Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Greg Pascucci
According to the “2020 Caregiving in the U.S.” report compiled by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 1 in 5 Americans are caregivers. Most are adult children caring for a parent or parent-in-law (50 percent) or a spouse or partner (12 percent).
Though caregiving can be an extremely rewarding experience, it may also be stressful and lead to caregiver burnout. This can have devastating long-term consequences for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. Recent studies have found feeling overwhelmed for extended periods can lead to depression, which is associated with heart disease and more debilitating outcomes.
“At The Carlisle Naples, a luxury retirement community, our team understands the stress and emotional toll caregiving can create. Our independent and assisted living campus offers a wealth of supportive services and amenities to help older adults flourish while easing day-to-day caregiver responsibilities,” said Executor Director Bill Diamond. “The assisted living program provides options for residents who may need additional services and still prefer to remain in a familiar, residential setting. Our extended congregate care (ECC) license also allows The Carlisle to provide additional supportive and nursing services to residents who would otherwise need to transition to a skilled nursing facility. They, along with their families, have peace of mind knowing supportive care services are available should their needs change.”
Research shows many older adults often thrive upon moving to a senior living community. Seniors receiving assistance from spouses and/or adult children may often experience feelings of guilt or fear they are preventing the caregiver from living a more active life. With these mental roadblocks removed, they can better focus on their overall well-being and make positive strides.
Here are a few tips for balancing being a dutiful caregiver and taking care of your own needs:
Take care of yourself
Remember to keep your doctors’ 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.
Seek out support groups
It’s always nice to know you’re not alone. Find a support group specific to your situation. Local churches, hospitals and senior living communities may offer ongoing support groups – in-person and online – for both those dealing with an illness and their caregiver.
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 develop 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 caregivers flourish while easing day-to-day responsibilities. The Carlisle Naples, for example, is especially well suited for older adults seeking a supportive retirement lifestyle with quality care, services and safeguards. The community features 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 stress of providing care, families now have more time to spend on what matters most: enjoying quality time together.
“Caregiving can be difficult for even the most patient, loving person,” added Diamond. “The Carlisle Naples provides a comprehensive menu of licensed assisted living care services that blends freedom and peace of mind into an affordable lifestyle. It’s a win-win for both residents and caregivers.”
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 delicious dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents with the assurance that the highest standards of quality care, services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.