By Greg Pascucci
According to an AARP report, “Caregiving in the U.S.”, approximately 34.2 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the prior 12 months. November is Family Caregivers Month, designed to honor the dedicated and compassionate individuals who provide care for a disabled child, an aging spouse or a parent with a prolonged illness.
This month, especially, it is important for caregivers to be aware of the physical, mental and emotional toll caregiving can have if they neglect themselves. Elderly spouses serving as caregivers, for example, experience higher rates of influenza and pneumonia.
Here are a few tips for balancing being a dutiful caregiver and taking care of your own needs:
Take care of yourself
There is a quote that says, “You cannot pour from an empty cup”. It simply means that in order to be of help to others, we must first practice self-care. Remember to keep your doctor’s appointments and schedule annual screenings. Try to eat well and rest whenever possible. Put off for tomorrow what you cannot get done today. Be kind to yourself.
Ask for help
It’s okay to ask a family member to fill in whenever possible. It doesn’t make you selfish to ask someone to help out for a few hours so that you’re able to take a break; it makes you human. Often, caregivers believe seeking help is a sign of weaknesses. It’s not.
Seek out support groups
It’s always nice to know that you’re not alone. Find a support group specific to your situation. Local churches, hospitals and senior living communities may offer ongoing support groups for both those dealing with an illness and their caregiver. At The Carlisle in North Naples, the luxury retirement community offers a monthly Parkinson’s Support Group offering caretakers a wealth of information and support.
Set realistic goals
The Mayo Clinic suggests breaking large tasks into smaller steps that you can do one at a time. Prioritize, make lists and establish a daily routine. Sample caregiver action plans are available online to help you establish clear, attainable goals.
Entrust the care of your loved one to a professional
The team at reputable and well-established senior living communities understands the stress and emotional toll caregiving can create. They strive to help caregiving spouses flourish while easing day-to-day caregiver responsibilities.
The Carlisle Naples offers independent and assisted living lifestyle options and is especially suited for older adults serving in a caregiving role. Their spouses receive 24-hour access to a team of well-trained professionals and assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, medication assistance, etc.). And, without the day-to-day burdens of providing care, the couple now has more time to spend on what matters most: enjoying quality time together.
The Carlisle is also CARF-accredited, which is similar to a five-star rating in the hospitality industry. The community’s Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license, which is held in conjunction with the standard assisted living licensure, ensures staff is able to provide additional supportive and nursing services to residents who would otherwise need to transition to a skilled nursing facility.
“It’s important for caregivers to take care of themselves in order to avoid ‘caregiver burnout’ and sometimes it may become too difficult to provide the level of care needed at home,” said The Carlisle’s Executive Director Bill Diamond. “Many older adults often thrive upon moving to a senior living community. They may have been experiencing feelings of guilt that their spouse or family member isn’t leading a more active life but, with these mental roadblocks removed, they are better able to focus on their overall wellbeing and make positive strides.”
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner in the community’s gourmet-style restaurant. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
The Carlisle, a luxury, resort-style senior living community in North Naples, offers both Independent and Assisted Living lifestyles. Available on a monthly fee basis, the ECC-licensed and CARF-accredited community boasts a full range of services and amenities including 12-hour restaurant dining, housekeeping, transportation and activities. Located on Airport-Pulling Road, between Pine Ridge and Immokalee Roads, the award-winning community’s lush tropical environment is highlighted with meandering walking paths around three lakes and tranquility gardens. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call Director of Marketing Greg Pascucci at 239-221-0017
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.srgseniorliving.com