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Everyone could use a little more kindness in their life. Yet showing kindness is often done while being present and engaged with those around us. With the ongoing pandemic, older adults are more physically distant from loved ones and friends than ever before. In fact, according to the U.S. Administration on Aging, 14.7 million older adults live alone — often going days or even weeks without any social interaction.
With such isolation, it has never been more important to find new ways to demonstrate empathy and compassion for older adults in your community. By prioritizing acts of goodwill and displays of selflessness, we can help build a kinder and more compassionate world.
“A year into the pandemic, it’s often hard to see the positive in the world,” said Erin Albers, vice president of Social Purpose at Home Instead. “But there is hope, and social distancing doesn’t have to mean disconnecting. There are plenty of ways to impact the lives of our aging community from a safe distance.”
One of the easiest ways to let older adults know they are valued is by simply engaging with them, which can leave a lasting, positive impact. Research has shown that acts of kindness can improve the physical and mental health of a senior and strengthen the bond between the giver and the recipient.
Random Acts of Kindness Week (Feb. 14-20) is a great opportunity to make an older adult in your life feel seen, heard and loved. It all starts with adding a little bit of kindness to your everyday routine. Albers suggests a random act of kindness for each day of the week to connect with the older adults near you:
While these ideas are simple, they’ll leave a lasting impression. Even the smallest interactions can increase someone’s quality of life and positively impact their health. Helping those in need through random acts of kindness and care will matter more than ever in the days ahead.
Are you a family caregiver who is caring for a military veteran or service member? Do you worry that you dont have any experience in caregiving? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you need a break? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. According to PsychArmor, a nonprofit organization providing training on military cultural awareness to promote better communication with active and retired military personnel, the majority of military family caregivers are between the ages of 18 and 30 and have little to no experience with caregiving. They are also juggling starting a career and family, and possibly school while caring for a veteran. For many military caregivers, respite care may help lighten the load. Respite care is a temporary break for the family caregiver and the recipient. It involves another person caring for the veteran. Be sensitive to your loved ones feelingsWhile many military caregivers recognize that they would benefit from respite care, veterans are often resistant to having someone else look after them, and its important to understand why. According to PsychArmor:They could be embarrassed by their physical limitations or memory lapses that dont align with their military identity.Their career in the military involved serving others so being on the receiving end of service may be out of their comfort zone.The culture of leadership in the military instilled a sense of responsibility for and accountability to others that can make it difficult to accept care or ask for help.Share information about the benefitsDespite these reasons, its important that you communicate with your veteran or service member that respite care is necessary for your well-being and will be beneficial in sustaining your relationship outside of the caregiver and care recipient dynamic. Let them know that respite care has been proven to sustain the caregivers health and well-being, which should appeal to their desire to care for you.Consider your optionsOnce you can agree on respite care, consider your options. You can ask a friend, neighbor or someone from your faith community for help. That could involve someone coming to the house or taking the veteran to an activity or to run an errand. You can also consider a professional caregiving company like SYNERGY HomeCare. The cost of these services may be covered by VA benefits. You can also access the VAs Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 to speak with a nurse or social worker who can provide you emotional support as well as connect you with community resources.Respite is an important component of caregiving that can sustain both the caregiver and the veteran for the long terma win-win for all involved. Learn more about the many ways SYNERGY HomeCare supports veterans and their caregivers. 877-432-2692SYNERGY HomeCare is committed to providing exceptional in-home care for veterans and their families. The majority of our locations are contracted with the VA and because of this, we make it easy for veterans and their families to use their VA benefits to get the in-home support they deserve. For additional home care resources for veterans and their caregivers.
Who doesnt enjoy a good belly laugh? And not only does it feel good, studies show there are numerous psychological benefits to humor, jokes, and laughter, including reduced stress, stronger memory, and improved mental health. Read on to learn about some of those benefits as experienced by older adults who appreciate the joy of laughter.Increases Immunity:A stronger immune system is one result of laughing more, supporting improved overall well-being, better blood flow and increased oxygen intake. Greater immunity helps you fight off some of the common diseases and complaints were more vulnerable to as we age.Lowers Stress:Studies show that cortisol, the bodys stress hormone, is found in smaller amounts in people who laugh more often. Lowered stress levels also lead to lowered blood pressure and reduced muscle tension, resulting in fewer aches and pains and a better nights sleep.Reduces Blood Pressure:Laughing helps improve the function of your blood vessels and increases blood flow throughout the body, lowering your blood pressure. All of this can help protect us from experiencing a heart attack and other cardiovascular issues.Improve Memory:Cortisol can cause your short-term memory function to deteriorate, but because more laughter means the brain is exposed to less cortisol and stress, it has more of a chance to heal itself and make room for more memories.Promotes Physical Activity:Laughter uses virtually all the bodys physical systems, including the muscles and nerves. When the entire body is engaged, it raises your energy and makes it easier to engage with others and get up and move.Curbs Depression:Depression can affect seniors transitioning to a new phase of life, but laughter releases endorphins and can help decrease depressive symptoms. It can also help shift your focus from thoughts that lead to unpleasant feelings.As you walk the halls of Golden West, youre likely to hear laughter as residents chat with their neighbors, enjoy engaging activities and share time together in the dining room. Joy and laughter are a key part of the Golden West experience. To learn how, call (303) 444-3967.
Act FAST For a Stroke! Stroke is an emergency and a brain attack. Learn how to act FAST and call 911 at the first sign of stroke.Recognizing stroke symptoms can be easy if you remember to think FAST. Use FAST to remember the warning signs:F= Face Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?A= Arms Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?S= Speech Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?T= Time If you observe any of these signs, its time to call 911May is Stroke Awareness Month. The National Stroke Association has easy ways for you to learn more about stroke before it happens to you or someone else. If you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040.
If your family recognizes the value of aging in place as we do, you've come to the right place. Home Instead Care Professionals provide compassionate and reliable home care services to help keep seniors safe and independent wherever they call home. Services include light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, help with bathing, dressing, mobility, memory care and and many care needs in between. Home Instead offers a broad range of services that can be tailored to meet your family's unique needs and preferences. While the needs of each clients will differ, the goal remains the same: To enhance the lives of aging adults and their families.