In This Issue
Caring for the Independent Blind
Most of us can't begin to imagine what life would be like without the ability to see. Unfortunately, 1 in 3 Americans over the age of 65 have vision impairing eye diseases and face those challenges every day. For many families it can be difficult to find the best ways to balance caring for their loved ones and living a healthy and independent life.
One of the best ways to help the vision impaired stay in control is by designating a permanent place for everything. Keeping everyday products in specified places makes it easier for the sight impaired to accomplish daily tasks on their own. For example, keeping the tooth brush on the same side of the sink or always placing the pill box on the nightstand creates an environment of habit that helps maintain an independent lifestyle for your blind family member or friend.
Create a safe environment for people with vision loss by making sure the pathways in the home are clear so the person you care about can safely navigate through hallways and up and down stairs. For the elderly that have limited or failing vision, using colorful rugs creates a clear path from one room to another. Make sure these rugs are not bunched or bumpy as this could become a health hazard.
Setting aside time to have fun is an important way to keep your loved one's spirits up. Engaging in activities that aren't vision intensive such as listing to audio books or podcasts is a good way to stay entertained. Other options like investing in a tandem bicycle can help your loved one stay active and healthy.
There are many ways to help your blind or low vision friends and family members live an independent life. Look for more tips and advice on our blog at http://blog.synergyhomecare.com, or visit our resource page.
Family Caregivers: Our Unsung Heroes
One of the best feelings in the world is heading home after a long day at work, kicking up your feet, having some dinner, and relaxing. But while you're relaxing remember there are thousands of people that don't get to enjoy that luxury. They're not going home. They're not going to relax. They're selflessly spending their free time taking care of a loved one in need. They are family caregivers. According to NetofCare.com, a family caregiver is anyone who provides any type of physical and/or emotional care for an ill or disabled loved one at home. This definition describes an astounding 29% of U.S. adults. Sadly, most of these selfless individuals don't even realize that they've earned the privilege to call themselves the heroic name of family caregiver. And worse, most of these people don't realize that there is an abundance of help and resources out there to help them and their family every day. Does this describe you?
If it does, you should know that what you do makes a difference. You make a difference, not only to your loved ones, but to your entire family and your community. And remember you have resources all around to help you continue performing your invaluable services. Family caregivers are spouses, children, parents and other relatives who have put their loved ones needs above their own in the interest of creating the best and most comfortable life for that person. Currently, 75% of family caregivers are female, but the number of male family caregivers is on the rise, according to Georgetown's research on caregivers.
To make these matters even more difficult, most caregivers are part of the "sandwich generation", caring for children and aging parents at the same time, which can be very stressful for this group of 35-64 year olds. It becomes a juggling act between career, children and other roles, on top of the caregiving. The sad truth is that while the caregiver brings health and joy to the lives of others, their own health tends to suffer, according to Caregiver.org.
This is a reminder to thank the caregivers you know, and support them in any way you can. Support can be anything; from a kind and encouraging word, to offering your time one night a week so they can go home and relax.
There are always truly fascinating and inspiring stories behind family caregivers. We invite you to take part in "Arms Around Family Caregivers", our outreach program dedicated to help family caregivers through online resources, community support, education and the opportunity to receive respite care.
Love, selflessness, admiration and devotion are just a few of the words that describe the emotions that lead to the role. Family caregivers give more than just care; physical, mental and emotional energy, financial support and hour upon hour of their personal time. If you're one of these selfless individuals, keep up the good work, and remember you're not alone!
No One Should Feel Alone
The holidays are drawing near, and the excitement is palpable! It's this time of year we begin to anticipate taking some time off of work to spend in warm, festive environments, with the people we love most.
This is also a time we are reminded of charity and goodwill to our fellow man. We think of the homeless, underprivileged children and those less fortunate than ourselves. But how often do we think about the many senior citizens without friends or family near, who will be forced to pass the holiday season alone?
This year, and every year, seniors need supportive friends and family. The holidays present a unique opportunity to brighten the life of the senior you care for. With that in mind, we've come up with a few ways to make the holiday season exceptional for your senior loved one.
If you don't have a senior in your life, you can still find ways to give back to this often neglected community. You can contact your local assisted living facility, nursing home or community center. There are many programs you can volunteer for that focus on the care and support of the elderly community. Consider volunteering with a friend or another family member, it can be a great enriching experience for you and the seniors you are working with.
If you love shopping as much as most do around the holiday season, one of the best ways to give back is by assisting seniors with gift shopping. More often than not, the elderly community has family all over the country, and can really use help picking out new and exciting presents.
Conversely, buy your senior a gift that is truly heartfelt. No need for expensive presents; something that comes from the heart is what really matters. A new picture frame with a family photo is a great gift that will remind a senior of all the people in their life that care for them!
Make sure the seniors in your life are prepared for the season with warm clothes. Find out if their living space is comfortable and if there is any way that you can make it even more so. Little things like new pillows, blankets and sweaters can make the season a lot more joyful, not to mention comfortable. Nothing is better than being warm and cozy during the cold winter months!
Get them in the spirit of the season by decorating their living space with holiday décor. Even just a little festivity can truly ring in the season. Once that season is over, be sure to help with the removal of the decorations so your loved one doesn't have to encounter the stress of clean up. And remember, the post-holiday months can often be lonely for the elderly; make sure they know that you will be around after the holidays as well. Don't lose touch with seniors just because the festivities are over, having a close relationship all year round can be enjoyable and truly rewarding.
Inviting your elderly loved one to your family's holiday celebrations is easy, and can make a huge difference for a senior. Besides, the more the merrier! And make sure they have adequate transportation, as traveling can be difficult for the elderly.
Loneliness is a major issue in the senior community. With the holiday season approaching, these feelings are intensified. But with just a little help from you, their lives can improve tenfold. Don't let your senior loved ones, or seniors in your community suffer needlessly throughout the most festive and eventful season of the year.
Senior Resources
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
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
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
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
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/
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/
