Archive for the ‘Caregiver Stress’ Category

I spend a lot of money on management books each year trying to improve my leadership style but just the other day I realized that I had forgotten one of the basics.  Tell someone what a great job they did!

My week started out very hectic as usual.  Between the kids, my mother, her caregivers, and the business I really needed a Calgon moment and I got it from an email sent to me that included a testimonial from a client of mine.  It was wonderful to receive the pat on the back and the acknowledgment of all the hard work I put into my company.  That simple note made me realize that we all should give more kudos and if we do it will make us feel better which will in turn lower our stress level.

I emailed a kudos yesterday for the great service I received while ordering a pizza from CraigO’s.   I noticed that CraigO’s has gluten free pizza so I called to order for both myself and my kids who can eat anything.  The young girl who took my order was cheerful, patient and knowledgeable about her product.  You don’t find that everyday in the food service arena so I dropped a quick email to her boss about how impressed I was with her service.  They sent a note back thanking me but what I noticed was the fact that my email was forwarded on to her boss and the owner.  The whole process only took a minute, made me feel good, and hopefully put a smile on that young woman’s face. Who knows maybe that simple acknowledgment brought her to the attention of the higher ups which in turn will lead to her one day being the CEO.  A simple pat on the back can do wonders.

Which brings me to my point about caregivers.  Don’t forget to acknowledge all the hard work they do. The stress can be overwhelming but well worth it if someone says “Good Job” and Thank You for all you do.  Caregivers put up with a lot from their clients/family members/loved ones and it’s even worse for those caring for someone with dementia.  Those folks become isolated and forgotten all to often so take a moment to send a card or flowers to brighten up their day.  As an added bonus it will make you feel great too!

At Grace and Laughter I have decided to invite guests to blog for us.  I have met many wonderful people in my career and want to pass on their information/wisdom/opinions to my readers.  My first guest blogger is Sue Ronnenkamp of AgeFullLiving.com.  I think you’ll enjoy her blog!

An Easier Approach to Change

At the beginning of each month, my calendar prompter reminds me that it’s time to update my Change Journal.   This is a ritual I started in June 2008 after spending a lot of time reading about making changes – including great information I found on Ariane de Bonvoisin’s web site called First 30 Days.   I thought – why not take change just 30 days at a time?   Would this work better than strategies I’d tried in the past?

The answer to this last question is a resounding YES!   It’s now been over a year and a half since I started my Change Journal (a simple Composition Book I picked up for $1 at Walgreens).  At the beginning of each month, I list the changes I want to try or work on for that month (2-5 items is normal for me). When I reach the end of the month, I review my list and write briefly about the results – what worked and what didn’t.    And then I create a new list for the new month.   Some changes stay on my list for a few months until they are fully cemented in my life.  Some things get tabled and tried later.  Some changes get knocked off the list – “tried that, didn’t work, try something else.”   Bottom line, I never beat myself up over the things that don’t work.   I just focus on what DID work for me and move forward with keeping change active in my life.

What kind of changes have I made since I started this practice?  Here are some notable ones from my change list:

• Started doing crossword puzzles – something I had shied away from my whole life because my dad and sister are such crossword puzzle wizards.
• Did my first REAL push-ups at exercise class (something I’d always said I couldn’t do).
• Switched health clubs which led to trying aqua classes for the first time – exercise that gives my aging joints a break, is surprisingly effective and fun, and that has provided a nice change of pace in my weekly routine.
• Took baby steps toward being more energy conscious – starting with using cloth bags for groceries one month, turning off unneeded lights around the house another.
• Followed my dad’s advice and got back into the stock market and investing money again.
• FINALLY lost the extra unwanted pounds I had gained by trying a new diet that now allows me to eat more and weigh less.
• Cut down on salt and started using salt substitutes like Mrs. Dash at most meals.

As you can see, some of these changes are pretty minor.     But as I see it, EVERY POSITIVE CHANGE COUNTS – no matter how big or how small    I’ve also learned that once I find a change that feels right for me, then I need to work on making it STICK so it becomes a natural part of my life – even if it takes several months to accomplish this.   Changes that stick are how progress is made and how rewards can be reaped for your efforts.   And once a change is cemented in your life, then you can move on to the next thing and keep building on your change successes.

So, what do you think?   How does approaching change just 30 days at a time sound to you?   Is this something worth trying this year?    To learn more about this, go to www.first30days.com and give change a more reasonable try.   Who knows – it may just stick like it did for me.   Good luck!

Sue Ronnenkamp is the creator and founder of Age-Full Living, an aging education and consulting firm that focuses on the positive aspects, opportunities, and gifts of growing older.   Sue calls herself an “Age Changent” for Baby Boomers and beyond – her made- up and catchy version of the term “change agent” that encompasses both changing the way we think about aging AND embracing changing with our own aging.   For more information, visit Sue’s website at www.AgeFullLiving.com.

The one thing we always put off is dental care.  I put it off because I’m a chicken when it comes to sitting in that chair.  But caregivers put it on the bottom of their list because of the stress of it all.  What most people don’t realize though is that poor dental hygiene can lead to much bigger health problems including hardening of the arteries and premature loss of teeth.  Click here for more info

Combine all those issues with stress and you are a ticking time bomb.  That’s no help to anyone.  So get to the dentist at least twice a year and remember to brush and floss!

Many families struggle with caring for their parents while being separated by many miles. Some families have several siblings caring for a parent in the same town. Different scenarios same problem; coordinating their loved ones care and keeping everyone up to date on what’s going on.

A new site called http://www.carerunner.com is the perfect solution. Developed by a woman who cared for her family member with Alzheimer’s the site helps families stay coordinated.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Hi, I’m Samantha Young and I started Practical Care over 9 years ago. I got to Austin as fast as I could and have lived here for over 30 years but who’s counting. I root for the University of Texas football team and spend my days keeping my young boys out of trouble. For over 20 years I have been helping people with elder-care issues. From Nursing home administration to adult day care to home care I have seen it all. For the past 10 years I have been running my own company which helps older adults stay independent and at home with dignity. I love what I do! Especially sharing information that helps families breath easier and older adults live healthier happier lives.

Follow my blog, I promise I’ll always post interesting and relevant information. And please let me know how I am doing. If you have questions or need resources let me know. If I don’t know something I can always find someone who does.

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