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Archive for Caregivers

Monday , November 30 , 2020

Caregiving During Covid-19

Family caregiving is a satisfying, worthwhile job, but it can also be stressful and demanding.

With Covid-19 in the mix, caregiving can become an overwhelming task for already stressed family members.

In addition to the usual stress and anxiety, caregivers experiencing burnout may experience extreme emotions, including depression, anger, and resentment.

As a caregiver, taking care of your mental health and overall wellbeing are important, especially during these unprecedented times.

Keep reading for some easy, realistic ways you can take care of yourself now and throughout your caregiving journey:

Reduce the Risk of Getting Coronavirus

Covid-19, like any serious illness, can add a lot of stress and worry to a caregiving situation. To help keep you and your loved ones safe, use the following CDC-recommended protocol:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Wear a mask that securely covers your nose and mouth
Stay at least 6 feet away from others and avoid crowds
Monitor your health daily – watch for fever, cough, and other common symptoms
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home often

Take Care of Yourself

You know that old saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy?”

The same is true of caregiving. If you’re not happy, healthy, and well, the person you care for will also suffer.

There are several simple, convenient things you can do to help keep yourself well throughout the year. These are our suggestions:

Maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to fall into an unhealthy routine. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating well, getting regular exercise, and keeping a normal sleep schedule can help boost your physical and mental well-being.
Limit stress. Put the kibosh on stress by limiting your time on social media, avoiding upsetting news stories, and limiting contact with negative people. Instead, try spending time outdoors, connecting with loved ones, or taking up a new hobby like meditation or yoga.
Improve sleep. As a caregiver, sleep is often the last priority. Unfortunately, lack of rest leaves you more vulnerable to both physical and mental health afflictions. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day and take measure to improve rest such as using a white noise machine or taking a melatonin supplement.
Take breaks. Taking a long break may be an impossibility during your day. Instead, try to take several mini breaks when you can to help relieve stress and improve focus. Some suggestions include a quick walk around the block, sitting down for a cup of tea or a snack, watch a few minutes of cute animal videos on YouTube, or call a friend for a quick conversation.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. While everyone’s lives are different, we’re all going through this pandemic together. Reach out to friends and family who are familiar with your situation when you’re feeling too stressed or consider joining a caregiver support group.

Watch for Signs of Burnout

Caregiver burnout can happen at any time, in any relationship, but the risk is heightened during times of increased stress like the current pandemic.

Be aware of sign and symptoms such as:

Overwhelming anxiety
Increased fatigue
Feelings of hopelessness
Difficulty completing everyday tasks

If you suspect that you may be suffering from caregiver burnout, consider making more time for yourself. Ask a friend or family member for help if possible, or contact ComForCare for more information about our respite services.

Tags: Caregivers, coronavirus, covid-19, elderly, wellness

Posted in: Caregivers

Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Being a family caregiver is stressful and demanding at any time. But now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, caregivers are navigating uncharted waters.

The already difficult role has taken on new dimensions, as they must consider things like strict hygiene measures and social isolation.

Now, more than ever, caregiver burnout is a real possibility.

If you find that your own health and well-being are impacted by being a caregiver during this difficult time, keep reading.

We’ll give some tips on caring for your loved ones during the pandemic – and some tips for caring for you, too.

Caring for an Older Loved One During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Caregiving is always a challenging role, but during the coronavirus outbreak, there is even more to consider. First and foremost: The health and wellbeing of you and your loved one. During this time, it is essential to take extra measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Here are a few tips from Sunrise Senior Living:

Wash hands frequently: One of the best ways to prevent sickness is to wash your hands in hot, soapy water throughout the day. This guidefrom the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines a 5-step process for proper handwashing.

Use hand sanitizer: While hot water and soap will always be the best option, hand sanitizer can help when you are out in public and don’t have access to a restroom. Choose one that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Don’t touch your face: Most people don’t realize how many times an hour they touch their face until they try not to do so. A quick rub of the eye or a scratch on the nose happens more often than you think. If you’ve been exposed to a virus and have it on your hands, touching your face can easily transfer the bug.

Take good care: A healthy diet combined with exercise and a good night’s sleep help keep your immune system strong. That’s vital for fighting off viruses of all kinds.

Limit public activity: Social distancing is another important step in protecting a senior family member from COVID-19 and other viruses. To the extent that you can, avoid going out in public while viruses are spreading. Utilize services like home delivered meals, drive-through pharmacies, and online shopping wherever possible.

Screen all visitors:Be vigilant about limiting who can visit your home or the home of your loved one during this time. People who are out in public may be carrying the virus and not showing any symptoms. By allowing others into your home, you are placing yourself and your loved one at risk.

Explore virtual physician visits: If a senior has a routine medical appointment scheduled, call the physician’s office. Many doctors are moving to virtual visitsuntil the pandemic is under control.

Taking Care of Yourself

Burnout is always a risk for someone in a caregiving role, but these days, it’s more likely to occur than ever before.

Duties related to COVID-19, like those listed above, add a lot onto the caregiver’s already-full plate. On top of any regular daily activities, it can be a lot to handle.

How do you know if you’re experiencing burnout? According to the Cleveland Clinic, caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. People experiencing burnout may feel cynical, impatient, fatigued, or disillusioned.

And unfortunately, it’s not just the caregiver that suffers. Those experiencing burnout may have a difficult time engaging with others and, as a result, unintentionally neglect their duties.

There are a lot of things you can do to help prevent burnout from occurring, from meditation to regular exercise, but taking a break is hands-down one of the best things you can do.

That’s where respite care comes in.

What is Respite Care?

ComForCare and other similar companies offer a service called respite care. Respite care, in a nutshell, is a way for family caregivers to have a little time to themselves.

Respite care is offered in a variety of ways: You can take a break for a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks. By taking a break, you will become less stressed, better rested, and better able to perform your caregiving duties.

It’s important to preserve your own well-being in order to be at your best when caring for your loved one. Reach out today to find out how ComForCare can help: (908) 927-0500.

Tags: Caregivers, coronavirus, covid-19, family, Home Care

Posted in: Caregivers

Caring for the Caregiver in the Age of COVID-19

Self-care is always essential for caregivers, but even more so during periods of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the ongoing illness ravaging the country, family members and close friends continue to provide daily care to those in need. And while the everyday demands of caring for a loved one is already a fulltime job, it’s even more challenging when trying to cope with an infectious disease.

During this difficult time, caregivers should develop habits and strategies to maintain their own health and well-being. This helps avoid the risk of caregiver burnout as well as reducing the likelihood of transmission.

Here are some tips for conscientious caregiving in the age of COVID-19.

Reduce the Likelihood of Transmission

As a caregiver, your number one concern is likely for the health and safety of your loved one. To help keep both of you well, follow CDC guidelines for personal hygiene:

To help stop the spread of germs:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Throw used tissues in the trash
If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands
Wash hands frequently, especially
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching garbage

Stay informed

Keep up to date with the latest COVID-19-related news in your area – but don’t obsess over it. Constantly checking your social media feed or the local news can be mentally draining and increase stress. Choose a time each day to catch up on relevant information and don’t look at it otherwise.

Make time for self-care

Your loved one’s well-being relies on your ability to take care of yourself and stay well. To keep yourself healthy and fit:

Eat balanced meals on a regular schedule
Maintain a regular sleep routine
Fit in exercise whenever possible
Find opportunities to relax
- Take a walk around the block
- Go for a drive
- Try gardening
- Take small breaks and read
- Check out a new recipe
Try meditation
- Many apps, like Headspace, can help with relaxation and sleep

Stay connected

Physical distancing doesn’t have to mean social distancing. It IS possible – and recommended – to maintain your social connections despite not being able to see each other in person.

Reach out to friends and family for regular chats and wellness checks
Consider spending time together virtually – watch a movie together or play an online board game
If you live with loved ones, figure out ways you can have fun together, rather than just falling prey to the doldrums of isolation

Watch for signs of burnout

Caregiver burnout can happen in any situation, but it’s far more likely during periods of high stress. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as:

Feelings of hopelessness
Difficulty sleeping
Overwhelming anxiety or depression
Difficulty completing everyday tasks

Final thoughts

Though it may be difficult right now, make time for yourself whenever possible. Caregiving can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting – and if you are not well, you can’t care for another.

Stay healthy, stay safe, and reach out if you feel like you need some outside support.

Tags: Caregivers, coronavirus, covid-19, Health, older adult, senior care

Posted in: Caregivers