Category: Caregiver

The AARP reports that nearly 40 million people in the United States provide ongoing care for an older loved one. To commemorate individuals who lovingly provide care to older family members, November has been designated National Family Caregivers Month. There are many ways families can celebrate the month with a family member or friend who has assumed the role of caregiver.

Offer Assistance

Consider giving the family caregiver a break by stepping in and assuming his or her responsibilities for a few hours, a whole day, or an entire week. Free time enables caregivers to catch up on other responsibilities. They might also take the time to rejuvenate, relax, and indulge in stress-relieving activities.

Caregivers may benefit from having one or more individuals help out by performing grocery shopping duties, running errands, or providing transportation on a regular basis. Consider helping the caregiver organize tasks, or offer to assist with record-keeping needs. Receiving help from a network of loved ones can lower stress.

Having a professional caregiver come into the home and take on the role is another option. Oshkosh respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

Have a Party

Consider hosting a party for the special caregiver in your family’s life. All who attend can express their gratitude for everything the person does to care for his or her senior loved one. Plan the event around the caregiver’s normal duties, or have someone step in to take his or her place. Other ideas might include presenting a commemorative gift as a sign of appreciation. Depending on the number of caregivers one or more families want to celebrate, consider hosting a dinner and a night out on the town.

Show Your Appreciation with a Card

Families touched by a family caregiver may want to consider combining forces to show their appreciation by showering the caregiver with encouraging cards and mementos. The small tokens may lift the caregiver’s spirits and reinforce the knowledge that the tasks he or she performs don’t go unnoticed and are highly regarded.

Create a Caregiving Calendar

Gather photographs of the caregiver’s friends and family members or special moments and create a special 12-month calendar. Calendars enable caregivers to keep track of appointments and other obligations. The faces of loved ones also remind them that their efforts are appreciated and they remain loved and in people’s thoughts.

Provide Financial Support

Consider hosting a fundraiser. Have friends and family pitch in to help the caregiver cover the out-of-pocket expenses he or she often incurs in addition to providing care. Allow the caregiver to decide how the proceeds might be most helpful. 

Your caregiver friend may be even more financially stressed because he or she is helping a loved one who has an illness. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Oshkosh seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Seek Support from the Community

Friends and family members of caregivers should encourage local businesses to join them in an effort to commemorate the month. Businesses might offer a free meal or movie. They might also provide discounts for their services or products. Some local venues could pool their resources to host a special commemorative event.

One final thing you can do is offer to help your friend find professionals who can care for his or her loved one. When searching for reliable Oshkosh senior care agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Senior Stride Home Care, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. To talk to one of our Care Managers, call 920-717-1767 today.

As a family caregiver, it is normal to feel a twinge of jealousy when you hear about a friend’s weeklong vacation. However, allowing these brief moments of jealousy to add up could lead to feelings of resentment. While you might not be able to do things the way you used to, you can use the following strategies to address feelings of jealousy so you can keep a positive perspective regarding your responsibilities as a caregiver.

Remember Your Reasons for Caregiving

When you feel jealous, it is easy to forget the positive parts of being a caregiver. As soon as you notice a niggling feeling of resentment creeping in, take a time out to reflect upon the reasons you became a caregiver. For instance, you may look forward to strengthening your relationship with your parent, or you may simply know that he or she is happier when you are around. Once you have your reasons figured out, write them down so you can refer to them when things are stressful again.

Caring for a senior loved one can be a challenging task, which can put caregivers at risk of a variety of negative emotions. Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Identify the Real Issue

Examine your feelings to determine if there is something else exacerbating your response to hearing about a friend or family member’s good news. For example, you might feel jealous after hearing about your best friend’s spa day. Once you figure out the deeper meaning behind your feelings, you will have a better idea of how to go about fixing the real issue.

Family caregivers can manage some of the emotional challenges of caregiving by hiring professional in-home care experts. Though you may be researching multiple home care agencies, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Senior Stride Home Care has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust in Senior Stride Home Care to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.

Practice Self-Care

Negative emotions may get worse when you are physically exhausted or ill. Make sure to go to bed at the right time each night to wake up feeling rested. You may also need to include snacks in your daily meal plan if you find yourself feeling hungry. Once you’ve taken care of the basics, add in a few pampering treatments each week. Even if you just get a fresh haircut or spend a minute rubbing scented lotion into your hands, these brief bouts of happiness may make it easier to fend off jealousy.

Use Caution with Social Media

People tend to put only the best parts of their life on social media, which can give you a skewed perspective. If you find yourself feeling jealous as you scroll through people’s profile feeds, then simply take a break. You may also find it helpful to remember there is often more going on than people are posting publicly, and everyone has some type of stress in their lives.

Reach Out for Support

Constantly managing your elderly loved one’s mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing may be difficult at times, and it could lead to caregiver burnout. Reach out for support and arrange for respite care services so you can get time to yourself and remain healthy.

If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. For more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at 920-717-1767 today.

Good family caregivers understand things will not always go as planned. If you are a perfectionist, you could face difficulty managing your caregiving duties and likely experience burnout. You need to realize you cannot control everything, and it is best to let certain things go. Here are some of the reasons perfectionism leads to caregiver burnout. 

1. Constant Fear 

Family caregivers who are perfectionists believe they can help their loved ones recover within a specific amount of time. When this doesn’t happen, they experience fear and anxiety. However, if you develop realistic goals for your loved one’s recovery, you will likely not fear the worst when things do not work out as planned. Make sure to speak with your loved one’s doctor to receive information pertaining to your loved one’s illness, treatment options, and recovery statistics. 

Caring for an aging loved one can be a difficult task, especially if you’re overwhelmed with constant fear or other negative emotions. If you are the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.

2. Intolerance to Disorganization 

Perfectionists need to be organized and cannot tolerate messy living conditions. They feel a sense of shame if the home is not in complete order, which is not always the case when caring for seniors, especially if the adults are living with cognitive issues. The disorganization could lead to burnout. When caring for your loved one, remember everything will not always be in perfect order in the home. Consider hiring an in-home caregiver who can help around the home and take some of the responsibility off of you. 

Oshkosh respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.

3. Exhaustion 

If you are a perfectionist, you may be afraid to allow anyone else to care for your loved one. You want to be with him or her at all times, making sure everything goes according to your plans. With no breaks or no extended time away from your loved one, you will likely become mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. Allow other people to assist with the caregiving duties. Trust that others can provide exceptional care for your loved one, just as you do. 

4. Bad Relationships

It can be difficult for a family caregiver and his or her loved one to maintain a strong relationship if the caregiver is a perfectionist. If your expectations are too high, your loved one may feel pressured. As a result, the relationship could become fractured. To prevent detachment and challenging relationships, give your loved one the respect he or she deserves. Remember your loved one is doing the best he or she can, even if it is below your standards. Instead of giving up, allow your loved one to create a routine he or she likes, and remember to be supportive. 

5. Lack of Satisfaction 

Perfectionism prevents caregivers from believing their best is good enough. Instead, they are constantly trying to do better, which could cause stress, anxiety, and burnout. You need to accept you have done your best and be satisfied with the results. Keep in mind your value doesn’t come from achievement. It comes from knowing you have done your best. Your loved one will appreciate you are doing everything possible to help him or her live a happy and healthy life.

Family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties to stave off burnout should consider professional in-home care. Although it may be challenging to find a reliable, highly rated home care agency, Oshkosh, WI, families can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. For more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at 920-717-1767 today.

Family members who provide Oshkosh home care for a senior loved one are responsible for many factors that ensure the senior receives the best care possible. One aspect family caregivers may not consider involves tax preparation. Caregivers must develop an organized system. Getting ready for tax time requires managing documents and receipts throughout the year. Family caregivers must also take the time to stay informed about the tax implications concerning looking after a senior. In this way, individuals are aware of the tax breaks that might decrease an annual tax bill.

Dependent Claims

If the caregiver and the senior meet certain IRS requirements, the senior might be claimed as a dependent. These stipulations include:

• The senior must be a resident of Canada, Mexico, or the United States.
• The senior cannot file a joint return with his or her spouse.
• The senior must be a relative. However, he or she does not have to live with the caregiver.
• The senior’s income for the year cannot be more than $4,050. Social Security benefits are not included in this sum.
• The caregiver must provide more than half of the senior’s expenses.

Deductible Expenses

The IRS allows family members many different deductions that pertain to providing home care for an older loved one. The long list of deductions include:

• Food
• Clothing
• Housing
• Transportation
• Dental or medical care
• Bathroom and other property alterations required for medical reasons

Deductions also include out-of-pocket expenses for:

• Acupuncture treatments
• Adapters for telephones or TVs for the hearing impaired
• Ambulance service
• Bandages or other medical supply items
• Drug and medical care copays
• Medically required weight-loss programs
• Prescription eyewear
• Prescription medications
• Smoking cessation programs
• Wigs when disease processes or medical treatments cause hair loss

Family caregivers in Oshkosh must keep proof of expenses in the event they become subject to a tax audit. Records are typically kept for a minimum of five years.

Learn more about financial concerns for caregivers by reaching out to Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh, a leading provider of live-in and hourly caregivers. Oshkosh families trust in Senior Stride Home Care to provide high-quality senior care on an as-needed basis. Call 920-717-1767 today to speak with one of our qualified Care Managers and schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Oshkosh, WI, senior care agencies know that taking care of an aging relative is hard work. Your day is full of helping your loved one with numerous tasks from bathing and dressing to preparing meals and housekeeping. You may not feel you have time to sit down and journal, but doing so will benefit you in many ways.

Reduces Stress

There’s no doubt that you love your aging parent, but you will inevitably feel angry, frustrated, and anxious from time to time while caring for him or her. These feelings are normal and understandable. Journaling gives you a healthy outlet to express all of your thoughts and feelings to reduce stress.

Helps Solve Problems

Journaling often leads to new insights and perspectives on issues. It also forces you to organize your thoughts, which can help when you’re facing a hurdle. Additionally, journaling helps you clarify your thoughts and feelings regarding the challenge at hand.

Helps You Be More Mindful

When you write in a journal, you are only focusing on the task in front of you. Journaling can help you become more mindful in your daily life, allowing you to focus on each moment you spend with your loved one instead of focusing on the past or the future.

Offers Respite

It’s important to take some time for yourself each day. If you don’t, your mental and physical health will decline. Writing in a journal for 10 or 15 minutes each day is a great way to have some “you time” where you can rest and recharge.

Preserves Memories

Keeping a daily journal creates a written record of events. Later on, you’ll be able to go back and read about the good times you shared with your loved one while you took care of him or her.

Reduces Conflict

Inevitably, you will have disagreements with siblings, doctors, or your loved one regarding his or her care. Writing in a journal allows you to express your thoughts and feelings about frustrating situations without causing conflict. Having this outlet may help you have fewer arguments with your loved one or other family members.

Caregiving is both rewarding and overwhelming. Daily journaling is a great way to take care of yourself so that you can continue to care for your loved one. You can also turn to Senior Stride Home Care of Oshkosh for a helping hand. We provide reliable respite care in Oshkosh that helps your loved one in the comfort of home while you take some time for yourself. Learn more by calling 920-710-CARE (2273) to customize a care plan for your loved one today.