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It’s Today Already

Have you ever said or heard someone say, “life goes on?”  Have you taken the time to think what it means?  How much time passes us by leaving our intentions as memories? As a caregiver, we often make plans but don’t follow through for any number of reasons. Before we realize it, it’s the end of the week  the end of the month, the end of summer and your intentions become vague memories. How have your plans for this summer gone?   Did you take the time to go on a vacation — even for a weekend or a day-long road trip?  Officially, summer is not over.  There is yet time to get-away to a nearby favorite spot to bask in the sunshine or  secret yourself away with book you have not taken the  time to read or complete that long-awaited project or just “be”. I believe you owe it to yourself. Imagine how refreshed, renewed  and regenerated you will feel. You will miss some of the crowds of  early summer, but the people and faces that you will meet will also be  savoring the last days of summer.  They will be happy to see that you are  taking care of yourself.  Go out and fill your cup.  Enjoy your favorite summer dessert. It’s about you taking care of you — creating more balance As a caregiver, you really do need and deserve care also. I want to hear about your late summer excursion.

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

 

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The New Caregivers

“Who do you think of when you think of a caregiver?”  Is it an adult daughter caring for a parent? How about a spouse caring for an ailing spouse? Someone may be thinking of parents caring for their disabled child. These are the typical caregivers. There is a growing segment of new caregivers. These are grandparents who are responsible for the care of their grandchildren. The parents may be on military assignments, recovering from illnesses, incarcerated, deceased or any number of other scenarios. Imagine you are about to retire. You are thinking of spending your leisure time as a volunteer or investing in that long-time hobby to turn it into a business. What happens when you are designated or appointed by the courts to be the legal guardian for your grandchildren? This new status may be in addition to caring for another loved one. You are now the daily shuttle driver for carpooling, after school activities, homework assignments and other forms of recreation. The first few weeks or months are manageable. Everyone is making the adjustment. Suddenly, you realize this is a long-term assignment. The homework and projects are continual. There are parent teacher meetings, Friday night football games, debate team, cheerleader drills. The list goes on and on. Where is your energy and enthusiasm? You have been through this before. You actually have children who are the same age or older than some of the parents. Support is available for grandparents who have become the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. If you want someone to listen, someone who understands, who is willing to share, reach out for resources or to a life coach who can assist you with this new lifestyle. Before the next bake sale or candy drive, make that connection to make your life as a caregiver easier. I can help you to ease into

Remember, “Caregivers Need Care Too”.
www.newbeginningstoday.com
310 673 3349

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Traveling With Dementia

Did you take a summer vacation yet? Do you want to? Where had you planned to visit? Are you afraid or hesitant to travel with your loved one who has dementia? Where are you thinking of going? Is it far from your current home? Will you be able to drive? I would suggest you plan the trip carefully. With careful planning, will be easier and you and your loved one will have many experiences to share. Imagine a train ride. The beautiful scenery may be relaxing for you and your relative. You will be able to get exercise on the train — walking from car to car. A great part of any vacation is meeting new people. Most people are nice and accommodating. The plane ride may be faster, but it may also be more discomforting — standing in long lines, long waiting periods at the airport, more people. Be sure your loved one is well-rested prior to the trip. Remember to have all medications readily available. If your loved one has dietary restrictions, have the required foods on hand. This trip may trigger memories for the two of you. Make it a memorable occasion. Take lots of pictures. Point out landmarks and other points of interest. Take it easy. Some days may be designated as rest days where you stay in the hotel or nearby for most of the day. On the days when more activities are planned, plan a couple activities per day. Be prepared to answer the same questions many times. “Where are we? Where are we going? When are we leaving? How long will we be here?” It is acceptable to answer the question with a question or to even change the subject. It is about being together. This is a new experience for you and for your loved one. Let me hear about your travel plans and send picture of those great trips.

Caregivers need trips and care too.
www.newbeginningstoday.com
310 673 3349

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Caregivers and Self Care

Are you the primary caregiver for a loved one? Have you incorporated all the necessary details of that loved one’s life into your schedule? If you have answered, yes, to those questions, do you have a self care program for YOU? Are you keeping your doctor’s appointments? Most caregivers forget their regularly scheduled appointment and often do not reschedule. If we visit our family doctor on schedule, we forget about the other medical concerns such as the “ophthalmologist, dentist, optician, gynecologist and others. Our optimal health determines the kind of care we are able to share with our loved ones. A self care program is not just about your physical health. How about your emotional well-being? Do you schedule regular times to visit with friends — lunch, movie, art, afternoon or evening walk. This can serve as a great stress reducer. It can also help to prevent some of the drain and fatigue caregivers often experience. It can be a challenge to give your best to your loved one if you are neglecting yourself. Call a day-spa and set up a special day for you, visit the hair salon, how about a manicure and pedicure. You deserve this and more. You will look better and feel better and be more attentive as a caregiver to your loved one. Can you remember a time when you did something special for yourself? Think about it. Did others notice? How did you feel when you were complimented? It really is the little things in life that make it easier to accomplish and fulfill our responsibilities as caregivers. Share with me and others some small favor you have done for yourself this week. I believe caregivers need care too.

www.newbeginningstoday.com
310 673 3349