people.

When we are under the influence of stress, our first instinct is to remove ourselves from others. And herein lies a profound challenge of the caregiver experience—while our caregiver experience unfolds, we must also create new stories and new relationships and new ways of injecting value into our every day. And we must also find and cultivate a community of people who are willing and able to be with us as we revise our life scripts. We’re not just caregivers; we must also be “care creators” so that we can resist the temptation to turn away from the world and, instead, practice turning toward those whom can positively influence how we care for our loved ones and ourselves.

Caregiving Advice

Jeffery Fry

Jeffrey Fry is the CEO of wellbeyondcare.com and has over thirty (30) years of work experience beginning in the high tech industry, and over the last 10 years, helping over two dozen startups initiate, develop, and market their products and services. Mr. Fry is a huge advocate of personal empowerment, and during these past 10 years, has helped numerous individuals achieve their dreams of success both personally and financially.

Early in his career, Mr. Fry had implemented many successful business development programs while at Texas Instruments, Fairchild, Harris (now Intersil), Philips and Synopsys. These programs significantly increased short and long-term revenue growth. During this period, it is estimated that he had generated over $4.5 billion in sales and saved over $1 billion in costs for his employers. Mr. Fry received his BS in Electrical Engineering from Lafayette College and attended St. Edwards University as part of his Master’s of Business Administration studies.

Jeffery Fry Shares from His Own Caregiving Advice and Personal Challenges as a Caregiver

What is the biggest challenge in caregiving?

When I was thrust into becoming the caregiver in my family, it was not in the best of situations. I had been estranged from my mother, father, and brother for over 20 years, primarily due to their dependency and abuse of alcohol. This estrangement came about when I had my first child, Jonathan. Needless to say, when I get a call from my mother’s sister saying my brother is in the hospital my first reaction was to say, “I do not have a brother.”

After a little more time had passed, I did call my brother in the hospital to convey the fact that I hope he was well and to tell him that he had two nephews. He responded by saying he could not wait to come to visit, and that he was about 2 hours away from going into surgery to get a stent placed. To my great shock, four and a half hours later he was dead. Apparently, his heart was too weak to accept the stent.

So, the first time I see my mother in almost 22 years, I have to bury my brother. I traveled from Austin, TX to Alexandria, VA to prepare the funeral arraignments, and the first thing I notice is that my mother’s cognitive abilities have deteriorated quite of bit from when I last saw her some 22 years ago. Realizing that she might have onset dementia, I immediately had my mother execute a will, durable power of attorney, and durable medical authority while she was still lucent and cognizant of what was going on around her. This was the best decision I ever made as I needed these in place to move her from Alexandria to Austin after the caregiving agency nearly killed her due to their total lack of skill or caregiving ability.

If I had to do it all again, I would have hired a healthcare navigator, like the ones we used at Well Beyond Care, and also would have hired my own caregiver. But of course, experience and tragedy make us all the wiser.

Caregiving Advice

Sherri Snelling

Sherri Snelling, CEO of the Caregiving Club and author of A Cast of Caregivers – Celebrity Stories to Help You Prepare to Care, is a nationally recognized expert on America’s 65 million family caregivers with special emphasis on how to help caregivers balance “self-care” while caring for a loved one. She was named #4 on the Top 10 Alzheimer’s Influencers list by Sharecare, the health and wellness website founded by Dr. Oz, is the former Chairman of the National Alliance for Caregiving and currently serves on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association – Orange County Chapter in California.

Sherri Snelling shares her Caregiving Advice and Caregiving Self-Care Recipe: Seven Ingredients Using Me Time Monday Tools

More than 65 million Americans play the role of caregiver today, yet one of the biggest challenges is finding how to go from being a supporting player to one of the “stars” of these stories. Many caregivers I have spoken to say they put their personal health and wellness needs last but the impact of this decision can create chronic stress and burn-out leading to serious health complications. In fact, we now know chronic stress can fray our telomeres and shorten our lives! I have written in my book, A Cast of Caregivers, about this common pitfall in caregiving and created programs – The Power of 7 Ways to Caregiver Wellness and Me Time Monday – to give caregivers some tips on keeping that balance between caring for someone else and self-care.

Me Time Monday and The Power of 7 Ways to Caregiver Wellness

Me Time Monday, a program I created to support the Caregiver Monday campaign, can help caregivers find time for stress-relief activities in an already hurried and harried caregiver schedule. Based on science from Johns Hopkins University and other academic institutions, starting routines on a Monday and checking in every Monday to see how you did is part of our cultural DNA – it is the start of the work week and the school week. Studies show more than 70 percent of people who use a Monday start are more successful at achieving their health goals whether it’s beginning a new diet, ceasing to smoke, scheduling doctor appointments or starting a new exercise regime.

When it comes to the Power of 7 – the number “seven” is seen as a magical number in many cultures and throughout history: Seven wonders of the world, seven colors in a rainbow, seven days in a week, seven dwarfs helped Snow White, the Seven Sisters constellation, also known as the Pleiades who guided ancient sailors on the seas, and so on.

Using your Me Time Monday planning tools, here are tips for The Caregiver Power of 7:

Physical

While experts advocate that adults should get 150 minutes a week of exercise, getting consistently

deep sleep is the most important physical activity for caregivers. Again, seven is the magic number –

ensuring seven hours of restorative, uninterrupted sleep a night is crucial.

Environmental

Eliminate noise pollution by unplugging 20 minutes a day. Put the smartphone on vibrate, turn off the

TV and other noisemakers. Just listen to your breathing, the rustle of the trees and chirping of the birds.

The Danish people, who almost every year top the list of countries in global happiness surveys, call it “hygge” (pronounced HOOgah) which means peaceful coziness.

Social

Staying connected to family and friends is important even with the time-consuming tasks of caregiving. Science shows people who spend time in quality relationships live longer. Grab a quick coffee with a friend or have a telephone conversation with a long-distance sibling. These connections keep caregivers in balance and open up opportunities to seek help and respite from those who can support you.

Emotional

Have an outlet to vent and voice your fears, anxieties or frustrations. It will purge the toxicity of keeping these emotions bottled up inside. Whether it is a professional therapist or a support group of caregivers facing the same struggles, find ways to release some of the worry, sadness, and anger.

Financial

Having a plan and the conversation around long-term care and costs is the first step to caregiver financial wellness. Lack of long-term care plans and limitations of perceived safety nets such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security can become a serious cost drain for caregivers. Talk to a financial advisor or an elder law attorney for expert guidance.

Intellectual

The ability to concentrate on something that takes our minds to a different place is shown to improve overall health. A recent study showed those who played a few minutes of an online game or brain puzzle reduced their stress levels by 61 percent and making music – playing an instrument or just singing along to a favorite tune – is a full brain workout that studies show is neuroprotective and promotes brain health.

Spiritual

Feeding the soul is as important as feeding our bodies. Find fulfillment in faith, music, art, yoga, tai chi, meditation, etc. These relaxing, calming activities remind caregivers to “let it go gracefully” to continue the caregiving journey.

We all know that caregiving can come with its fair share of challenges and problems. However, be encouraged that you can do it. These 20 caregiving experts have shared a wealth of information. There is sure to be something that you can use in this amazing roundup of advice. Be sure to check out all the expert’s resources as well.

Caregiving Advice

Connie Chow

 

DailyCaring offers practical answers to the questions that family caregivers encounter every day as they care for their older adults. Visit the website to get solutions for day-to-day challenges, help with important care decisions, and advice on how to plan for the future. And sign up to get the latest senior care tips delivered to your email inbox — free!

Connie Chow Shares her Caregiving Advice About How to Handle the Stress and Frustration That Comes with Caregiving

How to handle stress and frustration in caregiving?

Caregiving is stressful, there’s no question about it. Using 3 key stress management techniques makes a big difference in physical and mental health: positive self-talk, emergency stress stoppers, and a list of go-to stress-busting activities.

For most of us, there’s a running commentary going on in our heads. Speaking to yourself negatively only increases stress and makes you miserable. Changing that to positive self-talk reduces stress and helps you calm down and feel good about yourself.

When you’re feeling super stressed or overwhelmed, try one of these 5 emergency stress stoppers:

  1. Take slow, deep breaths (like Navy SEAL 4 x 4 x 4 breathing) until you feel your body start to relax.
  2. Go for a walk, even if it’s just to the restroom and back. It breaks the tension and gives you a chance to think things through or clear your mind.
  3. Walk away from the situation for a while. Handle it later once things have calmed down.
  4. Break down big problems into smaller parts. Take it one step at a time instead of trying to tackle everything at once.
  5. Turn on some relaxing or inspiring music.

When stress is getting to you and you need to break the cycle, switch to an activity that makes you feel good — even if it’s only for 10 or 15 minutes. Keep a go-to list of your favorites so you can start immediately.

Some suggestions:

  • Listen to your favorite music or watch an inspiring performance (check online for free on YouTube)
  • Take a walk in nature
  • Work on a scrapbook or photo album to focus on good memories
  • Meditate or practice yoga
  • Read a book, short story, or magazine

C. Grace WhitingCaregiving Advice

C. Grace Whiting, J.D., is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Alliance for Caregiving, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing caregiving through research, innovation, and advocacy. Learn more at www.caregiving.org.

C. Grace Whiting Shares Her Thoughts and Caregiving Advice on Caregiving

What is the biggest challenge in caregiving?

The biggest challenge facing family caregivers today is the sheer magnitude of the issue. Nearly 44 million Americans are caring for someone with a disability or health care need. That number is expected to grow as our society ages. By the time we get to 2050, 1 out of every 5 people will be over 60. Many of these people will need care. As family sizes get smaller, we need to think more creatively about how to care for the people who need it. This may mean working to support our neighbors, intergenerational living arrangements, and even new technologies to help us care. There are lots of reasons to be hopeful about the future of caregiving. The newly enacted RAISE Family Caregivers Act is one – but if we’re going to build a society that empowers people to care, now is the moment to get started.

Conclusion

Caregiving can be a challenge. However, with insight from experts like these and others who have gone before you, you are sure to do your best. Remember, no matter how many challenges you face you are attempting to do what is best for your loved ones. That is what is most important. I hope that this post was very informative. I encourage you to visit the expert’s websites and check out all the resources that are mentioned in this post. Also, for a free 30-minute evaluation, please contact me to see if I can help you answer your caregiving problem.

Caregiving Experts Share Helpful Tips

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Caregiving can be challenging, frustrating, and highly stressful!

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