November is National Caregivers Month

Ways to Honor Caregivers – including Yourself!

Seek Out Products that can Help

• Did you know that you can purchase products that can help you move or lift your loved one? 
• Did you know you can purchase products that can help you reduce the amount of laundry you do every day?
• Did you know you buy products that can help your loved one dress on his or her own?

Check out Caregiver Products for Better Living to learn about a wide variety of products available to help you manage caring for your loved one at home.  From bathing aids such as grip bars and shower chairs to absorbent pads for chairs and beds, many products are available. 

 

Take advantage of Adult Day Programs

Caring for an adult family member or friend can be rewarding and exhausting – both physically and mentally.  When Adult Day Centers emerged, caregivers across the country rejoiced.  Finally!  Help was readily available.  A caregiver can choose to enroll a loved one for one day per week or five and use the time to get personal chores done, to relax and have some alone time, or to work a full-time job.  It can also mean peace-of-mind knowing that your loved one is in a safe environment with several activities rather than being home with a remote in hand.

The cost of adult Day Centers ranges from $40 to more than $100 per day according to the National Adult Day Services Association.  Some centers provide nursing care and social interaction, while others strive to meet the social needs by providing organized activities for people with similar interests.  Most provide healthy meals to attendees.

For more information, please consult https://www.seniorresource.com/hsdc.htm.

Allow Friends and Family to Help
Just as an Adult Day Center can provide respite from 24/7 care of a loved one, so can other visitors to your home.  If finances are an issue or if you don’t think your loved one would do well in a community environment, ask for help or accept help when it’s offered.

Have you ever had a friend or someone else in the family who’s offered, “If you need anything, please call”?  If so, DO IT!  Caregiving is very hard on your body and your mind and you need a break sometimes too.  Perhaps you can use the time to get some much needed shopping done, or to attend Sunday services, or just to unwind by going on a walk in the park. 

Take Care of Yourself
If you begin feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caregiving, seek help.  There are many, many support groups of others who wear your shoes every day.  They can be a source of strength, encouragement and resources.  Support groups are available online as well as traditional groups who meet in-person on a regular basis.
You’ll be better able to care for others if you remember to take care of yourself too.

Read more at https://caregiver.org
.