Seniors and Isolation: a growing health epidemic

The loss of a spouse is one of lifes most profound challenges. The person you shared your life with, relied on, and loved deeply is suddenly gone, leaving a void that can feel impossible to fill. Grief is a natural response to such a significant loss, but it can be overwhelming and isolating. However, with time, support, and the right coping strategies, its possible to find healing and rebuild your life.Understanding the Grieving ProcessGrief is a deeply personal experience that varies from person to person. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and the process often unfolds in stages, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. You may experience these stages in a different order or find yourself revisiting them multiple times. Its important to recognize that grief is not linear, and healing takes time.Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment. Whether youre feeling sadness, anger, guilt, or even relief, these emotions are a natural part of the grieving process. Suppressing your feelings can prolong your grief and make it harder to heal.Lean on Your Support SystemIsolation can intensify feelings of grief, so stay connected with family, friends, and community members who can offer comfort and companionship. Dont hesitate to share your feelings with those you trust; talking about your loss can be a powerful way to process your emotions. Support groups specifically for those who have lost a spouse can also be incredibly helpful.Take Care of Your Physical HealthGrief can affect physical health, leading to fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and weakened immune function. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, eat nutritious meals, and incorporate physical activity into your routine. Even gentle exercise like walking or yoga can boost your mood and help you feel more grounded. If youre struggling with your physical health, consider seeking support from a healthcare provider who can offer guidance and resources.Find Meaning and PurposeAfter the loss of a spouse, it can be difficult to find meaning in life. Many people find that activities honoring their loved ones memory can provide a sense of purpose and help heal. This might include volunteering, creating a memorial, or participating in causes that were important to your spouse. Exploring new hobbies or interests can also be helpful. Remember that its okay to experience happiness and pleasure, even as you grieve.Seek Professional Help if NeededFor some, the grief of losing a spouse can be particularly intense and may not subside with time. If youre struggling with prolonged depression, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your emotions, develop coping strategies, and healthily work through your grief.At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, we understand the unique challenges that come with aging and loss. If you or a loved one is seeking a supportive community during this time, contact us to learn how we can help provide comfort and companionship in a caring environment.

Storing, Securing, Saving Lives: Firearm Safety and Suicide PreventionFirearms are used in nearly 50% of all suicides in the United States.Many suicide attempts are made with little planning during a short-term crisis period, and evidence has shown that putting time and distance between a person feeling suicidal and a firearm can significantly impact the survival rate.Lethal means restriction (practicing safe firearm storage) is an evidence-based practice shown to reduce death by suicide. Even if someone attempts suicide in another manner, they have an increased chance of survival because other means are less lethal. By keeping secure firearm storage in mind, we can all help reduce the number of suicides involving firearms.No one takes their life for a single reason. We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health, and conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use problems especially when unaddressed increase the risk of suicide. That risk is greater when a firearm is present and accessible in the home.  American Foundation for Suicide PreventionWe can all prevent firearm deaths by following the universal rules of gun safety:- Treat all guns as if they are always loaded.- Always point the gun in a safe direction.- Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.- Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.- Be sure of your target and whats beyond.- Never use alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, or prescription drugs before or while shooting.- Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.- Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.- Seek proper instruction, such as a firearm safety class.- Be sure the gun is safe to operate.- Store your guns safely and securely when not in use.- Consider temporarily off-site storage if a family member may be suicidal.When an emotional crisis (like a break-up, job loss, or legal trouble) or a major change in someones behavior (like depression, violence, or heavy drinking) causes concern, storing guns outside the home for a while may save a life. Family, friends, as well as some shooting clubs, police departments, or gun shops may be able to store guns for you temporarily. *If you are worried about a friend or a family member:Trust your gut and dont wait for them to reach out. Let them know you care.Ask them directly about suicide and encourage them to seek help. Talking about suicidal thoughts and showing concern will not put someone at greater risk.Talk about gun safety and options for temporary off-site firearm storage.If you are going through a difficult time:North Range Behavioral Health is a provider of Colorado Crisis Services. This no-cost resource connects people with free, immediate, and confidential help all day, every day.Call: 844.493.TALK (8255)Text TALK to 38255Walk-in: 928 12th Street in GreeleyFind other Colorado walk-in centers at ColoradoCrisisServices.orgSafe storage of firearms can protect you and those you love. It's okay to give firearms and gun lock keys to trusted family members or friends when life gets tough.*To become fully informed about making a temporary gun transfer, review Colorado gun laws, including C.R.S 18-12-112, or consult an attorney.Resources:Gun Safety and Your Health: A Proactive Guide to Protect You and Those around You by the American College of SurgeonsFirearm Suicide Prevention & Lethal Means Safety for VeteransFirearms and Suicide Prevention American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

For women, eldercare should not mean sacrificing your careerMany women, especially those in mid-career, find themselves facing the difficult decision of whether to leave the workforce to care for aging parents. The demands of eldercare can pile up with little warning or predictability and quickly become overwhelming. The "easiest" solution for many women in this position may seem like stepping away from their professional lives altogether.However, leaving the workforce can have long-term, unseen consequencesfinancially, emotionally, and professionally. Before women make this decision, we want to bring to light to some of the costs of stepping away, as well as share options that are available to help women care for aging parents or loved ones without sacrificing their career.The elephant in the room - what about men?It's a systemic problem that the large majority of caregiving responsibilities fall on women. We believe fully this should not be the case - and will continue to advocate for a future where men and women are expected to share, and do share, these responsibilities more equally. That said, this article is going to focus on the impact of eldercare on women, and options available, because the data shows the women are the ones who are much more likely to pay the price of eldercare.Female caregivers are more likely than males to ask for a less demanding job, take unpaid leave, or give up work entirely to support caregivingWomen lose an estimated $325K over their lifetime due to caregivingThe Unseen Costs of Leaving the WorkforceWomen who exit the workforce early face immediate income loss, diminished retirement savings, and a reduction in Social Security benefits. AARP reports that caregivers can expect to spend an average of $7K annually on out-of-pocket expenses.Additionally, exiting the workforce comes with professional setbacks that may be hard to recover from. Studies show that women who take time off for caregiving often find it difficult to re-enter their fields, and when they do, they may face lower wages, fewer opportunities for advancement, or the need to start in less demanding roles.The Unseen Costs of "Daughterhood"A less recognized aspect of womens caregiving burden is eldercare (i.e. daughterhood), which is frequently overshadowed by the attention given to childcare (i.e. motherhood). While businesses have made strides in supporting working mothers, they have largely ignored the unique challenges posed by eldercare. The emotional and physical toll of eldercare, which often includes managing chronic illnesses, dementia, and end-of-life care, cannot be underestimated.According to the Federal Reserve, four times as many people have left the workforce due to adult caregiving compared to childcare, yet corporate policies and benefits packages rarely address these realities.Why You Shouldn't Quit: There Are OptionsBalancing work, children, aging parents, mental and physical health, a "clean" home, and the semblance of a social life - it's simply not sustainable. It would make Superwoman run for the exit. It's no wonder that women leave their jobs in order to quickly take something off their plate. But before putting in your notice, let's talk about resources and options that may be available.Workplace Benefits: Find out what your company offers. Some offer paid caregiver leave, flexible work schedules, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide counseling and eldercare resources.Even if your employer is moving away from remote work post-pandemic, you can advocate for more flexibility, such as flexible hours or a partial work-from-home arrangement.According to experts, a flexible workplace arrangement is often the most important factor for caregivers trying to juggle their professional and personal lives.External Support Systems: there are local and national organizations that can provide assistance. Naborforce is one of these organizations - our founder Paige Wilson lived all of the stark truths discussed in this article, and that is why she decided to do something about it! And if Naborforce isn't in your area or isn't an option for you - there are other resources to check out: care.com, Bright Horizons, home care agencies, caregiving forums, etc.Note: Naborforce partners with employers to provide discounted hourly rates. If your employer doesn't have Naborforce as an option, reach out to us and we will see if there is an opportunity to collaborate!Talk to your people: Many organizations are beginning to create employee resource groups for caregivers, offering a safe space to share experiences and tips for managing eldercare. These groups can be a lifeline for employees who feel isolated in their caregiving roles.Making Eldercare an Employee BenefitEmployers play a crucial role in supporting women who are caregivers. Unfortunately, 79% of caregivers do not have access to benefits that support them in this role.Supporting working women is not just about helping parents; its about addressing the needs of adult daughters (and sons) who are balancing caregiving with their professional lives. As 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S., this challenge is only going to grow. Employers must adapt to this reality if they want to retain top female talent.The Bottom Line: You Have OptionsWhile caregiving can feel like an all-consuming role, women should not have to choose between their careers and their families. By tapping into workplace benefits, seeking flexible arrangements, and exploring external resources, women can navigate the challenges of eldercare without sacrificing their professional futures.A Helping Hand for Older Adults - Naborforce 844-696-2267 Were Naborforce. We match older adults who need a little help and kindness with Nabors eager to provide it, strengthening the communities we serve.Everyone can use a little help. Help around the house. Help running errands. Help preparing a meal. Help by just being a friend! Our goal is to promote joyous and independent aging and living while providing peace of mind to families.