Sometimes, through the hustle and bustle of daily life, we lose sight of our priorities. Not to say that we don’t maintain some form of them. But often we lose track of the things in life that are truly important. Take a moment to think about what’s important to you. Your family? Your health? Living a long and fulfilling life? When you stop to think about what’s most important to you, odds are it’s not that expensive car in your driveway or the promotion you just got at work.
At Synergy HomeCare, we understand just as well as you that what truly matters are the people around us, not the things. As we age, however, these people that we care about so deeply begin to disappear from our lives. Fortunately, with the proper tools, education, and care, people these days can not only live comfortably, but live well for longer than ever, despite any existing physical or mental disabilities. Our online resources are here as a guide for you and your family to live long and prosper as you enter or excel into your golden years; Because that’s why Synergy HomeCare is here for. Live, love and learn.
Envision an Independent Lifestyle
For a loved one with vision loss or blindness the world can seem like a mystery. Places they have been many times, such as their kitchen or garage, are suddenly confusing and foreign. This can seem overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to make navigating the home easier for your vision impaired relative or friend.
The resources below can also be used by your family caregiver to help ease the strain of blindness from your loved one, and give you a chance to focus on your daily tasks. A tip for viewing these resources with ease is increasing the font on your browser.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2033306_change-font-size.html
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000779.htm
Safety Around the House
Low vision can turn household objects into hazards, and daily tasks into safety risks. Learn about a few things you can do to make your house or apartment blind-friendly.
http://www.afb.org/seniorsite.asp?SectionID=65&TopicID=297&DocumentID=3235
http://www.afb.org/seniorsite.asp?SectionID=65&TopicID=297&DocumentID=3236
http://brailleinstitute.org/sites/default/files/Kitchen_Confidence.pdf
Staying Connected:
Reading, writing and other communication can be difficult with decreased vision. With a few simple habits you can actively keep in touch with the people that matter.
http://brailleinstitute.org/sites/default/files/Staying_Connected.pdf
Library of Congress – national Library for the Blind
Large print books, audio books, and mp3 books allow you to enjoy books without having to read them. Though these books are available in most libraries and bookstores, The National Library for the Blind has a large collection.
http://www.loc.gov/nls/
Beginner's Guide to the White Cane
The white cane is a great tool for low vision pedestrians. If you have never used a white cane before, here’s a great place to learn
http://www.livingblind.com/getting-started-cane.html
Good Toys for Blind Kids
Children can have fun with these blind-friendly toys. The toys here can be found at any toy store and are separated into sections for children 2 years and up, 5 years and up and 9 years and up.
http://www.nfb.org/nfb/NOPBC_Toys_for_Blind_Kids.asp?SnID=1869678802
Staying Active and Expanding Creativity
From Sports and Exercise, to Cards and Board Games, to Theater, and movies, to catering to your creative side, these are excellent guides for your continued recreation.
http://brailleinstitute.org/sites/default/files/Fun_and_Fitness.pdf
http://brailleinstitute.org/sites/default/files/Express_Yourself.pdf
Continuing to Work
Having low vision does not necessarily mean that you need to leave the work force. You have a lot to offer, and these pages can help.
http://www.afb.org/seniorsite.asp?SectionID=66&DocumentID=2725
http://www.livingblind.com/accessibility.html
Travel
From short trips around the neighborhood, to jetting across the country, travel is available to everyone. Here are some tips to help you reach your destination quickly and safely.
http://brailleinstitute.org/sites/default/files/Travel_Tips.pdf
http://brailleinstitute.org/sites/default/files/Getting_Around.pdf
Looking Good:
Personal hygiene is an important part of remaining healthy and self-confident. Even though you might not be able to see as well as you once did, you can still look and feel great.
http://brailleinstitute.org/sites/default/files/Looking_Good.pdf
Veterans Corner
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilitates recreational activities just for veterans who have lost their sense of sight.
http://www1.va.gov/BLINDREHAB/recreation.asp
Embrace the Moments that Matter
Family caregivers regularly tend to their loved ones needs, making it easier for them to maintain a level of independence. Below are a few resources that may assist you in caring for your loved one and help you find a sense of relief when you need it the most.
For more resources, please visit the official “Arms Around family Caregivers” blog.
Coordinating Care
When your family member is in need, it is important to coordinate your efforts so that they receive continuous care. This is a guide about how to start caring for your family member.
http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/pdfs/CareManage.pdf
Stages of Caregiving
It doesn’t matter whether you plan to bring your loved one home from the hospital, are giving them daily help, or are no longer caring for your family member, this website can help you in any stage of caregiving.
http://www.familycaregiving101.org/
Communicating with the Doctor and Medication Assistance
Maintaining a proper medication schedule or routine exercises is an important part of caregiving. By keeping in contact with your loved one’s doctor, you can keep them healthy and comfortable.
http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/pdfs/DrCaregvr.pdf
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1104
Share the Caring: Action Checklist for Family Caregivers
Sometimes you know you need help, but you do not know what to ask for. Likewise, helpful friends to not know what to offer. This chart is a good tool for people in both roles to use when coordinating care.
http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/pdfs/326503_SharetheCaring_broch.pdf
Tips for Memory Care
Caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be both physically and emotionally challenging. The Family Caregiver Alliance has some advice on how to best provide your family member with memory care.
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=392
Where to Find Caregivers: A State-by-State guide
When you need professional respite care, this guide will help you find the closest home care provider in your state.
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/fcn_content_node.jsp?nodeid=2083
Advice for Caregiver Stress
As a family caregiver, you may experience increased stress levels. Realizing and tending to stress symptoms will prevent you getting burned out and becoming unhealthy.
http://www.caregiverrelief.com/stress.html
Keeping Good Company
It is easy to feel alone when you live far from your family. What most people don’t realize is that your mental and physical health can be adversely affected by these feelings. It is important to involve yourself in social activities to help break away from the feelings of loneliness.
Pet Therapy (Seniors.Lovetoknow.com)
Pet therapy is a popular method of mild therapy for seniors, and the documented benefits of interaction with animals are physical, mental and emotional.
http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/Pet_Therapy
Emotional and Mental Vitality (WebMD.com)
Emotional and mental vitality are closely tied to physical vitality-just as your mind has powerful effects on your body, so your physical state affects how you feel and think. Social contact can also make a big difference in how you feel.
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/healthy-aging-emotional-mental-vitality
Adopt-A-Veteran Program (Elks)
If you've ever been hospitalized, you know the loneliness and depression you can experience. Think how tough it must be for hospitalized veterans, especially those who are far from home or have no family. With that thought in mind, George Schwarz of Clawson-Troy, Michigan, Lodge devised a simple yet effective solution in 1980: the Adopt-a-Veteran program.
http://www.elks.org/Vets/AdoptAVeteran.cfm
Pregnant and Alone: Finding Support
Between the morning sickness, the hormonal roller coaster, the countless doctor appointments, and the numerous preparations for the coming baby, pregnancy can be a tremendously stressful time. It can also be a beautiful and exciting experience for a husband and wife to share; yet, many women don't have partners to hold their hands through the ups and downs of pregnancy and delivery.
http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/health_wellness/energy_emotions/article/single-mom-pregnancy
Coping with Loneliness: Tips for Seniors
Loneliness is a serious problem among elderly people. Fortunately, loneliness can be overcome, although doing so takes some initiative. You might find the following strategies and tips helpful.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/coping-with-loneliness-tips-for-seniors/
10 tips to being alone but not lonely during the holidays
Many senior citizens are well acquainted with spending holidays alone, but they certainly do not have a corner on that market. A lot of not so senior citizens, and even many young people, will find themselves separated from their families during this holiday season. Regardless of the reasons, alone does not have to mean lonely.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/
How to Overcome Loneliness After the Death of a Spouse
Experts at the Mayo Clinic note that the first year after the death of a spouse can be full of reminders that cause difficult feelings of loneliness and loss. Fortunately, individuals can learn self-help techniques to cope with these changes, and with time, the process will often get easier.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com
