Category Archives: Help

Caregiving Help for Stress Issues and Trauma Victims

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The world in which we live often seems overwhelmed with major life-threatening issues. It is not simply military personnel suffering from Post Traumatic Stress; we all are effected by natural disasters; random acts of violence; death and illness; loss of homes; changes in employment.

Family members and neighbors as well as hired caregivers will do well to be prepared to ease the pain and discomfort in those situations. We can do this best by learning what to expect and knowing simple suggestions to help others adjust to changing circumstances in their lives.

A great website to find free help and encouragement is http://www.ptsd.va.gov. Although this is a Veteran’s Administration website, it is designed with information for a variety of life situations.

The Public Section includes videos, definitions, and materials for printing–posters, brochures and handouts. Learn about the effects of disasters and how the media coverage can affect stress levels. Find practical helps to reduce the stress and what makes some people more resilient than others.

Click on the Professional Section and you will find materials based on the latest research and many more items including full-color brochures, and newsletters.

A third section on the current Home Page is Colorado Shooting. These types of tragedies have an influence on each of us; whether or not we live in the area or personally knew any of those involved in the incident. We need to know how to deal with our emotions and help those around us who have questions and fears.

I am so thankful for the many people who give their time to provide resources for us as we care for others. I pray this information will be helpful to you; I will look forward to hearing from you.

More great tips and practical solutions will be in my next newsletter. Have you signed up yet?
Hugs,

P.S. If you’ve enjoyed this blog, please sign up for my newsletter at the top right hand corner of this page.

Hired Caregiver Caring for Someone In the Home

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My experiences with hired caregivers have taught me a lot about individuals. There is a vast difference between a caregiver who is there for the paycheck or one who is there for the love of people-if you are hiring, choose the latter. Those who have a genuine love and concern for others will be careful to tend to the little things that make confinement more bearable. You evidently are one with a love for people because you are taking time to learn and grow.

Perhaps you have been a caregiver for years in a nursing home, hospital or other facility and now you will care for someone in their home. The atmosphere in a home is certainly much different and your needs will not be the same. One responsibility for you is to determine responsibilities of each occupant of the home as they pertain to you and your patient.

In a care facility, you are surrounded by others who are familiar with what you will be doing. The medical equipment and medical supplies you will need are readily available. The chairs and beds and other needed items are provided to make care easier for you and the patient. When you ask a question, usually someone is there to provide an answer or tell you where to find it.

Entering a private residence-whether friends, relatives, or strangers-presents a whole new set of challenges to deal with. Will others be in the home while you are there? What is their relationship to the patient? Can they advise you if a question comes up? Are you to answer the phone or the door?

Sign up today for my newsletter and a free “Eight Basic Tips for Caregivers” will be sent immediately. Soon you will receive the next edition of my newsletter with “Tips on Caring for Someone in a Private Residence”. Whether you are a caregiver or looking to hire one, I can help you make this transition easier and save much turmoil and stress.

Hugs,

Find Help and Take Care of the Caregiver

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This is such an exciting time for me; I am so anxious to share my heart with you. I have a deep appreciation for those who give of themselves to care for others. It is a big task, especially if the person you care for is living in your home. There is always a task to be done, personal care and medicines to give, meals to prepare, and a home to care for. There seems to be no time for personal care.

My mother was totally dependent on me her last few years. She rarely spoke and could not walk or care for herself. There were aides occasionally to help, but I felt she needed me to do those things for her. I did not think I was neglecting myself.

Now, trying to get me and my family back into a regular routine, I can see how far I slipped into the “who cares” mode. Too many hours and days just sitting by her side with no effort to exercise my muscles and too many indulgences while trying to keep her nourished have taken their toll.

Drawing from the expertise of many who have walked this path as well as from my own personal experiences, I hope to provide doable ways for you to get the rest and help you need for your journey. Check out my blog regularly. Let me hear from you about your concerns and needs.

Hugs,