Caregiver Tips

Tips for Family Caregivers

Are you a stressed caregiver of a family member or friend? Are your patients or clients in need of aid in their daily care provision? Here are some things to keep in mind while caring for your loved one:

1. Know your limits as a caregiver. Give yourself a break and take some time off once in a while to do things that you enjoy.

2. Confide in others. Talk to friends or other family members about your feelings. Don’t let your emotions get bottled up. Join a caregiver support group that can help you deal with the stresses of being a caregiver.

3. Know your rights as a caregiver and learn as much as you can about your relative or family member’s illness or condition. Communicate with doctors and other healthcare providers often. The more you know, the better care you’ll be able to provide for your loved one.

4. Recognize the signs of depression and seek help if and when you need it. Caregiving can be mentally, emotionally and physically taxing. It’s important to take care of yourself before trying to take care of someone else.

By Emily Mullin
July 21, 2011

Medicare recipients should be aware of Preventative Services that they may be entitled to, many of which could be life saving:

"Welcome to Medicare" visit (includes a referral for an ultrasound screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm for eligible beneficiaries)
Adult Immunization--Influenza Immunization, Pneumococcal Vaccination, Hepatitis B Vaccination
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Screening Mammography
Screening Pap Test and Pelvic Examination
Prostate Cancer Screening
Cardiovascular Disease Screening
Diabetes Screening
Glaucoma Screening
Bone Mass Measurement
Diabetes Self-Management, Supplies, and Services
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Smoking Cessation

Facts About Alzheimer's Disease

An estimated 5.4 million American's have Alzheimer's disease.
Another American develops Alzheimer's disease every 69 seconds.
In 2010, 14.9 million family and friends provided 17 billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimer's and other dementias.
The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer's to American society will total $183 billion in 2011.
Deaths from Alzheimer's increased 66 percent between 2000 and 2008, and Alzheimer's is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent, cure, or even slow its progression.
Taken from: Alzheimer's Association.

Safety Tip

Safety tip for seniors: Remove unsecured rugs because they are easy to trip over and pose a fall risk!