4 minute read
Caregiver Corner
CAREGIVER CORNER CAREGIVER RESOLUTIONS
for a Bright 2022
BY DEE DUREN, MANAGING EDITOR
When I was actively caregiving for my parents, I heard about the resources offered by LIFE Senior Services and other groups that serve older adults. Some of the ideas sounded wonderful – helpful and affordable. Some were even free. My sister and I picked up LIFE's Vintage Guide to Housing & Services, using it to plan visits to assisted living communities and discover organizations like LIFE, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Area Agency on Aging.
The problem was, most of the great ideas I heard about from these groups just seemed like too much work. Yes, I would think, adult day health would probably be great for my mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease. I thought there was a good chance she would enjoy it. It would have provided a break for my dad, who was her primary caregiver. Somehow, we just never made it happen.
Sound familiar?
Help is Available
If you can relate to knowing help is available, but still feeling that you’re the only one who can carry the load, welcome to the world of caregiving. Some of those feelings might stem from your loved one being more comfortable around you than a stranger. Maybe you’re so tired, it seems like too much work to arrange for services when there’s no guarantee they will be a good fit. Maybe you’ve just gone it alone for so long that you think that’s the way it has to be.
It does take time and effort to set up new services, find your way through the paperwork, and let go of the reins. Now that I work at LIFE Senior Services, however, I have learned how many good people there are in our community whose mission in life is assisting caregivers and older adults. I’ve seen the programs in action and know how much they can help.
ERIN POWELL
Behavioral Health Specialist at LIFE Senior Services
Caregiving Resolutions
Consider making one or more of the following New Year’s resolutions suggested by Erin Powell, behavioral health specialist with LIFE Senior Services. A licensed counselor, Powell worked for the Alzheimer’s Association and Laureate Psychiatric Hospital before joining the team at LIFE.
“Caregiving is one of the hardest things most people will do in their lives,” she said. “Utilizing resources out there is not just a help to the caregiver, but the person they are caring for. Taking care of yourself is critical to being able to continue in your role as a caregiver to someone else and is the opposite of being selfish!"
1. I will prioritize self-care this year.
Self-care may look different for a caregiver than it does for someone who has fewer responsibilities. Think of the person you want to be when your caregiving duties have ended, and keep a few activities in your life that support that vision. Prioritize the things that add to your quality of life – like maintaining your health. While you may not have an hour to spend at the gym, you can likely find 15 minutes twice a day for a brisk walk.
2. I will reach out for help and support when I feel overwhelmed.
Is there an understanding person you can call? Ask the person you call if they are willing to let you vent for a few minutes, then share what is going on. You may find a new perspective or something to smile about.
3. I will give myself a weekly or monthly caregiving break by using respite care, possibly through the
Area Agency on Aging.
Vouchers to hire respite care are available through the Area Agency on Aging. The vouchers pay for a home health aide or adult day health sitter to give you a few hours off.
Call the INCOG Area Agency on
Aging at (800) 336-2222 for more information.
4. I will educate myself through caregiving classes.
Find free classes offered through
Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative, the Alzheimer’s Association, Morton
Comprehensive Health, and LIFE Senior Services. Empower yourself by attending classes taught by aging services professionals. Check LIFE's Vintage Guide to Housing & Services available at area Reasor’s grocery stores, CVS stores, Whole Foods, libraries and online at LIFEseniorservices.org to see what’s available.
5. I will communicate with family and friends about what I’m going through so they better know how they can help me.
A caregiver may believe friends and family should know what to do to help out, but it’s not always obvious to another person. Ask for what you need. Perhaps they’d be willing to bring over a meal, help with laundry or mow your lawn.
6. I will prioritize my mental health this year – even if that means reaching out for professional support.
Listen to your self-talk, and witness the emotions you experience each day. Do your daily habits support the person you want to be? Counselors can help you move forward with solutions. If you’re experiencing a crisis, call the COPES 24-hour crisis line at (918) 744-4800.
7. I will get involved in a support group, so I won’t feel so alone on my journey.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Morton
Comprehensive Health Services, the Area Agency on Aging, and the Mental Health Association of
Oklahoma are just a few agencies offering support groups for caregivers.
