Category: caregiver support

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What is Caregiving?

Caring for a loved one is special. Is it expected, a duty, obligation  or expression  of love  and commitment?  Whatever feelings and thoughts you have as a caregiver, it’s about doing what works  best for you and your family. Are you taking care of your relative in your home? Is the space adequate for this care?  Is the home safe for your relative? Are you making daily visits to your parents home? Are alarms in place? Is your parent left alone for long periods of time? Perhaps you have a loved one in a facility. Is it a large facility? How often do you visit? Do you bring the relative home to share special  occasions with other family members? How do you feel after the visit? Is it easier for the family to visit your loved one in the facility? “Caregiving  is different for each  family I would like to hear some of your  stories. It’s important to remember caregivers need care too.

Send me an email about your experiences.
www.newbeginningstoday.com
310 673 3349

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Is It Dementia?

Have you noticed your loved one experiencing recent memory loss? How about a loss for words in a loved one who is usually quite verbose? These may or may not be some of the tell-tale signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia which might also include disorientation, unintentional misplacing things, loss of initiative to do regular activities. There can be noticeable mood and personality changes. How can you be sure it’s Alzheimer’s? Get your loved one to a neurologist, preferably at a research center — not your regular family physician. Order a series of test for the proper diagnosis. Other ailments may have symptoms similar to those of dementia such as diabetes, atherosclerosis or hypertension. As caregivers continue to provide unconditional love and attention to their loved ones, it is easy to overlook symptoms. Sometimes caregivers wait until they find keys in the refrigerator, loved ones dressing inappropriately for weather conditions, the inability to write checks before they take action. Watch for the early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Get diagnosis and seek support. There is a widespread community to help, support and assist you on this journey.

Remember, caregivers need care too. Send me an email about your experiences.
www.newbeginningstoday.com
310 673 3349

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Cashing in For Caregivers

Cashing in — no not financially. Cashing in on favors from family members, friends, support groups and organizations can be rewarding for caregivers. Remember when someone asked you to let them know if there is something they can do to help out with a loved one? Now is the time to allow those who want to help you with the caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers trying to do everything themselves soon burnout physically and emotionally. The caregiver suffers as does the loved one. Allowing someone to do some of your weekly chores, run errands, do some of the marketing or even sit with your loved one for a few hours will ease your load. It is like a cash incentive. What can you do to cash in? Let me know.

Angela Mozelle
www.newbeginningstoday.com
310 673 3349
Because Caregivers Need Care Too

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What’s Next?

This is the first week after the holidays. Are you feeling more refreshed? More relaxed? Are you prepared for the new year as a caregiver? Family members have come to visit and perhaps shared with some of the day-to-day responsibilities. Friends have brought presents and shared memories of the past. What is your next move as the caregiver? Did you have enough down time? Have you sought out assistance in your caregiving role? Are you determined to make this year better for you and for your loved one with your caregiving tasks? Resources, assistance and support are available. Make others aware that you are open and available. Remember, caregivers need care too.