Caregiving TLC - Informal Caregivers

CAREGIVING TLC

By Kie Copenhaver CSA, RHIA, SHSS, RCFE www.agingwellpartners.com

Mental health, a topic that has traditionally been shrouded in secrecy and shame, is the spotlight of this month, with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder being given its due on June 27th, national PTSD Awareness Day. And while having a specific date or month on the calendar designated for PTSD and Mental Health is great to bring about awareness, conversation, and action, everyday is mental health day when you are a caregiver.

Currently in the United States, 53 million or 21% of the US population are “informal caregivers” for a family member or loved one. Being an informal caregiver means you likely female (61% of that 53 million), unpaid, and probably a family member or close friend to the person requiring caring.

Informal caregivers are often spouses or significant others. And according to multiple data sources (AARP being the most recognized), 30-35% of informal/ primary caregivers will suffer some serious illness, injury, or death before the person they are caring for. This is an alarming statistic given the number of informal caregivers out there and even more reason to focus national attention on the mental health and wellbeing of our informal caregivers.

There are many resources available to informal caregivers – that is, if they can find the time to read, access or utilize said resources.

Here are a couple of things you can do right from the chair you may be sitting in while you read this article:

1. take a deep breath….pull that air into the bottom of your lungs and then exhale; repeat this three times

2. take your magazine outside and let the sun warm your face and body; stay outside for at least 3 minutes and gradually work up to 10-15 minutes, as your caregiving situation allows

3. listen to a favorite song or musical artist throughout the day – sing a bar or two if the mood strikes you If you know someone who is an informal caregiver, here are a couple of ways you can support them:

1. reach out via text or phone call and just say hi, see how they are doing

2. go “old school” and send them a card, postcard, or letter to brighten their day; maybe set up a schedule where the 1st of every month, you send a card

3. have a meal delivered to them – observing any dietary restrictions that may exist

Caregiving is part science, part artform and all heart. If you are a caregiver or the person requiring additional care with activities of daily living (ADLs), give yourself a little grace today. It’s not always an easy road to travel – many of the twists and turns are unexpected and a roadmap is often nowhere to be found. Just know there are people, communities, and resources around you ready and willing to help.

Aging Well Partners was founded on the premise that everyone deserves to age well; and aging well involves planning well. Whether it’s customized daily call service, a trusted and vetted electrician or plumber, or a referral to a geriatric physician who specializes in illness and ailments more commonly seen as we age, we can point you in the right direction.

FREE Consultation Call us to get started (619) 7879-1839 www.agingwellpartners.com