Posts Tagged ‘assistance’

How TLC can make you Sick ~ Caregiving in Oakland County, MI

December 14, 2010 | Author

When she’s not working as a naturalist taking walks through her Bloomfield Hills, Michigan neighborhood, Pat Klein takes care of her husband, Mike, 62, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago. She helps him get dressed, she cooks his meals, she monitors his medications. Her mom, Lorraine Rains, is doing pretty well at 81, but she needs a hand with chores. On top of all that, Klein, 56, has diabetes and arthritis. Last week the stress got so bad that a counselor prescribed a mandatory vacation.

More than 20 million households contain Americans who look after loved ones, donating an estimated $250 billion a year in free care. While caregiving can offer enormous rewards—providing a sense of fulfillment, deepening lifelong loves—new research increasingly links it to deleterious health effects, including a weakened immune  system, depression and even premature death. In one landmark study, Richard Schulz, of the University of Pittsburgh, found that elderly caregivers who said they felt physically or psychologically strained by their responsibilities were 63% more likely to die early than non-caregivers. With an aging population expected to double by 2030, researchers are alarmed about a caregiver crisis in the making. “It’s an issue of such great public-health significance,” says Schulz. “It boggles the mind as to how we’re going to handle it in the future.”

Caregiving takes a toll on the body in very tangible ways. Lifting a frail senior out of bed can injure the shoulders and back. The symptoms of arthritis or high blood pressure can worsen as caregivers neglect their own health. Kathie Crombie, 52, spent more than a year looking after her husband, Pete, who had stomach cancer. Before he died last month, she went to the ER with chest pains, a racing heart and nausea. Tests showed no serious maladies, leading her doctor to conclude it was caregiver stress.

Scientists are now zeroing in on what may be happening at the molecular level. At Ohio State University, Janice Kiecolt-Glaser and her husband, Ronald Glaser, have been studying the effect of caregiving on the immune system for more than a decade. Compared with a control group, caregivers of spouses with dementia have weaker responses to pneumonia and flu vaccines, and their wounds heal more slowly. Over a six-year time frame, the researchers also found that the stress hormone Interleukin-6, linked to heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, was four times higher in caregivers.

Caregiver TLC

A mind full of worries can fuel depression: Will I have to move her to a nursing home? Is he in pain? How will I pay for medications?

Left untreated, depression can lead to rare, but tragic, outcomes. Donna Cohen, of the University of South Florida, found that half the 176 homicide-suicides committed by older people over a six-year period in Florida involved caregivers. Most were men who seemed to be devoted husbands overwhelmed by their inability to look after their spouses, says Cohen: “It’s an act of depression and desperation.”

There are ways to relieve the burden. Support groups offer lifelines out of isolation. Adult day-care programs provide respite. Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and reduces stress and depression. Most important of all: caregivers must look after themselves— without their own good health, their loved ones will suffer, too.

If you need some additional in-home assistance for your senior loved ones or others, please don’t hesitate to contact Alliance Senior Care in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  We offer a variety of services, which can help relieve stress and alleviate the pressure of caring for the entire family during the holidays!  We serve Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties and you may reach us at 248.274.2170. We hope to hear from you soon!

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Stress, depression and the holidays: 10 tips for coping in the Detroit Metro area!

December 6, 2010 | Author

Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.

The holiday season, which begins for most Americans with Thanksgiving and continues through New Year’s Day, often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it’s no wonder. In an effort to pull off a perfect holiday, you might find yourself facing a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name a few. So much for peace and joy, right?

Actually, with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress and depression that often accompany the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Recognize holiday triggers

Learn to recognize common holiday triggers, so you can disarm them before they lead to a meltdown:

  • Relationships. Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time, but tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can intensify — especially if you’re thrust together for several days. On the other hand, facing the holidays without a loved one can be tough and leave you feeling lonely and sad.
  • Finances. With the added expenses of gifts, travel, food and entertainment, the holidays can put a strain on your budget — and your peace of mind. Not to mention that overspending now can mean financial worries for months to come.
  • Physical demands. Even die-hard holiday enthusiasts may find that the extra shopping and socializing can leave them wiped out. Being exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. Exercise and sleep — good antidotes for stress and fatigue — may take a back seat to chores and errands. To top it off, burning the wick at both ends makes you more susceptible to colds and other unwelcome guests.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

  1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
  2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
  3. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videotapes.
  4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression too.
  5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone’s name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.
  6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
  7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
  8. Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
  9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
  10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Take control of the holidays

Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you may find that you enjoy the holidays this year more than you thought you could.

If you need some additional in-home assistance for your senior loved ones or others, please don’t hesitate to contact Alliance Senior Care in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  We offer a variety of services, which can help relieve stress and alleviate the pressure of caring for the entire family during the holidays!  We serve Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties and you may reach us at 248.274.2170.    We hope to hear from you soon!

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Important Questions for Potential Caregivers in Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties

November 29, 2010 | Author

If you talk to most seniors throughout Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties and beyond, they will tell you they would prefer to live in their own home for as long as possible. If a family has the assistance of outside help, there is a chance seniors can remain in their homes longer than would otherwise be possible without the assistance. Sometimes, families are able to take on the responsibility of caring for their loved one. In other cases, they may need full-time support.

This is especially true if a senior wants to stay in his own home alone. If you are thinking about support to help your senior relative remain in familiar surroundings, consider some important questions when interviewing potential caregivers.

Determine the experience and background of the caregiver and his or her company. If someone works independently, ask for references from previous clients, as well as a resume of his or her experience and education. If he or she works with a company, part of the interview procedure should be to provide references. In addition to the caregiver’s specifics, speak with the company about their experience. You can also speak with medical professionals concerning your caregiver choices. A lot of times, doctors and nurses will be familiar with the local senior workers. Find out how long the company has been in business, whether they are part of a national chain, and if they are reputable. You can check the website of the Better Business Bureau for more information about the company. Reputable companies will train their employees and be happy to share this information with potential clients. Brian Hurnevich, Owner of  Alliance Senior Care, an in-home care provider located in Bloomfield Hills, MI states, “We do lots of training. Within 90 days of employment, (caregivers) have to be certified as Certified Companion Aides, (CCA)®.”

1.     Speak with the company or the caregiver about his or her previous education. Many companies continue to educate employees on an ongoing basis. Continuing education is important for those who will be caring for seniors. You should also speak with the company about certifications and future training. For instance, some caregivers will have limited experience working with seniors with specific health problems.  However, if a learning process is in action, she may still be a qualified candidate.

2.     Determine if the employees or self-employed caregivers are insured and bonded. This protects both you and your loved one, as well as the caregiver and his employer.

3.     Speak with the agency about the supervision of its employees. Find out how the company monitors its employees day-to-day. Some companies do occasional check-in visits, and others rely on reports from the caregivers and the clients. Also find out the grievance procedure should something go wrong. You will also want to ask if they will always send the same caregiver. If you are hiring an independent caregiver, this will not be an option. However, with a team of employees, there may be instances where an alternate person covers care if someone is on vacation or sick.

4.     Ask the potential caregiver or company if they can provide medical care of any kind. If your senior has any chronic health conditions, you will want the caregiver to have the knowledge to handle that condition. For instance, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease will need a caregiver who has experience dealing with people with dementia. A diabetic senior may fare better with a caregiver who understands possible complications of the disease. It is important to share your senior’s health issues with the potential caregiver ahead of time. While many will expect certain behaviors and issues, they should still be aware of any existing problems. It will also put your mind at ease, knowing the caregiver can deal with these health problems.

If you are thinking about hiring a caregiver so your senior loved one can continue living at home, take time to conduct a thorough interview. This way both you and your loved one will be comfortable with the care being given. Alliance Senior Care offers families a chance to continue living independently, in their own homes, in a way that is both safe and comfortable.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

For more information and a complimentary in-home assessment, please contact Alliance Senior Care @ 248.247.2170.

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Preventing Caregiver Burnout by Alliance Senior Care

November 22, 2010 | Author

This month, the National Family Caregiver Association coordinates National Family Caregivers Month as a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers. Celebrating family caregivers during NFC month enables all of us to:


* Raise awareness of family caregiver issues,

* Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers,

* Educate family caregivers about self-identification,

* Increase support for family caregivers.

The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, especially if you feel you have little control over the situation or you are in over your head. If you let stress progress to burnout, it can damage both your physical and mental health. It is essential you get the support you need. The good news is you are not alone. Help for caregivers is available through in-home care agencies, such as Alliance Senior Care.

Providing care for a family member in need is a centuries-old act of kindness, love and loyalty. And as life expectancies increase and medical treatments advance, more and more will participate in the process, either as a caregiver, the recipient, or possibly both.

Unfortunately, caregiving can take a heavy toll if you don’t get adequate support. Caregiving involves many stressors: changes in the family dynamic, household disruption, financial pressure and the sheer volume of work involved. The rewards of caregiving — if they come at all — are intangible, far off and often there is no hope for a happy outcome.

As the stress piles up, frustration and despair can take hold and burnout becomes a very real danger. But you can prevent caregiver burnout by following a few essential guidelines:

* Learn as much as you can about your family member’s illness and how to be a caregiver.

* The more you know the more effective you’ll be and the better you’ll feel about your efforts.

* Know your limits. Be realistic about how much of your time and yourself you can give. Set clear limits and communicate them to doctors, family members and others involved.

* Accept your feelings. Caregiving can trigger a host of difficult emotions, including anger, fear, resentment, guilt, helplessness, and grief. As long as you don’t compromise the well- being of the care receiver, allow yourself to feel what you feel.

* Confide in others. Talk to people about what you feel; don’t keep your emotions bottled up.

* Caregiver support groups are invaluable, but trusted friends and family members can help too. You may also benefit from seeing a therapist or counselor.

* Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right; reward yourself with breaks.

* Watch out for signs of depression and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.

* When people offer to help, accept it and suggest specific things they can do.

* Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.

* There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.

* Trust your instincts; most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.

* Caregivers often do a lot of lifting, pushing and pulling. Be good to your back.

* Grieve your losses and allow yourself to dream new dreams.

* Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.

Once you burn out, caregiving is no longer a healthy option for either you or the person you’re caring for. It’s important to watch for the warning signs of burnout and take action right away when you recognize the problem.

Common warning signs of caregiver burnout:

* You have much less energy.

* It seems like you catch every cold or flu that’s going around.

* You’re constantly exhausted, even after sleeping or taking a break.

* You neglect your own needs, either because you’re too busy or you don’t care anymore.

* Your life revolves around caregiving, but it gives you little satisfaction.

* You have trouble relaxing, even when help is available.

* You’re increasingly impatient and irritable with the person you’re caring for.

* You feel overwhelmed, helpless and hopeless.

The first strategy for preventing caregiver burnout is: Don’t try to do it alone. Taking on all of the responsibilities of caregiving without regular breaks or assistance is a surefire recipe for burnout. Ask for help when you need it. Enlist friends and family who live nearby to run errands, bring over a hot meal, or stay with your loved one so you can take a break. You can also turn to your community for programs such as respite care, home-delivered meals and transportation services.  There are also qualified in-home care services, such as Alliance Senior Care, serving Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties.

When you are a caregiver, finding time to nurture yourself might seem impossible, but you owe it to yourself to find the time. Without it, you may not have the mental or physical strength to deal with all of the stress. Give yourself permission to rest and to do things that you enjoy on a daily basis.  You will be a better caregiver for it.

For more information, or for an in-home consultation, please contact Alliance Senior Care at 248.274.2170. . .serving Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties.

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