Respite care is a lifeline for caregivers

Caregiver taking a break

Respite care is a lifeline for caregivers
by ElderCarelink





Caregivers hear it all the time: "Take care of yourself or you won't be able to take care of others." But, how does a caregiver find time for self-care? It seems impossible when we are already running in circles, keeping up with the various demands on our time. Yet, there are resources available to help caregivers take a break. Caregivers must be willing to look for these resources and accept help.

• County human services agency. Many county human services agencies have funds set aside for respite care, much of which is not dependent on financial need.
• Senior companions. RSVP, a senior volunteer program, offers senior companion programs in many areas. Senior companions are seniors in good health who offer wonderful company for elders at home while the caregiver has some time to themselves.
• Faith communities. Many faith communities and churches have volunteer groups. These volunteers can keep elders company while the caregiver runs errands or takes a break.

These options are generally provided at no or minimal cost. But, paid options shouldn't be overlooked or ignored. Just a few hours of assistance can mean the difference in a caregiver's physical and mental health.

• In-home care. A flexible option, in-home care can be scheduled to meet the elder's and caregiver's needs.
• Adult day care. Adult day care offers a variety of activities for elders and, like in-home care, is very flexible.

Although an elder may fight the idea of having someone else caring for them, caregivers cannot give in to their guilt. Caregivers need to detach and take care of themselves. If you feel you cannot leave your loved one, even for an hour, then you need help. Please check out the various options mentioned above. You are as important as the person you care for.

This is an article by ElderCarelink

Can exercise prevent dementia-related deaths?

Elderly Exercise

Can exercise prevent dementia-related deaths?
by ElderCarelink





Seniors may want to embrace physical activity in order to maintain not only their physical health, but their mental health as well. Here's the reason--a new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that those who achieved at least a medium state of fitness were less likely to die from a dementia-related death.

Elderly exercise does the body good

Although exercise is beneficial, elders should be cautious. The NIH warns that elders who haven't exercised in a long time should consult their physician before starting and slowly increase their activity levels. Other tips include the following:

1. Exercise programs should be incorporated into their daily lives
2. Activities should appeal to the elder and suit his or her lifestyle, budget and health
3. The elder can exercise several short times during the day or may opt to set aside a specific time to exercise during most days of the week

The NIH also encourages elders to vary their exercises by incorporating endurance (such as dancing), strength (such as weight-lifting), flexibility (such as yoga) and balance (such as Tai Chi) training. This variety both benefits the elder’s body and reduces the risk of injury. Many adult day care centers, senior centers and community programs offer these types of senior-focused exercise programs.

Benefits of In-home Care

In-home Care

Three reasons to consider in-home care
by ElderCarelink




According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 70% of individuals over the age of 65 will require some form of long-term care. To many people, long-term care means a nursing home or assisted living facility. Although these are great choices in certain situations, if your parent or elder does not require constant medical attention, then in-home care might be the ticket.

Three reasons to consider in-home care:

1. Customizable Care. Available in different forms, including medical and non-medical, in-home care is flexible and customizable. Although most visits last between two and four hours, longer visits can be arranged.
2. Maintain independence. Indeed, relinquishing independence is difficult. That's why in-home care services are so valuable. Your loved one or parent can retain a sense of independence by remaining in familiar surroundings--their home.
3. Affordable care. While Medicare does provide home health benefits, the eligibility requirements are restrictive. However, if your loved one doesn't qualify for Medicare coverage, in-home care is still affordable when compared to other forms of long-term care. According to the MetLife Mature Market Institute, home health aides cost $23 per hour in 2011, while homemaker services cost $19 per hour.

In-home care can help alleviate the burden of care from your shoulders, while ensuring your parent or loved one continues to get the daily assistance they require.

This is an article from ElderCarelink