Living Well at Home

It’s no secret that caregiving is stressful. Here are two techniques that can help you change the way you react to stressful events.

Most caregivers have heard that taking care of themselves should be a top priority. After all, you can’t be much help to someone else if you are sick or too tired. But when you have to do so much for someone else, how can you find the time for yourself? Setting limits is often hard. But it is very important for you and for your loved one.

Taking a time-out when caring for a loved one can feel selfish. The truth is, you’re actually helping yourself and your loved one when you take a break. As you might expect, caregivers who use respite care services were happier and less stressed.

Facing the loss of mobility and privacy is a challenge. Your dad might be just fine when you offer a hand as he gets up from his easy chair or crossing a busy street. But it may be harder to ask for help using the toilet or bathtub. Medical equipment is useful if your parent needs help bathing, toileting, or with mobility. Here are some tips to consider.

The working caregiver looks like any other employee. She goes to work every day. She wants to focus on her job, but sometimes caregiving duties come up. She may have to call the doctor or check in with a home health aide. Despite her dedication, her productivity suffers. What can a caregiver do to avoid presenteeism?

Every marriage sees a division of labor. The problem, of course, isn’t who does which job. It’s who will take care of a task when the person who has done it is too old, too sick, or too frail to do it. Sometimes it’s easy enough to take over a task or to learn a new skill. But if you’re faced with a job that’s beyond you physically or that requires a steep learning curve, here are some options to explore.

Loneliness can cause health problems, no matter how old one is. And people are more likely to feel lonely as they get older. Does your loved one have any of these risk factors?

Are your parents able to live on their own but still need help with finances or shopping? You may be overwhelmed by the additional work. These tips may make it easier for caregivers to help.

Does this sound familiar? Something happens—a milestone birthday, a crisis, or the calendar changes to a new year—and you resolve to get into shape, to save money or to be a better person. But time passes and life gets in the way. Next time you decide to do something, try using these three tips as you set your goals.

As we get older, we often eat less. Loss of appetite by disease or medical treatment can be a cause for concern. Here are some simple strategies for reducing your fears, and helping to increase your loved one’s appetite.