The Sandwich Generation: Navigating the Caregiving Crunch

In many ways, stress is a part of life for all of us. But for seniors, stress can have a larger affect on physical and mental wellness.Having worries and concerns is natural, but it is more important as we get older to practice stress-reduction techniques to manage these thoughts.The great news is that stress, and the techniques to manage it, are usually easy for most people to practice. Meditation, breathing exercises, physical movement and other tactics can help seniors continue to live the best quality of life and can even improve overall wellness.Stress destroys cells in the hippocampus, a brain site responsible for memory storage and retrieval.Why is it critical to manage stress?As we continue to keep our homes and families safe during COVID-19, its even more important to focus on the mental health needs of our seniors when it comes to stress.Several studies have shown that stress is linked to mental and physical problems, from anxiety and depression to hypertension and immune system complications. In fact, its estimated that stress increases the risk of heart disease by 40%, heart attack by 25%, and stroke by 50%. Not to mention the fact that stress can also exacerbate existing conditions which can be very impactful for those with less efficient immune systems.What can seniors do to manage their stress in a positive way?Finding moments of joy and focusing on activities and hobbies that bring meaning and purpose can help seniors manage their stress. Fortunately, there are many more stress relief techniques that seniors can follow to help improve their own personal wellbeing. What senior clients use to manage their stress today can help better prepare them for any future stress.Stress Relief TechniquesConnection can help relieve stress. Seniors can call a friend or family member, have a video chat or spend time with loved ones when possible.Meditate at the same time every day or whenever feelings of stress or anxiety arisePractice deep breathing and mindfulness exercisesReach out to friends and family to connect and spend time togetherFollow a consistent exercise regimen and healthy diet, upon physician approvalJournal or jot down thoughts and feelings at the end of each day and be sure to take a moment to reflect on all the positive things that happened throughout the dayFind a virtual volunteer opportunity to give back to the communityPut together and execute a to-do list to increase productivity, decrease feelings of restlessness, and combat procrastinationJoin a yoga class or practice it at home (with physician approval)Listen to soothing or relaxing music, especially before bedFind a way to laugh, whether its by watching a funny TV show/movie or listening to a comedy albumComfort Keepers Can HelpAt Comfort Keepers, we have spent the last twenty years perfecting the art of helping seniors and other adults maintain their peace, happiness, and joy. To us, every moment in a seniors life is a unique opportunity to foster positivity, going beyond daily tasks. Our approach to care is called Interactive Caregiving, a philosophy centered around four central aspects of life: mind, body, nutrition, and safety.Whats more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our clients exact needs.Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting a local Comfort Keepers office.

When someone you love needs extra care, it's time to think about a nursing home. This can be a tough decision, but there are ways to make it easier. Let's look at how to pick a good nursing home that will take great care of your family member.Location and BuildingThe first thing to think about is where the nursing home is. It's best if it's close to you so you can visit often. When you go to see the nursing home, look around carefully. Is it clean? Does it look nice outside? Are there places where your loved one can go outside for fresh air?Look at the rooms too. Make sure you see all kinds of rooms, not just the fancy ones. Ask yourself if the rooms feel cozy or if they look too much like a hospital.Staff and CareThe people who work at the nursing home are very important. You want to make sure there are enough workers to take care of everyone. Ask how many nurses and helpers there are for each patient. Also, find out if the same people work there for a long time. If workers stay at their jobs, it usually means they like working there.It's also good to ask how the workers are trained. Do they know how to help older people with different health problems? Make sure they know how to take care of your loved one's special needs.Daily LifeA good nursing home should help your loved one have a nice day every day. Ask about what kind of activities they have. Is it just bingo and movies, or do they have other fun things to do? Can your loved one go on trips outside the nursing home?Food is important too. Ask about the meals and snacks. Can your loved one eat whenever they want, or are there set meal times? Try to taste the food if you can.Some nursing homes let people help out with small jobs if they want to. This can make your loved one feel useful and happy. Ask if they have chances to do things like help deliver mail or read to other people.Respect and ChoicesIt's important that your loved one is treated with respect. They should be able to make some choices about their day. Can they decide when to wake up or what to wear? Can they eat in their room if they want to? Make sure the nursing home respects your loved one's likes and dislikes.Visitors and FamilyCheck the rules about visitors. Can you come anytime, or are there special visiting hours? It's good if you can visit often. Also, ask if your loved one can make video calls to family and friends.Money MattersNursing homes can be expensive. Many people think Medicare will pay for everything, but that's not always true. Medicare only pays for some types of care, and only for a short time. You might need to pay for some of the care yourself.Ask the nursing home how much it costs and what kinds of payment they accept. Some places might help you make a plan to pay over time.Keep Asking QuestionsEven after you choose a nursing home, keep asking questions and staying involved. Visit often and pay attention to how your loved one is doing. If you see anything that worries you, talk to the people in charge.Remember, the most important thing is to find a place where your loved one will be safe, happy, and well cared for. By asking lots of questions and looking carefully at different nursing homes, you can find the best place for your family member.

In the rapid pace of modern life, it can be easy to overlook the small moments that bring us joy. Whether its a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a heartfelt conversation with a friend, or the beauty of nature, these fleeting instances often get lost amid our busy schedules and responsibilities. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that finding joy in the everyday is essential for cultivating a fulfilled and balanced life. In this blog, we will explore how to identify and embrace those golden inspirations around you, accompanied by actionable tips that can help you create a joyful daily routine.The Importance of Seeking Joy in Everyday LifeJoy is not merely a momentary feeling; it is a state of mind that can significantly impact our overall well-being. When we consciously seek joy in our daily lives, we open ourselves to greater happiness and satisfaction. Heres why unveiling and celebrating these moments matters:Cultivating a Positive MindsetElevated Emotional Health: Engaging with joyful experiences has been linked to improved mental health. By focusing on positive moments, we can reduce stress and anxiety, transforming our emotional landscape.Enhancing Mindfulness: Finding joy requires presence. When we hone in on the simple pleasures of life, we practice mindfulness, allowing us to fully appreciate each moment rather than exist in autopilot mode.Strengthening RelationshipsShared Joy: Joy is often amplified when shared with others. Celebrating lifes little victories together fosters deeper connections and strengthens bonds between friends, family, and colleagues.Creating Lasting Memories: Moments of joy often lead to cherished memories. By capturing these instances together, we build a tapestry of shared experiences that can bring comfort and happiness in times of need.Tips for Finding Joy Every DayWhile it may seem daunting to intentionally seek joy, there are simple, actionable steps you can take to illuminate your day with happiness. Here are some practical tips to help you discover those golden inspirations in everyday life:Step 1: Start with a Gratitude PracticeDaily Gratitude Journal: Each morning or evening, jot down three things youre grateful for. This practice shifts your focus to the positive aspects of your life, helping you recognize and celebrate them.Share Your Gratitude: Take the time to express your gratitude to someone in your lifebe it a family member, friend, or colleague. Acknowledging the good in others can create ripples of positivity and strengthen those connections.Step 2: Embrace MindfulnessMindful Mornings: Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness. Use this time to breathe deeply, savor your morning beverage, and appreciate the quiet before the day begins. Engaging your senses will deepen your awareness of lifes simple pleasures.Pause and Observe: Throughout your day, take moments to pause and observe your surroundings. Whether its the sound of birds chirping, the warmth of sunlight, or the aroma of a favorite meal cooking, engage with those sensory delights to invigorate your spirit.Step 3: Seek Out Simple JoysCreate Joyful Routines: Establish rituals that bring you joy. It could be a leisurely stroll in the park, cooking a favorite recipe, or curling up with a good book. Infusing joy into your routine nurtures a sense of balance.Try Something New: Discover new joys by stepping outside your comfort zone. Attend a local event, try a new hobby, or participate in a fitness class. Exploring new experiences can spark excitement and rejuvenate your outlook.Step 4: Connect with NatureNature Breaks: Spend time outdoors, whether its a walk in the park or simply sitting on a bench. Nature has a unique way of restoring our spirits and bringing joy. Observe the beauty around you, breathe in fresh air, and let nature inspire gratitude.Bring Nature Indoors: Incorporate elements of nature into your living spacehouseplants, flowers, or nature-inspired dcor can uplift your home environment and serve as daily reminders of the beauty around you.Step 5: Create a Joy JarCapture Inspiring Moments: Keep a joy jar where you can drop in notes of happy moments or experiences youve had throughout the year. When youre feeling low, reading these notes can rekindle joy and remind you of the positive moments that have filled your life.Share the Joy: Encourage family members or friends to contribute to the joy jar. This collaborative effort creates a shared sense of happiness and helps you cultivate deeper connections.Conclusion: Embrace the Golden Inspirations in Your LifeAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that joy is an essential ingredient in the recipe for a fulfilling life. By intentionally seeking out and celebrating the golden inspirations that surround you, you can create a more positive, balanced existence filled with happiness. Remember that joy can be found in the smallest moments, and by engaging with these experiences, you invite fulfillment and gratitude into your daily life.As you embark on this journey, allow yourself to relish each days little victories and moments of beauty. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the chaos of life and need assistance in organizing not just your space but also your mindset, A Call to Order is here to help you find clarity and joy. Together, lets create a life that celebrates the golden inspirations waiting to be discovered each and every day!