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Tag: behavioral health care

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4 Self Care Tips For Caregivers

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Being a caregiver is not an easy task. Caring for someone else’s life and putting their needs before your own can be overwhelming, especially if you were suddenly thrust into the position of caregiver. This is why self care is so important for the caregivers themselves. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, it can become more difficult to take care of someone else. Here are 4 self care tips for caregivers.

Don’t Be Afraid To Say No

This is at the top of the list because it is one of the hardest to do. As a caregiver, you may find it comes naturally for you to say “yes” to everything asked of you. It’s in your nature to help others as much and as often as possible. However, sometimes you need to say no: and that can include turning down invites to fun things that you’d even like to attend! You might occasionally need a night of alone time just to recharge, and that’s fine.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

This is another one that can be daunting. Do you find yourself piling on responsibilities so you don’t inconvenience others? Perhaps you think you’d be a bother to ask others for help. However, this can quickly take a toll on you and cause burnout. Your friends and loved ones are there for you, and chances are they would be happy to help you. Even if it’s just something small, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Get Enough Rest

Easier said than done, right? However, getting proper rest is essential for your role as a caregiver. Having a routine sleep schedule can be a great help to staying properly rested. Avoiding naps during the day will also help you sleep easier at night so you can more easily develop a healthy sleep schedule.

Find A Therapist

In an ideal world, everyone would have a therapist. But caregivers especially need a professional they can talk to. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Finding a therapist doesn’t mean you have “failed” or that you are weak. Quite the opposite: it means you are strong enough to know your limits. Caregiving day in and day out means putting others before yourself. Having professional help makes this journey easier on you. Even if it’s just to have a licensed professional there to listen, it makes a big difference.

Peace Of Mind For Assisted Living

Do you have a loved one in need of assisted living? Courtyard Manor promises you the peace of mind you deserve. We guarantee safety and quality of life you can’t find anywhere else. Our goal is to see a smile on your loved one’s face, every day. Contact us today for a free assessment.

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Understanding Alzheimer’s Symptoms

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What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that mainly affects the memory of individuals over the age of 65. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles about every five years for those over the age of 65. The risk determining factors of Alzheimer’s are usually; age, gender, and genetic inheritance. Since Alzheimer’s does not have a cure, understanding Alzheimer’s symptoms is essential so you can catch it early on to assist your loved one. Here are the following symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease to be on the lookout for:

Understanding Alzheimer's Symptoms

Forgetting Common Tasks

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss that disrupts daily life. For example, your loved one may forget important dates, appointments, and events. Ultimately leading your loved one to rely on you or family members and memory aids to help remind them. Additionally, elderly individuals may easily forget tasks that they learned recently, even after being repeatedly taught.

Repetitive Behaviors

Another common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is when an elderly individual repetitively asks the same question or repeats the same task over and over. Alzheimer’s affects an individual’s short term memory, which causes them to forget tasks that they have already completed.  

Challenges with Problem Solving

Those developing Alzheimer’s may experience difficulties in following a simple plan or work with numbers. For instance, your loved one may make occasional errors when managing finances or household bills. 

A Decrease in Motor Skills

Along with memory issues, elderly individuals who are experiencing the early signs of Alzheimer’s will have difficulty with basic motor skills. These motor skills could be having trouble writing, buttoning shirts, or tying their shoes. Decreased motor skills can also impact one’s ability to walk at a reasonable pace, often resulting in them taking shorter steps.

Confusion with Time or Place

An individual with progressive Alzheimer’s disease may begin to forget what time it is or where they are and how they got there. When elderly individuals become confused over time and place, they begin to wander, which can be extremely dangerous in certain circumstances.

Poor Hygiene and Grooming

In addition to this, seniors with Alzheimer’s may show a decrease in their concern for their hygiene. This can include a lack of grooming behaviors like brushing their teeth, taking a shower, and how they dress.

Changes in Sleep

Another symptom to be aware of would be an increase in daytime naps and frequent insomnia. Alzheimer’s can affect a senior’s motivation and drive, leading to decreased activity during the daytime. While it is normal for elderly individuals to have some sleeping changes, a severe change like taking multiple naps during the day can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

Speech Problems

A prominent symptom of Alzheimer’s disease can be an individual’s decreased ability to speak and join in conversations. This symptom may lead to your loved one retreating with others socially because of this difficulty. 

Frequently Misplacing Items

A senior with Alzheimer’s may begin to misplace items more often, as they are unable to remember where they put their belongings and retrace their steps. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses. 

Changes in Mood and Personality

Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience extreme mood and personality changes on a day to day basis. These mood swings can include anxiety, fear, depression, and confusion. These personality changes can also cause a senior to withdraw themselves from social activities or conversations. 

Contact a Doctor or Health Professional

Overall, if you or a family member notice that your elderly loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, please make sure to contact their doctor. The natural aging process can explain many of these symptoms, but if the symptoms are severe, then it is best to take action. By understanding Alzheimer’s symptoms and with early detection, you and your loved one can explore treatments that may provide some relief for the following symptoms and help them maintain a level of independence longer. 

Emma Mastel - KARMA Jack Digital Marketing Agency