“I could not have made it without Synergy HomeCare. They were flexible and accommodating with my schedule and gave me complete peace of mind with care with my mother. Not only did they accompany her to doctor’s appointments, but they prepared her meals and met her every need. I cannot say enough wonderful things.” – Sheila K., Virginia
To Be There For Someone, You Have to Reach Out For Help
Anxiety. Frustration. Hopelessness. 43.5 million Americans and growing are experiencing these issues as the role of family caregiver becomes too stressful on their everyday life. This present- day, daunting issue will only become more prevalent as more and more Baby Boomers need someone to help care for them in their Golden Years. A shocking 64% of family caregivers report a negative impact on their job performance as a result of caring for someone they love.
According to a 2009 report from the National Alliance on Caregiving, a full one third of family caregivers say they need help finding time for themselves, while one in four want help and information on how to choose a home care agency. Synergy HomeCare believes that family relief begins with qualified, knowledgeable home care services and the power of understanding the changing needs of your aging parent. Countless books and classes have been available on this topic for years, so why are 77% of family caregivers still reporting that they need information? In response to families reaching out for new kinds of help, Synergy has innovated Life Time Learning, an online program designed specifically to help families who are coping with the stresses of caregiving. No family caregiver should ever feel alone.
A Thank You to America’s Courageous Veterans
Our veterans have sacrificed so much for this country and have more than earned the right to be cared for in return. Unfortunately, some return home needing care for severe injuries, while others develop age related care needs over time. Often it is veterans’ families who willingly put their own lives on hold and take on financial, emotional and practical hardships as they help their own sons, daughters, husbands, wives or parents. Synergy HomeCare is extremely proud to work with the Veterans Benefits Administration across the country in caring for many young and senior veterans. We are encouraged that the VA is exploring how home care can be made available to more veterans’ families - even as it struggles with a backlog of more than 1.1 million claims for compensation, pension and education benefits – meantime we are honored every time we care for of one of America’s true heroes as well as the amazing families that support them.
Did You Know…
- The VA has allocated nearly $5 million to train and provide support to caregivers.
- Non-profit organization, Fisher House provides housing for families with a veteran receiving medical care at major military and VA medical center, allowing the family to remain close during a stressful time.
- There are more than 9.2 million veterans over age 65.
- The Aid & Attendance Benefit is part of the VA’s Improved Benefit, which has been in effect for 58 years, but millions miss out on the opportunity.
Mom, Do I Need to Come Over There?
“How to know when you're needed and when you should make the trip to see your parents rank among the most difficult aspects of long-distance care. The phone is often of little help. Your mother may not admit there is a problem. Dad may be very dramatic. In addition, your perceptions and preconceived ideas may cloud the issue.” CNN Health, Caring For Mom and Dad From Afar
Whether you’re across country, or just a few blocks away, long-distance care may be the reality of your relationship with an aging parent. It can be stressful on you and your aging loved ones as they attempt to balance independence and changing physical needs, while you attempt to balance work, family and long-distance care giving responsibilities. Feelings of guilt tend to arise as you are unable to spend as much time as you’d like taking care of their needs. As a result, your job and family life may begin to suffer as stress levels rise.
On top of those issues, you may struggle with what situations you should be prepared to drop everything and catch a flight to visit your parent. They may hide the truth about their health in an attempt to maintain independence and keep you from worry. On the other hand, they may overly emphasize smaller issues that may be an attack of paranoia. The overwhelming stress and guilt of not being there consistently can quickly take its toll on your mental and physical wellbeing.
But the good news is that there are several simple ways to relieve this stress and maintain a healthy balance in your life, while assuring that your loved one is completely taken care of in the meantime.
As we’ve previously mentioned, knowledge is the key to coping with this process. Have a working communication with their doctors, neighbors and friends. If you have a sibling who lives closer, make sure you discuss what roles you and they will play throughout the course of taking care of your parent.
Often times, it will be difficult, if not impossible to get your aging loved one to move from the home they’ve lived in for years. Many times, it is the wrong decision to make altogether. That is where Synergy HomeCare comes in as your trusted source for your long-distance care. Synergy HomeCare has been a knowledgeable and reliable source for in-home care since 1999 and we provide you with peace of mind when you are unable to personally entrench yourself in the life of your loved one. Remember that this will never be an easy situation, but with the right knowledge and a great partner, you and your aging loved one will be as comfortable as possible through some difficult years.
Senior Resources
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/articles/emotional-toll/article.2007-06-18.1522525432?ipc=B00448§ion=section_00
As a caregiver to your aging parent, you may begin to feel guilt, anger and sadness. You’re not alone. These are common emotions that come with this situation, and this site looks at ways of coping with this added stress.
http://www.synergyhomecare.com/learning/
As a family caregiver, the most empowering tool you have is the ability to understand the new and changing needs of your senior parent or family member. Please visit Life Time Learning to learn more.
http://www.veteranaid.org/program.php
The Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension provides benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature. Learn more from this site.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/LongDistanceCaregiving/chapter01.htm
What is long-distance caregiving? Am I the only one who’s trying to help out from a distance? This website answers 20 commonly asked questions about long distance caregiving for your family or friends.
Thingamajigs
Nearby or across the country, you worry if something happens how will mom and dad get help? With a state of the art Medical Alarm Monitoring System, at the touch of a button, a live professional assesses the situation, dispatches local EMS and notifies family. Contact your local Synergy HomeCare about receiving this system at no cost.
