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Coping with Emotional and Physical Demands of Caregiving
Although caregiving can be a rewarding opportunity for many family caregivers, It can also put them at risk for substantial stress. These stresses can be financial, physical, and psychological in nature. Stress is a mind–body activity which occurs when caregiving demands escalate. These escalated caregiving demands can put a great deal of strain on a […]
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Caregivers – Tips to Manage Holiday Stress
For many of us caregiving, often the holidays bring on more stress and less peace on earth and joy to the world! If we can follow a few tips, we may be better able to enjoy our holidays. Tip 1: Set realistic expectations of yourself – You do not have to bake 250 dozen holiday […]
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Caution! Heat & Humidity during the “Dog Days of Summer”
As we age we must remember the our bodies process heat differently and that Hyperthermia happens when the body fails to regulate heat. Hyperthermia manifests in many different forms such as: heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and dizziness and even fainting after prolonged heat exposure. Here are some tips to help you and your […]
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Anticipatory Grief
Recently while at a caregiver conference I was approached by a gentleman who asked me if it was normal to be grieving before the loss of his terminally ill spouse. My answer was yes, and I continued to tell him the following. Anticipatory grief refers to a grief reaction that occurs before a loved one […]
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Do you have a Caregiver Emergency Plan?
What if you were seriously injured in a car accident? Had a sudden heart attack? Become seriously ill? The number one thing that most concerns caregivers is: What if something happens to me? 80% of caregivers experience a major medical event prior to the person receiving care. Planning for an emergency that might never happen […]
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Putting Together an Emergency Bag
When meeting with family caregivers I always inquire whether they have an emergency bag and an emergency plan. Most often I am told that they do not. I thought today we would discuss an Emergency Bag. This bag should be clearly marked “Mom’s Emergency Bag” and be in sight for family and first responders to […]
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The Benefits of Routine in Family Caregiving
A routine helps provide structure and focus to your caregiving activities and help you to manage your life as a caregiver. Routines allow you to accomplish your goals and live a happy, healthy life. Established routines also provide benefits to both you and your care partner. Routines establish a sense of having some control of […]
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5 Achievable New Year’s Resolutions for Family Caregivers
Making New Year’s Resolutions can be difficult to formulate for a family caregiver, it seems like another stress we place upon ourselves. If we can address our resolutions into a positive statement, “I will” instead of a negative “I will not…” for the next year, it seems to help with the process. Be sure to […]
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How Caregivers Can Create a “Healthy Holiday” Season
The holiday season is upon us and there are increased demands placed upon us as caregivers. We need to protect ourselves from these stresses. Sometimes our emotions don’t match the season. We also need to protect ourselves from depression setting in! Here are some things to consider to help you have a “Healthy Holiday”! • […]
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