Bringing Food Where Needed Most - Food Bank of the Rockies

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

The most debilitative and indicative symptom of Alzheimer's disease is the gradual loss of words and understanding that are crucial to even the most basic communication that most of us take for granted. Alzheimer's patients realize there is a problem, even though they may not have the capacity to understand what is happening. This can cause instances of confusion, fright and frustration for the person with Alzheimer's disease as well as for loved ones and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's.In an effort to help those dealing with seniors with Alzheimer's, the Alzheimer's Association suggests the following tips to achieve better communication in spite of the disease.First, it is important to learn to recognize the changes in communication and behavior in those with Alzheimer's. Second, caregivers and family members need to learn how to assist in communication and to identify and adapt their own communication styles to those of the individual Alzheimer's sufferer.It is important to not only be patient but also supportive when trying to communicate. Take the time to listen with no interruptions or criticisms. Offer encouragement and reassurance that he or she can take the time needed to try to form thoughts into proper words and try to resist correcting misused words. Many times, there is meaning behind those words and if you take the time, you may discover the intended meaning. Focus on the emotion that may lie within the words. Nuances in voice tone, as well as hand gestures and facial expressions, can all be critical in fully understanding the senior.At times you may become angry or frustrated, yourself, but understand that criticizing or arguing only serves to increase levels of discomfort and agitation for those with Alzheimer's. Instead, practice patience and offer occasional suggestions for words they are trying to speak. When appropriate, retreat to a quiet place to communicate. Noise and crowds may intimidate the Alzheimer's patient, resulting in increased frustration and anxiety as well as decreased verbalization. Sometimes, all the person needs is a bit of quiet to organize their thoughts and correctly verbalize them.If the sufferer is in the late stages of Alzheimer's there are other measures, you can take to improve communication efforts. Let the person know who you are to create a sense of familiarity. Use simple words and sentences and speak slowly in a lowered tone of voice. Be prepared to repeat your questions or information you are imparting, and also be prepared for those with Alzheimer's to repeat themselves. Be respectful, calm and caring in your actions and tone of voice. Using signals or written words to communicate or as reminders can be extremely helpful.Above all, try to remain positive even in the face of this difficult condition. Alzheimer's disease is extremely trying for the patient and the caregiver, family members and friends who are dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Remember, the challenges are neither your fault nor theirs. Patience, understanding and compassion on your part can mean the difference between failure and success in effective communication. Contact Comfort Keepers today for more information, 970-241-8818. References Alzheimer's Association. Communication and Alzheimer's. Retrieved on November 8, 2010, from alz.org/care/dementia-communication-tips.asp.