Home Care Florida enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

The health and over-all well being of a caretaker is just as important as the services they provide to seniors. Many caretakers lead a demanding life which can take a toll on health. It is essential for caretakers to take the necessary steps to make sure they remain healthy. Below is a list of tips that can be beneficial for caretakers and their health.

1. Daily vitamin supplements can make a huge difference. The vitamins can be very useful for those who are tired and listless.

2. Exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Even if it is just a short walk each day, exercise can be very beneficial in maintaining health.

3. Respite time is very important. Since many caregivers do experience stress and the feeling of being burnt out, respite time can provide for rest and relaxation. These are needed to remain healthy so you can continue to provide for a senior in need.

4. Flu shots can help caregivers stay healthy. Not only will this help avoid the flu, but it will also remove the chances of spreading the virus to a senior.

5. Do not make work your entire life. Being a caregiver is very demanding. It is important to have a well-balanced life. This includes having hobbies and spending quality time with family and friends.

6. Make sure to visit the doctor regularly. Routine check-ups can prevent illness and will help with over-all health maintenance.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.org

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464..

Family caregivers face a substantial amount of stress, the caregiver burden, from carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Not only are family caregivers responsible, or so it feels, for the livelihood of their senior care recipient, they might be overwhelmed by their many responsibilities. Between caring for their own family and children, working out of the home, managing a household, and looking after a senior, caregivers have a lot to deal with and little time to themselves.

To reduce the stress they feel as caregivers, those responsible for the care of a family member can use simple techniques to make their job easier, reduce the caregiver burden, and allow them to focus on their own well-being.

1)    Use assistive technologies that promote safety
2)    Ask for help from family
3)    Hire an in-home, non-medical caregiver
4)    Use services to help out with housekeeping (caregivers often do light-housekeeping, and agencies can assist with yard work and more strenuous chores)
5)    Attend caregiver support groups to talk to others in similar situations
6)    Enroll the senior in rehabilitation therapy to improve their mobility, and remember your own health
7)    Communicate with the care recipient and your family about your experiences
8)    Try to maintain the relationship that existed before caregiving when possible, both with your family and care recipient
9)    Take time out for yourself
10)    Don’t get yourself down if the care recipient’s condition seems to decline; you can help them, but can’t control it all!

Sources:
1.    Extension
2.   AARP

Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.

Q – I’ve been thinking of moving my elderly mother in to the house I share with my husband and children, is this a good idea and what can I expect?

A – There are many pros to having your elderly mother live with you from a care perspective, especially if she is struggling with independent living. But it will also be a challenging experience for both your mother and the rest of your family, who are not used to co-existing under the same roof.

Pros:
• Having your mother living under your roof will allow you to care for your elderly parent around the clock
• When living in the same home, you are available should a medical emergency or accident occur with your mother
• Your mother won’t have to worry about maintaining a home (cooking, cleaning); she can pitch in with tasks she’s capable of
• Not having to travel to provide care to your mother will be more convenient for you and your family

Cons:
• Roles in your household could change along with family dynamic
• Your mother may not adjust well to the functioning of your household, and may attempt to interfere with the raising of your children
• You might feel you need to look after your mother full-time when living under the same roof, so the caregiver structure may be more stressful
• There may be disputes over family finances if clear expectations aren’t set

Sources:
1. Associated Content
2. Women Today Magazine
3. US News.com

Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.

Most family caregivers don’t do what they do because they think it will be easy or fun; they provide care because of their love for a senior and concern over their health. Caregivers will have an easier time coping with the challenges, if they have an understanding of what to expect.

Physical Challenges

• Caregivers may be responsible for most or all of the light and heavy housework, which can become trying especially when combined with their own responsibilities at home

• Caregivers often need to help seniors with limited mobility, which can involve lifting and moving them. If  a caregiver is not physically strong they may injure themselves or the senior

Mental Challenges

The challenges referred to here, are those that a senior’s mental issues may present to a caregiver.
• Caregivers may have to learn new skills to manage medications

• Caregivers often need to take responsibility over a senior’s financing

• Caregivers also need to make adjustments to a home for safety, and plan activities appropriate for the senior

Financial Challenges

• Caregivers may have to take on some form of financial obligation to assist the senior, since often senior’s with health limitations have used a lot of their funds paying for medical costs

• Sometimes caregivers, like their senior, may use a great deal of their savings and financial resources to fund healthcare or other costs related to senior care

Emotional Challenges

• Caregivers may find it difficult to deal with the physical and mental changes that come with a health decline of their beloved family member

• Family caregivers can feel conflicting emotions ranging from affection, frustration, anger, sadness and guilt

• It can also be a big emotional challenge to try and convince a family member to take caregiving help; or deal with the emotions that come with having someone rely on you fully

Home Care Florida provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 904-794-9450.