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Easing Caregiving Stress

Easing Caregiving Stress

If you're among the battalion of unpaid caregivers, you're likely familiar with the physical, psychological, and financial toll associated with caring for a family member. November's National Family Caregivers Month, designed to recognize the day-to-day sacrifices caregivers make, features the theme "Caregiving Around the Clock" this year. Find ways to care for yourself and make your job less stressful. Here are some resources specific to the unique challenges you may be facing. Alzheimer's Association ( https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors ) – Learn about the stages of

Preparing Yourself for Caregiving Costs

Preparing Yourself for Caregiving Costs 

Caregiving can take an enormous financial toll. For example, a recent AARP survey found that three-quarters of the family caregivers surveyed spent an average of $7,242 annually on out-of-pocket caregiving costs. AARP offers some tips for getting over some of the major hurdles, including: Organize finances. Know your loved one’s costs like mortgage, rent, and utilities. Locate and safely store crucial documents, including wills, marriage certificates, and insurance policies. Money management. Manage money carefully and create budgets by tracking your income and expenses and those of your loved

Is the Air in Your Home Safe?

Is the Air in Your Home Safe?

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. That percentage is even higher for older individuals. For decades, indoor air quality has been a health issue. In 1987, the EPA estimated that some pollutants are often two to five times higher indoors than outdoors. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has elevated concerns about indoor air hygiene. Monitoring Indoor Air Quality New technology allows individuals to monitor and address the quality of air in their homes. This is particularly important for people with

Five Simple Ways to Provide Loving Support to Parents with Memory Challenges

Five Simple Ways to Provide Loving Support to Parents with Memory Challenges

It can be hard to see someone you love struggle with mental decline as they age. Sadly, memory loss and other cognitive impairments are all too common. There are no easy solutions, but you can take several simple steps to treat aging parents with respect and compassion. 1. Speak slowly and clearly. Cognitive decline, potentially coupled with hearing loss, makes it harder to process information quickly. Make it easier for Mom or Dad to follow your words by slowing down, speaking clearly, and pausing between sentences. If you’re talking face-to-face instead of over the phone, sit close, so you

Three Chatbot Technologies that Seniors May Encounter and Enjoy

Three Chatbot Technologies that Seniors May Encounter and Enjoy

What is a chatbot? You’ve probably already encountered this technology and didn’t recognize it by name. Chatbots are artificial intelligence (AI) based algorithms that use text or speech technologies to communicate with people. For example, some chatbots answer basic support questions via a text “chat” box on a website when it’s after hours and a live person isn’t available. These types of chatbots have been around for years, but they are improving and being used on smartphones in new and interesting ways. Mental Health If nothing else, the pandemic drove home the importance of social

How to Keep Elderly Family Members Feeling Safe and Loved Amidst COVID-19

How to Keep Elderly Family Members Feeling Safe and Loved Amidst COVID-19

We are living during an uncertain time. What can we do to ensure our elderly relatives are healthy and feeling loved? First and foremost, all relatives need a wellness check regardless of age or underlying health conditions. Consistent contact can ensure they are being diligent about remaining healthy. Living alone in a senior care facility or being home alone can take a toll on someone’s mental state. Calling to check in on your relative and finding ways to boost their morale is crucial. There are several ways to guarantee that your loved one can still feel connected throughout this pandemic

Self-Care for Caregivers

Self-Care for Caregivers

If you provide care for a parent on an occasional, part-time, or full-time basis, you may need a little support yourself. Many children of older parents underestimate the number of extra chores they are taking on to “help Mom out” or to “take care of Dad.” Miscalculating the investment can also mean misjudging the toll on their own lives. Protect Your Emotional Health Take “me” time – If this means asking someone else to watch your loved one for a few hours, then ask. You may need to look into adult day care programs or respite care programs through your local hospice or other organization