“I Made a Difference to That One”

Being a caregiver is a role that millions undertake out of love, dedication and necessity. Whether its an unpaid family caregiver or someone who has chosen a caregiving career, the role is critical to those who need help. Understanding some of the challenges caregivers face helps to appreciate their work. Emotional Weight - Caregivers often carry emotional burdens. They may experience feeling guilt, when they theyre not doing enough or when they take time for themselves. As a loved onesor a clientshealth fluctuates, the resulting emotional swings can cause stress and anxiety. Physical Toll - Physical demands of caregiving are often underestimated. Caregivers may do things like household tasks or keeping the care recipient comfortable. But if the care recipient has mobility issues, the caregiver may need to help them transfer from their bed to the toilet. Over time, these responsibilities can lead to physical strain and exhaustion. Financial Strain - Often caregivers provide care without pay, they will incur expenses related to the care of their loved ones - compounded if the caregiver has to reduce hours or even quit their job to provide care. Social Isolation - The time and energy demand often limit the caregivers ability to maintain social relationships, making them feel lonely and disconnected. Juggling Act - Many caregivers must balance the needs of the person theyre caring for, needs of the family while juggling employment. Recognition and Support - Caregiving is often not seen as real work, caregivers may struggle to find adequate resources, support and respite care. Right at Home of Mesa, Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties is here to help! Our trained caregivers can help with a range of services, from meal preparation and light housekeeping to assistance with hygiene and mobility.  Editors Note: This article was submitted by David McKendry, President of Right at Home Grand Junction. He may be reached at 970-697-1331 or by email at David@gjhomecare.com. See ad on page

Caring for others is often driven by motivations of love and understanding. Its not uncommon for family caregivers to initially feel that their capacity for helping those they love is nearly limitless. From taking care of finances and managing medications to preparing meals and cleaning, theres certainly a sense of fulfillment that comes along with assisting a loved one. But many find themselves going through the motions of caring without taking time out to focus on their own needs often to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion. As a result, family caregivers may feel something theyve never experienced before: decreased empathy. This condition is known as compassion fatigue. In decades past, compassion fatigue was seen primarily in healthcare professionals but as the countrys aging population continues to grow, there are many family caregivers who are left feeling much the same way.  In addition to the lower threshold of empathy, family caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue may feel the following:          Exhaustion (physical and/or emotional)          Feelings of dread or guilt          Irritability, anxiety, or anger          Difficulty sleeping          Difficulty making decisions          Feeling disconnected          Trouble finding meaning in caregiving          Self-isolation The worst symptom of compassion fatigue is denial because it prohibits family caregivers from examining the feelings associated with their caregiving situation. And if ignored for an extended period of time, family caregivers may begin to feel resentment toward their loved one, ultimately leading to a communication breakdown and strained relationship. Below are a few steps that family caregivers can take to combat compassion fatigue and get back to feeling positive about caring for their loved ones.         Understand the common signs of compassion fatigue          Practice a self-care of balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent sleep.         Find time to spend with friends and maintain social connections.         Find a caregiver support program, community or online.          Document your thoughts and feelings in a journal.         Choose healthy activities during your downtime, a hobby, walking, meditating.         Engage a counselor or therapist. Learn more about respite care and senior care services by contacting a local Comfort Keepers office today.  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ora Lee, owner of Comfort Keepers of Grand Junction. For more information she may be reached at 970-241-8818 or at:  oralee@ckcolorado.com

Of the 32 counties we support in Colorado, 13 are located west of the Continental Divide and served by our phenomenal team in Grand Junction. Through mobile pantries and partnerships with more than 110 Hunger Relief Partners in this region, our team is able to meet the specific needs of these communities and bring food where it is needed most. Leveraging the power of community and through programs like Everyday Eats for Older Adults, Food for Kids, mobile pantries, and more, Food Bank of the Rockies provides food to 1 in 9 people facing hunger in Colorado, and 96% of funding from donations, grants, and federal allotments goes directly to our hunger-relief programs. Want to learn more about our programs? Need a referral to your local Hunger Relief Partner? Interested in volunteering or making a donation? We would love to hear from you!  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Food Bank of the Rockies. For more information or to contact, please call 970-464-1138 or 877-953-3937 (toll-free).