Helping an Aging Relative?

Posted By Maryann Porosky On JULY 18,2017

Whether you help with balancing the checkbook or running errands now and then, or are deeply involved in day-to-day care, you are a family caregiver. You spend some portion of your day or week supporting an aging loved one. It takes time and focus in the midst of what is probably a very busy life.

At Caring Choices, we see that people who acknowledge the role and its impact have an easier time managing the multiple demands of their life. This is why we created a newsletter for family caregivers. Each month we present three articles to help you navigate the journey of elder care. Here is this month's lineup:

Family caregivers and negative thinking. Sometimes the negative overpowers the positive, when in fact there is a little of both in almost all situations. Family caregivers who #ruminate (focus primarily on the negative) are at greater risk for #depression. Learn tips for getting back in balance.
Beware rogue pharmacies. Prescriptions are not cheap. While online pharmacies hold the promise of lower prices, they also carry a large risk of counterfeit and substandard medicine. Learn the signs of a scam and how to check whether a pharmacy is legitimate.
Is your bathroom senior friendly? The bathroom is where 80% of falls occur. Although it's likely the smallest room in the house, it's one of the most hazardous. Fortunately, there are easy and inexpensive ways to make it significantly safer so you don't have to worry so much.

How is elder care weaving into your summer plans?
Many families look forward to some time off in the summer to take a break from their day-to-day worries and responsibilities. If you are helping an aging relative, time off is hard to come by. In fact, loss of leisure time is one of the primary losses family caregivers report. Still, everyone needs a break now and then to recharge their batteries.

As the north New Jersey experts in family caregiving, give us a call at 973-627-4087. We can help you implement a little caregiving life balance so you can come back refreshed and ready for the next steps in the journey.