|
Question: Hey Dr. Smith! I believe I am getting burnt out from caring for my sick mother who is a diabetic, but I’m not sure. What are some signs of burnout? I still love her, but I’m just so fatigued all the time. What do I need to do?
Answer:
March 16, 2009
Hello!
Tip of the week: Many family caregivers don’t want to admit it when they are fatigued. I am proud that you are willing to acknowledge that you might be becoming burnt out. Stress is high for most family caregivers. You have to sacrifice so much of yourself emotionally, which can affect your health. Some of the signs that you are becoming burnt out include:
- You are Irritable & Angry
- Your are Depressed & Fatigue easily
- Feelings of loneliness & Sleep Problems
- Headache, Poor Appetite, Anxiety, or Rashes
- You Feel “blah,” like no one cares but you
I suggest getting away for awhile if possible. Also, you’ve got to have someone to talk to. Burn out can lead to depression. Ask your pastor and church family to pray with and for you.
Don't forget to email me your questions and/or comments. I am always happy to hear from you!
Best wishes,
Clarissa 
|
|
|
Question: Where is the first place I should look for community resources for my grandparents? They need Meals On Wheels and help around the house. Where do I begin?
Answer:
March 8, 2009
Hey! Hey! Hey!
Tip of the week: The first thing you need to do is find out what your grandparents qualify for. Every state has an Area Agency on Aging which was established under the Older Americans Act of 1965. The Area Agency on Aging provides services such as:
- Legal Services
- Counseling
- Information & Refferal
- Abuse Prevention
- Meal Delivery
- Nutritional Education Programs
- Health Screenings
- Caregiver Support Groups
- Health Insurance Information & More
Just look in your telephone book under federal, state, or local government services. Here in Birmingham, call your local office of Senior Citizen Services at (205) 325-1416.
Don't forget to email me your questions and/or comments. I am always happy to hear from you!
Best wishes,
Clarissa 
|
|
Question: I have been looking for someone to help me take care of my 86 year-old grandmother. I can't do it all by myself, and I need assistance with care issues. Where do I start?
Answer:
February 28, 2009
Hello friends!
Tip of the week: You have to be able to trust someone with your aging parents or relatives, and sometimes that's hard to find. Unfortunately, every year we hear many sad stories about people hiring someone who turns out to be a thief, a con artist, or an abuser. So, it's a good idea to do the following:
-
Interview candidates in a comfortable environment
-
Try to interview at least three people and pray before you make a decision.
-
Get a background check on all candidates. You can do this on your own. People can and will lie! Don't just take his or her word for it!
-
Check all references! Whether candidates are nurses or CNAs or other medical personnel, you can contact your state licensure or nurse registry
-
It's always best to invite your candidate choices to your parents' home to meet and interact with them
-
If all else fails, hire someone through a homecare agency and don't forget to ask questions.
-
If you do elect private pay, compare rates and make certain that person signs in and out after each visit. Keep a list of duties and expectations. Have that list signed by the person you hire.
Feel more than free to e-mail me your questions and/or comments. I am always happy to hear from you!
Best wishes,
Clarissa 
|
|
Question: What is the best place to start looking for resources for my mom and dad? They are both on a fixed income and I am using my money to supplement theirs. It is costing me nearly $400.00 a month to care for them. How can I get help?
Answer:
February 19, 2009
Greetings everyone!
Tip of the week: The average family caregiver spends thousands of dollars each year taking care of aging parents or a loved one. It’s more difficult to help someone if you yourself are in need. I see many older people in need of services that include everything from paying power or utility bills to having enough food or money to buy medicine. Here are a few things you must do right away to ensure that you are getting everything you can from your local community resources:
-
Contact your church. This may seem like a waste of time for many, but it never hurts to ask! Besides, ask your family and friends who may have borrowed money but never paid it back! We all have some of those people in the family….at least I do!
-
Contact your health insurance company and ask for the social worker. For example, if you have Medicare, or some other HMO or insurance carrier, you have a case manager.
-
The case manager will be able to help you locate charitable organizations and explain benefits for your parents that you may be unaware of—especially if they are veterans, former railroad or mine workers. You just have to ask!
-
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging You have to be at least 60 years old to qualify, but the AAA usually has funds (albeit limited) to give you referrals and even assist with utility bills.
-
Stay on budget. Your parents are already on a fixed income. You have a responsibility to make sure that they are taking their medicine, eating properly, and enjoying the fullest, healthiest life possible! Don’t let the problems of this world keep you from having fun with your aging parents. Use an economy plan and put something aside for a rainy day…if you know what I mean!
Clarissa
|
|
Question: I have been taking care of my aging father for nearly three years now, and I have been doing so without the aid of anyone, including my siblings. The problem is that after all these years I find myself becoming burnt out and somewhat frustrated because I rarely have any time for me. What can I do to feel better, so that I may continue to give him the best care I can possibly provide?
Answer:
February 12, 2009
Hello everyone!
Tip of the week: Caring for our loved ones is not an easy task at times.That's the reality that we as caregivers must face. However, we have to remember that in order to be our best and feel our best we must make the effort to care for ourselves. After all, if we allow ourselves to fall apart, who will care for those that need us? The following Nine E's (9E's) are my reality tips for staying healthy as we care for those we love:
-
Eat healthy
-
Exercise regularly
-
Enjoy life, relax, laugh and love
-
Educate yourself on your loved one's illness
-
Elect to delegate to others
-
Expect changes and anticipate challenges
-
Encourage older people to make their own decisions for as long as possible
-
Earn the trust of your aging loved ones as a caregiver
-
Experience support from others (supports groups, etc.) and acknowledge your own feelings about family caregiving
As always, feel free to e-mail me your questions and/or comments. I am always happy to hear from you!
Clarissa
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 10 of 11 |
My Blog
