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Holiday Stress Relief for Caregivers: A Gift for the Whole Family

 November 21, 2023 by Dean Bellefeuille

What’s at the top of your wish list this holiday season? An end to world hunger? A new home?  Good health for your loved ones? What if you could eliminate stress and simply take pleasure in the holiday season? What a gift that would be! (more…)

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Are You Stressed Out Providing Care For a Senior Family Member? These Tips Can Help.

 June 16, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

Stress is inevitable, and actually, not always a negative thing. After all, as the saying goes, “A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well.” Nonetheless, especially if you are providing care for a senior family member, the amount of stress can quickly intensify and be overwhelming, and when not handled well, lead to serious health issues. (more…)

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Meaningful Resolutions to Help Relieve Family Caregiver Stress

 December 11, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

If you’re one of the 8% of Americans who actually achieve their New Year’s resolution goals, congratulations! But if you’re like most of us, you’ve given up before even turning the calendar page to February. While of course it’s admirable to strive to better ourselves by resolving to lose 10 pounds or eat healthier, for busy family caregivers, there are some truly meaningful, attainable goals that can improve life throughout the year. (more…)

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At Home Independent Living in Syracuse: Top Tips for Alleviating Caregiving Stress

 November 4, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille

Taking the kids to soccer practice, holding down a full-time job, trying to keep up with friends, all on top of caring for an aging loved one – a family caregiver’s job is never done. Caring for a loved one, along with all your other responsibilities, can be stressful, and if we could choose one perfect gift to bestow upon family caregivers, it would be a blanket of peace to relieve the stress and replace it with a sense of calm purpose. So, in honor of National Family Caregivers Month, settle in with a warm cup of tea and enjoy these peace-inducing tips! (more…)

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Holiday Hypertension Management Tips for a Safe and Festive Season

 November 19, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

It’s here! The holiday season is in full swing, filled with laughter, decorations, and of course, family gatherings. But let’s be real: it can also be packed with stress, tempting treats, and a hectic pace that leaves everyone a little frazzled. If you’re caring for an older loved one, you know how quickly the holidays can turn from “merry and bright” to “chaotic and overwhelming.” And if hypertension is a factor, it can be even more of a challenge. Between extra salty holiday meals, busy schedules, and unexpected stressors, holiday hypertension management can be daunting. But never fear; with some thoughtful planning and small adjustments, you can help keep their health in check while still enjoying all the festive cheer.

Here’s how to enjoy the season while protecting the heart health of an older loved one.

  • Be mindful of holiday foods. Holidays and food go hand in hand, and it’s easy to be tempted by rich dishes, sweets, and salty snacks. However, for someone managing high blood pressure, these foods can pose risks. Instead of focusing on what the person can’t have, think about ways to adapt traditional dishes into healthier versions. Swap out salt for herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, or thyme. Instead of heavy mashed potatoes loaded with butter, consider mashed cauliflower or baked sweet potatoes seasoned with a touch of cinnamon. If the person has a sweet tooth, fresh fruits can be a satisfying alternative to high-sugar desserts.
  • Keep stress levels in check. The holidays can be emotionally taxing, and stress is one of the biggest contributors to high blood pressure. Instead of trying to make everything perfect, focus on what truly matters: time spent together. Delegate tasks, whether that means asking family members to help prepare dishes or arranging a potluck where everyone contributes. This reduces the burden on you and allows the person you love to participate in the celebrations without feeling overwhelmed. Mindfulness exercises can also help an older loved one manage their stress. Set aside ten minutes in the morning for some quiet time together to breathe in deeply, exhale slowly, and let go of the stress that tends to build up during this busy season.
  • Don’t neglect physical activity. Cold weather and busy schedules often mean less physical activity, but staying active is a key part of keeping blood pressure under control. You don’t have to plan an intense workout. Gentle, regular movement can make a big difference. If the person is able, consider a daily walk, even if it’s just around the neighborhood for 15-20 minutes. If going outside isn’t an option due to the weather, there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors. Try a gentle stretching routine or even a seated exercise video designed for older adults. Dancing together to holiday music can also be a fun way to stay active while enjoying the festive spirit.
  • Stick to a medication schedule. In the midst of the holiday excitement, it’s easy to forget the daily routine, including medications. But keeping up with blood pressure medications is crucial, especially when the holidays can present extra health challenges. Set reminders on your phone or mark it on a calendar to ensure that your loved one’s medication is taken on time. If travel is part of your holiday plans, make sure you have enough medication packed, along with an easy-to-access schedule so that nothing is missed. A simple pill organizer can also help keep everything in order during this busy time.
  • Watch the holiday drinks. The holidays are a time for toasting and celebrating, but alcohol can raise blood pressure and interact with certain medications. If alcohol is a part of your family’s holiday celebrations, help your loved one limit their intake or opt for non-alcoholic alternatives. You could make festive mocktails using sparkling water, a splash of cranberry juice, and fresh fruit garnishes. If their morning routine includes caffeine, try to limit it, especially during particularly busy or stressful days. Too much caffeine can also spike blood pressure, and with the holiday hustle, it’s easy for these small things to add up.
  • Prioritize rest. Between family gatherings, holiday preparations, and changing routines, sleep schedules can easily get disrupted. Lack of rest can increase stress, which in turn affects blood pressure. Make sure the person you’re caring for has the opportunity to get enough sleep each night. Encourage regular bedtimes and make the bedroom a calm, inviting place, free from distractions like television or bright lights. If afternoon naps help them feel rested, make time for them. Sufficient rest can keep their blood pressure in check and ensure they are able to fully enjoy all of the festivities.

Need a Helping Hand?

With At Home Independent Living, our caregivers make the holidays brighter, safer, and healthier for the older adults we serve. We can plan and prepare nutritious meals, provide engaging activity ideas to reduce stress and instill joy, and allow family members to take necessary breaks from care. Call us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn more about our home care in Syracuse, Fayetteville, Salina, and the surrounding areas in Central New York.

Search results for: stress

Why Self-Care for Caregivers Is Crucial to Building Emotional Resiliency

 November 11, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

You’ve just settled Mom into bed after a long day. You’re exhausted—physically and emotionally—and there’s still a list of tasks waiting for your attention. Maybe it was the struggle with getting her to take her medication today that wore you out. Or perhaps the call from a family member who offered well-meaning but impractical advice is what caused that extra level of stress. Caring for an older loved one can be one of the hardest roles you’ll face in your lifetime. Prioritizing self-care for caregivers and building emotional resilience is crucial, and it’s the foundation that will help you keep going when the days are tough.

So how exactly can you build emotional resilience? There are some simple but effective steps you can take today.

  1. Embrace what you can control, and release what you can’t. It’s easy to feel like every setback is a reflection on your abilities as a caregiver. Did Mom refuse to eat again today? Did she get frustrated during her physical therapy session? These moments can feel deeply personal. But building emotional resilience starts with recognizing that you can’t control everything. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, try to concentrate on what you can influence. For example, you can’t control whether Mom decides to eat every meal, but you can control offering nutritious and appetizing options. When you let go of the pressure to fix everything, you give yourself space to focus on what you can improve.
  2. Celebrate the small victories. There will be days when everything feels overwhelming. It’s easy to focus on the things that didn’t go right, but emotional resilience is built by shifting that focus to the wins, no matter how small they may seem. Did Mom finally smile after days of feeling withdrawn? Did you manage to carve out five minutes for a cup of tea while she napped? These moments matter. Emotional resilience grows when you acknowledge these small victories, because it reminds you that your efforts are making a difference, even if the road is bumpy.
  3. Lean on your support network. No one can do it alone, and the truth is, you don’t have to. Building emotional resilience means knowing when to ask for help. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, joining an online support group, or partnering with At Home Independent Living, sharing your burden lightens it. If a neighbor offers to bring over dinner, say yes. If a family member offers to sit with Mom for an hour, let them. It’s not a sign of weakness to accept help; in fact, it’s a sign of strength because it shows you’re committed to sustaining yourself for the long haul.
  4. Practice self-compassion and self-care without guilt. Caregiving is often synonymous with selflessness, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Practicing self-care for caregivers doesn’t have to mean taking a two-week vacation (although that would be nice!) Sometimes it means allowing yourself ten minutes to read a chapter of a book, watch your favorite show, or take a short walk around the block. Self-compassion is just as important. When things don’t go as planned, like a doctor’s appointment that turns into a meltdown, it’s easy to blame yourself. Instead, try treating yourself with the same kindness you would show a friend in your position. Remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.
  5. Develop a flexible mindset. When you’re caring for an older loved one, plans often change. Maybe today was supposed to be an outing to the park, but now it’s a day of dealing with a flare-up of health issues. Emotional resilience isn’t about resisting these changes; it’s about flowing with them. Rather than focusing on what you couldn’t do, think of what’s possible now. Instead of that outing, perhaps it becomes a cozy afternoon with their favorite movie. Adapting your expectations helps reduce feelings of frustration and disappointment, which ultimately builds a stronger, more resilient mindset.

Let Us Help!

Caregiving is never a role you need to fill alone! Our trained, experienced care professionals are on hand to partner with you to ensure the best quality of life for the person you love, and the chance for you to discover a healthy life balance for yourself. Serving Camillus, Clay, Syracuse, and the surrounding areas in Central New York, we’re just a phone call away at (315) 579-HOME (4663).

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Unmasking Parkinson’s Hidden Symptoms That No One Talks About

 October 21, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, tremors or difficulty moving likely come to mind first. But if you’re caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s, you may have noticed they’re dealing with so much more than just movement issues. Parkinson’s hidden symptoms, such as depression, sleep problems, and cognitive changes, can have just as much of an impact on daily life, but often go unnoticed or untreated. Understanding these symptoms is crucial to providing the best possible care for someone you love with Parkinson’s disease. (more…)

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Are You Aware of These COPD-Related Health Complications?

 September 23, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

Watching a loved one manage the daily challenges of COPD can be tough. You see them struggle with breathlessness and fatigue, and you want to do everything you can to help. What you might not realize is that there are other COPD-related health complications, known as comorbidities, which need to be addressed and managed in tandem with COPD. The best way to help someone with COPD is by learning about these potential comorbidities, and then supporting and advocating for the person to receive screenings and treatment as needed. (more…)

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Downsizing Together: Tips to Declutter Your Parents’ Home

 September 18, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

You’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and declutter your parents’ home. As you begin sorting through the attic, you come across a box of old family photos, a stack of forgotten love letters, a collection of vintage toys. Each item holds a story, a piece of history, and a flood of memories. (more…)

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How to Alleviate the Burden of Caregiving—For Your Health and Theirs

 August 13, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

Caring for an older loved one is an act of love and devotion, but it can also feel like a never-ending marathon. The emotional highs of shared smiles and laughter can quickly be overshadowed by the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with the burden of caregiving. This challenging journey can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and isolated, a state known as caregiver burden.

Understanding Caregiver Burden

Caregiver burden encompasses the emotional, physical, and financial toll that caregiving can take. Emotionally, the constant worry and stress about your family member’s well-being can lead to anxiety and depression. Physically, caregiving tasks such as lifting, bathing, and moving the person can cause significant strain and fatigue. Financially, the costs of medical supplies, home modifications, and potentially reduced work hours can lead to financial stress and uncertainty.

Social isolation is another key aspect of caregiver burden. The demands of caregiving can drastically reduce your time for social activities and connections, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This lack of personal time can also mean sacrificing hobbies and other activities that previously brought joy and relaxation.

Steps to Alleviate the Burden of Caregiving

Recognizing the signs of caregiver burden is the first step towards managing it. Here are some practical steps you can take to bring you peace:

  1. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family members and friends. Even small tasks can make a big difference. It’s also helpful to look into a caregiver support group, either in person or online, for emotional support and tried-and-true advice from others in similar situations.
  2. Utilize Respite Care: Respite care services can provide regular, temporary relief, allowing you to take a break and recharge. At Home Independent Living is pleased to offer respite care services that allow you to take the time away you need while knowing your family member is thriving under the care of a trained professional.
  3. Take Care of Your Health: Make sure you’re scheduling routine check-ups and talking with a mental health professional as well if needed, to ensure all of your health needs are fully met. Regular exercise and a healthy diet also need to be a top priority to ensure you have the energy and strength needed in your caregiving role.
  4. Use Resources and Tools: Utilize tools like the Caregiver Burden Scale to identify areas where you may need help. At Home Independent Living also offers a wealth of educational resources to help guide and support you as you care for the person you love.

With At Home Independent Living, we offer a full range of customized aging care services that provide a healthy life balance for family caregivers while enriching the lives of older loved ones. Some of the many ways we can help include:

  • Friendly companionship for engaging activities and conversations
  • Personal hygiene care and support
  • Transportation and accompaniment to appointments and fun outings
  • Light housekeeping and meal prep
  • And much more

Give us a call any time at (315) 579-HOME (4663) for more helpful tips and an in-home care partner you can rely on to walk beside you when caring for someone you love. We’re pleased to serve Syracuse, Fayetteville, Salina, and throughout Central New York.