Mutually Beneficial: The Value of Respite Care

Knowing Your Limits

The Value of Respite Care: Caring for an aging loved one can be a rewarding experience. In many cases, it provides the opportunity to give back to someone who may have played an important part in your life, allowing for a genuine reconnection. Caring for a parent, in particular, can be especially valuable, as there is often a sense of things coming “full circle.”

Fast Facts

According to the 2012 GSS, at some point in their lives, 46% of Canadians had provided some type of care to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition, disability or aging needs.

However, even in the most ideal situations, caregiving can ultimately become a demanding job – one that’s taxing on the mind, body, and spirit. And for those who work a full-time job and have a family to take care of, assisting a loved one can add a great deal of stress. Many discover that, while initially rewarding, family caregiving can yield negative results in the long run. In fact, a recent study, conducted by the Stanford Center for Longevity and the Stanford University of Psychology Department, found that family caregivers are more likely to experience depression when caring for a severely ill loved one.

Related Article: Malnutrition in Seniors

It seems only natural that family caregivers would desire a break, but we often push ourselves past reasonable limits, with the mentality of “I can do it all” and that anything less would be seen as a sign of weakness. In reality, asking for help is anything but selfish – and finding temporary relief, or respite care, can greatly benefit both parties.

Respite care can allow family caregivers to:

• Look at the caregiving situation from a different perspective
• Catch up with family and friends or even meet new people
• Focus on personal health and wellbeing
• Remain involved in hobbies or pastimes
• Find time for relaxation and personal comfort
• Run errands or take care of finances
• Return to the loved one with a renewed sense of purpose

Respite care allows seniors to still receive the appropriate level of care, even in the absence of a family caregiver. Additionally, seniors may feel as if they’re a burden on their loved ones, so having a care professional substitute can help reduce feelings of guilt.

Next steps in the value of respite care

There is no set protocol for getting respite care for an aging loved one, as it will always depend on the situation itself and the individuals involved. There are, however, certain things to consider, the first and most important of which is communication with your loved one. He or she should be apprised of not only the desire to find respite care, but also how much time will be needed, where you will be, and why you’re doing it in the first place. The discussion should ultimately reference the benefits listed above, and focus on the long-term goal of strengthening the relationship.

Cost is certainly a factor, and knowing the exact needs of your loved will dictate the level of expertise and skillset needed in his or her caregiver. Carefully assess what he or she requires on a daily basis, and communicate everything to the care providers you speak to. Organization is the other important factor. While relief from caregiving certainly will offer peace of mind, you’ll feel much better knowing who is watching your loved one and when. Similarly, you will want to keep family and friends updated so that they don’t needlessly worry about the loved one’s care situation and arrangements.

The Value of Respite Care

Caregiver support can come from other family members, friends, faith group volunteers, adult daycare centers, in-home care services, and residential facilities. While there are plenty of options to explore, it’s important to remember that what you choose should ultimately align with your loved one’s needs and your budget. No matter what, it will take careful planning and organization, but the benefits are invaluable – for both you and your loved one.

Bonus Article: Supporting Family Caregivers

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

Trusting your loved one with someone else is not any easy decision, but with Comfort Keepers^®, you can trust that he or she will be in capable hands. Our compassionate, professional caregivers – who we call Comfort Keepers^® – will stay with your loved one while you take care of yourself, for as much, or as little, time as you need. To learn more about our style of respite care and other in-home services, contact your local Comfort Keepers Orangeville office today.

References:

AARP. “Develop a Respite Plan.” Web. 2017.

AARP. “What is Respite Care? A Break for the Caregiver.” Web. 2017.

Alzheimer’s Association. “Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center: Respite Care.” Web. 2017

Stanford Center on Longevity. “Age and Emotional Well-Being: The Varied Emotional Experience of Family Caregivers” by Sarah Raposo, Jessica Barnes, Tamara Sims, Amy Yotopoulos, Lara Carstensen, Mary Bowman, Jacquelyn Kung. Web. 2017.

Statistics Canada. “Portrait of caregivers, 2012.”  Web. 2017.

Herbal Gardening and Its Benefits

Herbal Gardening and Its Benefits – You don’t need a green thumb or a huge plot of land to reap the benefits of growing fresh herbs. Not only are herbs versatile and capable of lending great flavor to foods, and as natural remedies that benefit personal health and beauty, but the specific act of growing an herbal garden itself helps in many ways, especially for seniors.

Planting an herb garden is a wonderful way to enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of a wide variety of plants. Fresh herbs are often easy to cultivate and can grow in a small garden in the back yard, in pots on an outdoor patio or sunroom, or even in a window box inside a kitchen. Gardening is a terrific hobby and allows your senior loved one an opportunity to show his or her creativity. It is a great activity that can be shared with others like grandchildren, with friends in a club as a social activity, or even alone. Not only is gardening relaxing but it also improves hand-eye coordination, motor skills and self-esteem.

Benefits of Herbal Gardening

Herbs have many values but a few of the most common uses include aromatherapy, medicinal, as seasonings and flavorings in foods and beverages, and in salads. Many herbs are chockfull of cancer-fighting antioxidants, valuable nutrients, fat-free flavor, and more. Before beginning any herbal treatment, caregivers should check with their senior’s doctor to make certain that it does not interfere with medications that he or she may already be taking.

The Herbal Benefits:

Aromatherapy

The word Aromatherapy is derived from ‘aroma’ meaning fragrance or smell, and ‘therapy’ meaning treatment. This ancient herbal art can enhance health in many ways. It is a stress reliever and mood enhancer and can be successful in treating minor disorders. Some examples are to stimulate the immune system and strengthen your body’s ability to resist disease and infections, to alleviate digestive problems like constipation and abdominal spasms, to enhance the respiratory system to treat coughs, sinusitis and tonsillitis, to ease muscular pain by promoting relaxation and toning, improving circulation and lowering blood pressure, combating stress-related disorders like insomnia and tension headaches, and even in treating anxiety, depression, and grief. Think of growing and using relaxing herbs such as chamomile, lavender or mint, rosemary, oregano, thyme, chive and sage for this purpose. The herbs can be dried and used in potpourri, simmered in pot on the stove to release their fragrance, hung upside down and used as natural air freshener, wrapped in a gauze bag and used in a bath or even dried and steeped to make herbal tea.

In the Medicine Cabinet

In the medicinal world, herbs have been used for centuries to help with a variety of ailments. (Again, it’s important to check with your senior’s doctor before using any herbs for medicinal purposes.) ‘Old fashioned remedies’ are for the most part herb based and have been used for generations to help with conditions from upset stomachs to anxiety and even strengthening the immune system. The first apothecaries (pharmacies) were stocked with botanical ingredients. Garlic is considered to be good for the heart and cholesterol conditions and has been shown in studies to possess anti-bacterial an anti-viral properties effective in boosting the immune system and fighting all types of infections. Lemon balm, lavender, and marjoram can calm nerves and reduce anxiety. And peppermint is soothing and settling to a ‘sour stomach.’ ‘The wise, old herbs,’ as sage and rosemary are known, have been shown in studies to enhance brain function and may help to ward away Alzheimer’s disease.

Related Article – Summer Safety for Seniors

In the Kitchen

Seasonings are of course the most common uses of herbs found in any herb garden. Herbs add a lot of flavor to recipes besides providing various health benefits. No herb garden would be complete without basil, oregano, sage, thyme, chives or mint to season up dinner each and every night. Consider planting some lemon basil, lemon thyme, Thai thyme or another variation of any number of great herbs that offer different flavors. Use the herbs in cooking. You can add delicious, healthy herbs to marinades, sauces and soups. Herbal vinegars are not only decorative but mineral-rich as well.

Salads can be made with many herbs and are a special treat during the spring and summer months. Consider a borage with some mesclun lettuces topped with some chives, dill, oregano and basil. It doesn’t have to stop there, many herbs lend themselves to being eaten in their raw form and add great flavor to any salad.

When looking for a healthy remedy to help your senior stay engaged, active and healthy, a small herb garden can be just what the doctor ordered in more ways than one!

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

Comfort Keepers can help. Our caregivers can provide wellness support, remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. As part of an individualized care plan, caregivers can let a senior’s care team know if there are changes in behavior or physical characteristics. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your the Comfort Keepers Orangeville location today.

Bonus Article: What to Expect with Home Care

References

‘Health Benefits of Gardening’, by the editors of PureHealthMD, www.DiscoveryFit&Health.com

‘Health Benefits of Planting an Herb Garden’, By Marc Courtiol, Natural Health Journals, www.NaturalHealthJournals.com

‘Therapeutic Benefit of Aromatherapy’ by Angi Kocsi, www.spasincanada.ca

“To grow old and healthy eat those old brain-favouring herbs’, by Angi Kocsi, www.spasincanada.ca

“Aromatherapy – a World of Fragrance’, by Angi Kocsi, www.spasincanada.ca

“The Multitude of Benefits from an Herb Garden’, by Linda L. Kinyon, Yahoo! Contributor Network, May 28, 2012, www.Yahoo!.com

A Closer Look at Strokes

A Closer Look at Strokes – Stroke is the third largest killer of Canadian adults, after heart disease and cancer. It’s also the primary cause of physical disabilities and is second only to Alzheimer’s disease as a cause of mental disability. While people at any age can be susceptible to suffering from a stroke, nearly three quarters of strokes occur in people over the age 65.

Women are disproportionately affected by stroke:

45% more women die of stroke than men in Canada, and because they live longer, more women are living with the effects of stroke.

Risk factors for a stroke include high blood pressure, genetics, gender, tobacco use, heart disease, diabetes, weight, age and the use of some medications.

There are three main types of stroke that can occur:

1. Ischemic stroke – Most strokes fall into this category. In an ischemic stroke, arteries narrow or are blocked, reducing blood flow to the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke – During a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel leaks or bursts, causing damage.
3. Transient ischemic attack – Sometimes referred to as “mini-strokes,” this is a condition that is also caused by a narrowing of the arteries, but only causes temporary symptoms.

It’s important to note that medical attention after a stroke is critical, and time is of the essence. Anyone suffering from the symptoms of a stroke should not wait for the effects to go away or get worse. They should call 9-1-1 or visit their physician as soon as possible. Quick treatment can minimize damage and potentially save someone’s life.

Stroke Symptoms can include:

• Trouble speaking
• Confusion or trouble understanding
• Paralysis of the face, arms or legs
• Trouble seeing
• Headache
• Trouble walking
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Neck stiffness
• Dizziness

An interesting read: Top 10 Foods for a Healthy Heart

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

Whether the goal is healthy living to prevent strokes, or recovery after, Comfort Keepers can help. Our caregivers can provide wellness support, remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. As part of an individualized care plan, caregivers can let a senior’s care team know if there are changes in behavior or physical characteristics. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your the Comfort Keepers Orangeville location today.

Bonus Article – The Comfort Keepers Difference

References

WebMD. “Top Causes of Stroke.” Web. 2017.

Mayo Clinic. “Stoke” Web.2019.

Healthline. “Massive Stroke” Web. 2018.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Stroke.” Web.

Canada.com.  “Stroke”. Web 2018.

Heart and Stroke Foundation.  “Stroke Report 2019.”  Web. 2019.