For more information about the author, click to view their website: ComForCare Home Care Northern Colorado
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is officially listed as the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. This equates to one in three older adults living with AD or another form of dementia, and these older adults require support, support which is often provided by family and friends.
For those caring for an older loved one, they are likely no stranger to the burnout often associated with this type of care. This can include, but may not be limited to:
The good news is, there is help available.
Often, family caregivers are so focused on caring for others that they forget to take care of themselves. On average, an individual with Alzheimer’s lives eight to 10 years after they are diagnosed. Some individuals live with the disease for as long as 20 years. That’s far too long for any caregiver to juggle so many responsibilities without assistance.
Reaching out for help from a home care agency or trusted friend, even just a couple of hours per week, before the stress affects your health and wellbeing.
What is respite and how can it alleviate burnout?
Respite care provides family caregivers a much-needed break from their daily caregiving responsibilities. Using respite services can support and strengthen a caregiver’s ability to continue taking care of their loved one in the home.
For advanced dementia, specially-trained caregivers can provide a much-needed break while ensuring that all care needs are being met with advanced dementia-care strategies.
Support groups may feel intimidating. However, caring for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia means learning new things every step of the way. Caregiving can be an isolating journey, but those who participate in support groups report feeling less alone, better prepared to deal with challenges, and more hopeful about the future.
They can also help minimize burnout.
Take slow, intentional breaths – rhythmic breathing is breathing in through your nose for five seconds (or as long as you can) and breathing out of your mouth for five seconds. The idea is the amount of seconds you breathe in is the same as what you breathe out. This breathing exercise can help you relax in even the most stressful moments.
Write out a daily/weekly plan – both your loved one with dementia will benefit and so will you. As you get into a rhythm, write out daily/weekly routines to help you feel more structured and accomplished during the day. Be mindful of balancing task-oriented activities with carving out your own time too!
Step away from a stressful situation – sometimes we just need to take five. If the situation is too much and your loved one is safe, you may benefit from simply walking outside or in a bedroom and taking five minutes to regroup.
Walk it out - for most, this is the hardest part to consider but you MUST! Both your well-being and your loved ones depend on it. Go for a walk or find time to meet up with a friend.
In the realm of senior therapy, the integration of music and arts stands out as a transformative approach to holistic well-being. Recent studies highlight the profound cognitive benefits that music can offer to seniors, from stimulating memory recall to enhancing overall cognitive function. Whether through familiar melodies that evoke cherished memories or the joy of learning a new instrument, music becomes a powerful tool for self-expression and connection, particularly for seniors facing cognitive decline. Simultaneously, engaging in visual and performing arts provides an avenue for creative expression, offering a sense of accomplishment and purpose. The emotional impact of these creative endeavors is equally significant, alleviating feelings of loneliness and fostering a sense of community through shared experiences in choir singing or art classes.In essence, the incorporation of music and arts into senior therapy transcends mere entertainment, becoming a vital aspect of promoting the overall well-being of older individuals. By tapping into the creative spirit, seniors can find avenues for cognitive stimulation, emotional connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. As society recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to senior care, the role of music and arts in therapeutic practices emerges as a valuable and enriching endeavor for the aging population, contributing to a fulfilling and vibrant later life.
As we journey through life, many people find themselves facing one of the most pressing concerns: ensuring that they provide care and support to their loved ones, particularly their aging parents, as they transition into their senior years. Long-term senior care frequently raises questions and concerns, with one of the most common worries being, What if my parents run out of money?The cost of senior care services can indeed be a significant burden on families. Many are apprehensive about the affordability of these services and the potential financial strain they might impose. This is where a comprehensive continuum of care approach, like the one offered by Grace Pointe of Greeley, can make all the difference.Tailored Care for Your Unique NeedsOur team of experienced care professionals adopts a personalized approach to assess the specific care needs of each resident. We commit to ensuring that you dont pay for services that you or your loved one dont need. This ensures that you wont bear unnecessary costs, and your loved ones will receive the appropriate level of care to enhance their quality of life.If the affordability of long-term senior care concerns you, Grace Pointes approach is here to help. We dedicate ourselves to providing the right care at the right cost, supporting both your financial peace of mind and your loved ones well-being.To learn more about our long-term senior care services and our continuum of care approach, visit our Grace Pointe of Greeleys Long-Term Senior Care Services page.Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Term Senior CareAt Grace Pointe, we understand the financial concerns that come with long-term senior care, and were here to put your mind at ease. Our continuum of care services is designed to ensure affordability while providing your loved ones with the precise level of care they need. We understand that every individual is unique, and their care requirements can vary greatly which is why we have compiled this list of FAQs about long term senior care services below.What is long-term senior care, and when is it needed?Long-term senior care is a comprehensive service designed to provide assistance and support for seniors who may require help with daily activities due to age-related challenges or medical conditions. It becomes necessary when individuals find it increasingly difficult to maintain their independence and well-being.How do I know which type of long-term senior care is suitable for my loved one?Our experienced care professionals at Grace Pointe will assess your loved ones individual needs and recommend the most appropriate level of care. We believe in personalized care plans to ensure your loved one receives the best possible care.What is the cost of long-term senior care at Grace Pointe, and how can I afford it?The cost of long-term senior care varies depending on the level of care and services required. Grace Pointe offers a continuum of care approach, ensuring you only pay for the care your loved one needs. We will work with you to explore financing options, including community resources for Medicaid and Veterans benefits, to make care more affordable.Can I visit my loved one in long-term senior care at Grace Pointe of Greeley?Yes, we encourage family visits and understand the importance of staying connected. We also encourage you to enjoy activities and events to see the life of Grace Pointe experienced by your family members. There are some guidelines for visiting after hours to ensure the safety and comfort of the Grace Pointe residents, which can be discussed with our staff.How can I learn more about Grace Pointes long-term senior care options?You can explore more details about our long-term senior care services on our Long-Term Care Services page. Feel free to contact our team for specific information and to request a tour.How can Grace Pointe of Greeley help ensure that I dont pay for services my loved one doesnt need in the long term?At Grace Pointe, we understand the importance of affordability in long-term senior care. We offer a continuum of care approach, which means we tailor care plans to your loved ones specific needs. By doing so, we ensure that you only pay for the necessary services, maximizing affordability while maintaining high-quality care. Can I modify my loved ones care plan if their needs change over time?Yes, we understand that care needs can change. At Grace Pointe, we regularly review care plans and adjust them to accommodate changing requirements to ensure your loved one receives the best care.For answers to common questions about long-term senior care and all our services, visit our FAQ page.Dont let financial concerns hold you back from providing the best care for your aging parents. Grace Pointe of Greeley is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to our care team with any other questions you may have about your familys care.
The aftermath of a stroke can be devastating and present many challenges that require specialized personal care and dedicated attention for senior patients. If a stroke has significantly impaired your loved ones physical ability and emotional well-being, you may be worried and frightened about the road ahead.Professional stroke home care can be a beacon of hope.Visiting Angels experienced caregivers will help your senior safely age in place after a stroke in the comfort of home. Your loved one will receive a non-medical customized home care plan to assist them with their daily routines and activities. Visiting Angels care providers will then foster ongoing companionship and one-to-one support on your seniors road to recovery.Professional Help at Home After a StrokeEvery year, nearly 800,000 U.S. adults experience a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many endure reduced mobility that affects their safety and independence at home.Like many primary caregivers tending to a stroke survivor, you may doubt whether you can provide the best care especially while balancing work, personal, and family obligations.With the help of Visiting Angels, you dont have to provide home care alone.Visiting Angels understands the impact of stroke and can deliver personalized care that addresses your loved ones limitations. Here are some common stroke after-affects your senior may be experiencing and how Visiting Angels can help:Cognitive difficultiesVisiting Angels can implement exercises, games, and routines to enhance your seniors memory, problem-solving, communication, and cognitive skills. Caregivers will provide emotional support and encouragement, creating a conducive environment that promotes cognitive rehabilitation and overall well-being.Difficulty swallowingIf your senior has swallowing problems, Visiting Angels will assist in preparing tailored meals and ensuring safe consumption. Caregivers will provide reminders about taking medications, performing therapeutic exercises, and attending appointments. Caregivers can also monitor your senior for signs of choking or increased difficulty swallowing.Mood changesVisiting Angels provides camaraderie and companion care that can help your older adult cope with feelings of frustration, sadness, depression, and isolation that may arise during their recovery.Reduced mobilityVisiting Angels will be by your loved ones side to reduce the risk of falls, assist with transfers, and help your older adult navigate the stairs, bathroom, and other high-fall-risk areas of the home.Speech and communication challengesVisiting Angels will get to know your loved one and understand their preferences, needs, and cues even if they have a limited ability to speak or understand. Caregivers will also remind them to perform therapeutic speech exercises, if needed.Vision concernsVisiting Angels will make recommendations to improve household safety and quality of life for your senior with reduced vision such as adding light, marking areas that could cause accidents, adapting activities for low-vision needs, running errands, and providing transportation.Choose Visiting Angels for Home Care Stroke AssistanceIf your senior has a stroke, they are at a higher risk of having a second one. Survival chances and positive treatment outcomes increase when stroke symptoms are identified and treated early. An in-home professional caregiver from Visiting Angels by your loved ones side can monitor for stroke signs and request immediate life-saving emergency assistance.Visiting Angels also provides a Ready, Set, Go Home program that helps seniors successfully transition to home following a hospitalization, including after a stroke. The program includes home visits to identify and reduce the risk of preventable events or mishaps that could cause a return to the hospital or emergency room. Visiting Angels caregivers can also visit your senior in the hospital or rehab facility and have a plan in place before discharge to ensure you have peace of mind.Surviving a stroke doesnt mean your loved one has to give up their independence or move away from the home they love. Learn how Visiting Angels can help your senior age in place after a stroke through a free home care consultation.
ComForCare is family-based. Laura and Chris the owners have both been caregivers for 30 years. Laura started as a caregiver when she was 16 and now has a masters degree in nursing. Chris was a career firefighter for 25 years. Through in-home care services, ComForCare Fort Collins helps older adults to stay in their own homes and continue to do all the things they love. Whether care is needed for a few hours a week or 24/7, our professional caregivers are available to provide the services you need.
ComForCare is family-based. Laura and Chris the owners have both been caregivers for 30 years. Laura started as a caregiver when she was 16 and now has a masters degree in nursing. Chris was a career firefighter for 25 years. Through in-home care services, ComForCare Fort Collins helps older adults to stay in their own homes and continue to do all the things they love. Whether care is needed for a few hours a week or 24/7, our professional caregivers are available to provide the services you need.