By: The Gift of Caring

If you are taking care of an aging parent or family member, it is likely you have experienced the effects of caregiver stress; at the Gift of Caring we approach the care of our aging loved ones from a holistic approach and know that caregiver physical, mental and emotional wellness is paramount to the wellness of those we care for, that’s why today we launch a series of blogs focusing on avoiding being in crisis mode; over the next few weeks we will be sharing topics that can help us design our crisis avoidance plan so we can continue to provide that loving care to our aging loved ones, and enjoy our time with them.  

One of the silent perils of being a family caregiver is stress: it can quietly seep in, without noticing it, in between a doctor’s appointment and setting up our loved one’s meds. It is said that “It is not the load that breaks you down. It’s the way you carry it.” We have made the commitment...

By Laura Oldaker, The Gift of Caring

Being a family caregiver to someone who is living with dementia is one of the highest forms of loving your aging loved one, as it can be a very difficult task. In my 25 years of experience working with older adults and their family members, I have witnessed many difficult situations that have led family members to feel like “throwing in the towel” or drive themselves to such stress levels that can affect their own physical, emotional and mental well-being. As a family caregiver myself to someone who lives with dementia, I also understand how unique each situation is, from the nuances of family dynamics, the feelings of guilt, balancing your own personal and professional life, and so much more. 

We constantly do our best effort to provide care to our loved ones, whether you are caring in person or providing care at a distance. Some are fortunate to have time and means to be the primary caregiver or to hire outside help,...

Many families don’t prepare or have a discussion with their elderly loved one until it’s too late or until they find themselves in a crisis. Many families hold off because they don’t want to think about their loved one getting older and needing more care. When the topic is brought up, conversations can quickly turn into stressful heated arguments because emotions run high and everyone feels blindsided or under attack. While starting the conversation can be uncomfortable, you can ease the stress level by starting slowly before a crisis happens.

Conversation Starters

With the holidays recently passed, we may have observed changes in our loved one’s condition that may seem a “red flag” during our visits with them. It is never too early to begin having important conversations with your aging loved one and start the conversation with your family, as difficult as they may seem, it is vital these discussions happen as soon as you begin to notice changes....