Caregiver. Caring for the. Tips, Resources and Support for Those Caring for an Elderly Parent or Loved One

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1 Caring for the Caregiver Tips, Resources and Support for Those Caring for an Elderly Parent or Loved One This educational information is proudly provided by

Caring for the Caregiver According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving, nearly 30% of all U.S. households now provide care to an elderly family member, friend or loved one.

2 Caring for the Caregiver According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving, nearly 30% of all U.S. households now provide care to an elderly family member, friend or loved one. That s about 44 million Americans providing 37 billion hours of unpaid, informal care each year. In small doses, this sort of commitment can be manageable. But juggling the often, competing demands of caregiving with the responsibilities of the caregiver s own life, can create physical and emotional challenges. As a caregiver, it is important for you to find a balance and take care of your own health. This document offers some practical advice to help you on your caregiver journey. Celebrate the Rewards of Being a Caregiver Despite the challenges, caring for a parent, spouse or loved one can have meaningful and lasting benefits: Enjoy peace of mind Honor your loved one Relationship building Learn new things Create new and positive memories There are only four kinds of people in the world... Those who have been Caregivers, Those who currently are Caregivers, Those who will be Caregivers, Those who will need Caregivers. - Rosalyn Carter Senior Services Group Caring for the Caregiver 2

Caring for the Caregiver Look Past the Obvious You can t always count on your loved one to tell you when something is wrong, so it is important for you to observe them for even the slightest change.

3 Caring for the Caregiver Look Past the Obvious You can t always count on your loved one to tell you when something is wrong, so it is important for you to observe them for even the slightest change. Instead of labeling their actions as behaviors, think of them as their way of communicating to you that something is wrong. Some things to look for: Decline in personal hygiene Loss of appetite or weight Becoming frustrated, anxious or confused Medication mismanagement Bruises, scratches, burns Poor judgment Not paying bills Vision, hearing, gait or balance problems Frequent falls Complaints about pain Caregiver Stress is Real! Symptoms of caregiver stress include depression, anxiety, anger, declining health, guilt and burnout. Caregiver stress can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, compromised immune system and exhaustion. The best way to care for your loved one is to care for yourself. Tell yourself you will: Ask for and accept help Attend a caregiver class or seminar Arrange for a respite getaway Approach your role one day, one hour, one minute at a time Be realistic about what you can and cannot do Keep your sense of humor Join a support group Get past the past Continue to pursue your own interests Celebrate your successes Keep a journal Senior Services Group Caring for the Caregiver 3

and/or work relationships is too great You feel you ve reached your breaking point Your physical or emotional health is deteriorating The financial burden is unsustainable The #1 Caregiver FAQ:

4 Caring for the Caregiver Accept a Helping Hand As a caregiver, it is important for you to know when to ask for help. The physical demands are simply too much to handle The skill level of care required is beyond your capability The relationship with your loved one has become adversarial The strain on family, spouse and/or work relationships is too great You feel you ve reached your breaking point Your physical or emotional health is deteriorating The financial burden is unsustainable The #1 Caregiver FAQ: Question: Why does my loved one resist my help? Answer: Your help is likely viewed as a threat to his or her independence. Knowing this, focus on actions you both can agree on. Offer choices and involve your loved one in decisions whenever possible. Lastly, take things one step at a time. Undertaking too many changes can be overwhelming. Senior Services Group Caring for the Caregiver 4

Caring for the Caregiver Caregiver Checklist In the event of an emergency, a caregiver checklist can be very valuable.

Include: R Emergency contact list R Current medication list R Health conditions, including known allergies R Physician and hospital

you are incapacitated) R Registration with Early Notification Program (check with local law enforcement) R House keys/car keys (extra

5 Caring for the Caregiver Caregiver Checklist In the event of an emergency, a caregiver checklist can be very valuable. Keep a copy readily accessible in your home, your loved one s home, and that of a friend or neighbor. Include: R Emergency contact list R Current medication list R Health conditions, including known allergies R Physician and hospital preferences R Power of Attorney for Health Care & Finance R Living Will and Do or Do Not R Secondary caregiver contact information (if you are incapacitated) R Registration with Early Notification Program (check with local law enforcement) R House keys/car keys (extra sets) R Pet care instructions Resuscitate Designation Nearly 30 of all U.S. Households % now provide care to an elderly family member. Senior Services Group Caring for the Caregiver 5

6 We re Here to Help! For additional information or to learn more about our services, please visit Founded in 2003, today Opis ranks among the state s leading providers of senior services. Our skilled nursing centers, assisted living center, comprehensive rehabilitation, physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners and other community-based programs serve seniors and families throughout Florida. PROUD MEMBERS OF THE SENIOR SERVICES GROUP Post-Acute, Rehab, Nursing and Assisted Living Centers Clinicians Home Health Transportation Health Care Consulting 2015 MDU, Inc. All Rights Reserved 6

Caregiver Stress. F r e q u e n t l y A s k e d Q u e s t i o n s. Q: Who are our nation's caregivers?

Caregiver Stress. F r e q u e n t l y A s k e d Q u e s t i o n s. Q: Who are our nation's caregivers? Caregiver Stress Q: What is a caregiver? A: A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in need. Usually, the person receiving care has a condition such as dementia, cancer, or brain injury