Senior Care - Caring for Yourself - Lake County IL

Caregiving Stress -- Hazardous to Your Health and Sometimes Deadly

UNDERSTANDING CAREGIVER STRESS

A 2003 study of caregivers by a research team at Ohio State University has proven the off-repeated adage "stress can kill you" is true. The focus of the investigation was the effect the stress of caregiving had on caregivers. The team, led by Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, reports on a 6-year study of elderly people caring for spouses with Alzheimer's Disease. The study not only found a significant deterioration in the health of caregivers when compared to a similar group of non-caregivers but also found the caregivers had a 63% higher death rate than the control group.

The demands on a caregiver result in a great deal of stress. It is often observed in aging publications that stress can induce illness and depression. The resulting poor health can further decrease the effectiveness of the caregiver and in some cases, as proven by the study mentioned above, even cause premature death.

Stress can be defined as a physiological reaction to a threat. The greater the threat -- the greater the level of stress. A threat is a real or perceived action against our person. Threats may include the anticipated possibility of death or injury but may also include challenges to our self-esteem, social standing or relationships to others or a threat may simply be a potential or real disruption of our established routines. What is stressful to one person may not be to another. For example, bumper-to-bumper traffic might be stressful to the woman executive who is late for an important meeting but to the delivery man who has no deadline and is being paid by the hour, it may be a welcome respite to relax and listen to the radio.

Stress produces real physical changes. In some unknown way the fears in our mind, both conscious and unconscious, cause the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, deep in our brain, to initiate a cascade of hormones and immune system proteins that temporarily alter our physical body. This is a normal human physiological response inherent to the human body when a threat is perceived--real or not. It is often called the "fight-or-flight response" or the "stress response". The purpose is to give us clearer thought and increased strength as well as to activate the immune system to deal with potential injury and to repair potential wounds. When the perceived threat is removed, assuming no damage is done, the body returns to normal.

A team of researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center has found a chemical marker in the blood that shows a significant increase under chronic stress and is linked to an impaired immune system response in aging adults. The team, led by Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, reports in the June 30, 2003 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on a 6-year study of elderly people caring for spouses with Alzheimer's Disease. With the caregivers, the team found a four-fold increase in an immune system protein -- interleukin 6 (IL-6) -- as compared to an identically matched control group of non-caregivers. Only the stress of caregiving correlated to the marked increase of IL-6 in the caregiver group. All other factors, including age, were not significant to the outcome. Even the younger caregivers saw an increase in IL-6.
The study also found that the caregivers had a 63% higher death rate than the control group. About 70% of the caregivers died before the end of the study and had to be replaced by new subjects. Another surprising result was that high levels of IL-6 continued even three years after the caregiving stopped. Dr. Glaser proposes the prolonged stress may have triggered a permanent abnormality of the immune system.

IL-6 is only one cytokine--an immune system mediator protein--in a cascade of endocrine hormones and cytokines that are released when the brain signals a person is threatened with harm, injury, undue mental or physical stress or death. The hormones prepare the body to react quickly by increasing heart rate, making muscles more reactive, stimulating thought, altering sugar metabolism and producing many more changes that result in the "rush" people experience when they think they may be harmed.

The cytokine release is mediated by IL-6, which takes the role of directing the immune system to gear up to prevent infection, promote wound healing and repair organs and muscles from any injury that may result from the imminent danger. The release of cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF and other proteins such as CRP (C reactive protein) also promote development of inflammation, which is essential for blood cells to home in on injury or infection. In addition, these chemicals promote development of various types of immune system blood cells in bone marrow. This response to harm -- either real or perceived -- is an important and beneficial life-saving activity of a normally functioning body.

The problem is if this response is initiated over and over again, frequently, and over a long period; it can have a dangerous effect on the body. This constant initiation of the stress response is common among caregivers -- especially those caring for loved ones with dementia. Providing supervision or physical assistance many hours a week and over a period of years turns out to be extremely stressful. This type of stress is often unrelenting, occurring day after day and week after week. And the long-term effects of this stress are more pronounced in middle-aged and older people who are precisely the group most likely offering long term care to loved ones.In most younger people, when the threat lessens or disappears, the body reacts fairly quickly to shut down the stress response and return things to normal. But numerous studies have shown, as people age, the chemical cascade from stress lingers. Over a period of time, this constant chemical stimulus impairs the immune system and results in early aging, development of debilitating disease and early death. In this altered state, the body maintains high, potentially harmful levels of IL-6. The body does not return to normal without intervention.
Prolonged high levels of IL-6 and the accompanying hormones and cytokines have been linked to: cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, frequent viral infections, intestinal, stomach and colon disorders, osteoporosis, periodontal disease, various cancers and auto immune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Alzheimer's, dementia, nerve damage and mental problems are also linked to high IL-6. Wounds heal slower, vaccinations are less likely to take and recovery from infectious disease is impaired. People who have depression also have high levels of IL-6. Depression in caregivers is about 8 times higher than the non-cargiving population.

This debilitating response to chronic stress is not unique to humans. Animals are affected as well. A 2004 PBS Scientific American Frontiers Special entitled "Worried Sick", explored the effect of chronic stress on animals. Observations in the field and experiments on animals exposed to chronic stress, uncovered the same phenomenon of debilitating disease and early death found in humans. Blood tests on the affected animals confirmed high levels of IL-6. The work of Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser’s team was also followed in the Special.

The information above should provide a compelling reason to eliminate or reduce the stress of caregiving. Following are some strategies to deal with caregiver stress.

STRATEGIES TO REDUCE CAREGIVER STRESS
Ask for help.Most caregivers are reluctantly thrust into their role without preparation because the need for care usually comes with little warning. Caregivers end up operating in a "crisis" mode--arranging medical care and living arrangements, scheduling care time, providing meals and household chores and so forth. Because they are so stressed and burdened, they rarely take time to find out what resources are available to help them. Ironically, caregivers often sever ties with family, friends and support groups about this time just when help from these people is most needed.

As a caregiver you must ask for help. The stress of going it alone is dangerous to your health. If it's difficult to ask for yourself, use an advocate--a sibling, friend or professional care manager --to arrange a meeting and get formal, written commitments from those people who are willing to help you. The extra help will give you breathing room to find all those resources that are there to help you.

Seek care management advice.A number of organizations and private companies will give you advice and guidance -- many for free. If your care recipient has a very low income, you might get free help from your local Area Agency on Aging. A lot depends on available funds. Go to http://www.longtermcarelink.net/eldercare/ref_state_aging_services.htm for statewide lists of agencies.

A good source of free professional advice is the rapidly growing business of non-medical home care companies. Most will offer free consultations and these companies will also provide paid aides to help you with your loved-one…such things as bathing, dressing, shopping, household chores, transportation, companionship and much more. These people may also help you coordinate adult daycare or other community services. Go to http://www.longtermcarelink.net/a7homecare.htm for a nationwide list.You may wish to pay for a formal assessment and care plan from a professional geriatric care manager. Go to http://www.longtermcarelink.net/a2bfindmanager.htm for a nationwide list of these valuable care specialists. Even though it may cost you a little money to hire a care manager, this could be the best money you will ever spend. Care managers are valuable in helping find supporting resources, providing respite, saving money from care providers, finding money to pay for care, making arrangements with family or government providers and providing advice on issues that you may be struggling with.

Take time off--find temporary substitutes.Taking a break from caregiving is just as important as taking a break at work or taking that long-awaited vacation. A care manager may be of help in selecting the best temporary help to give you a break. Or you may make arrangements with family or friends to give you a break from caregiving.

Make plans for funding future care arrangements for you or for a healthy parent.The analysis of data from three national surveys (Mature Market Institute, National Alliance for Caregiving and LifePlans, Inc) points out that employees caring for disabled elders who have long term care insurance (LTCI) are nearly two times more likely to be able to continue working than those caring for non-insured relatives. In addition, working caregivers of those with long term care insurance said that they were less likely to experience some type of stress, such as having to give constant attention to the care recipient or having to provide care while not feeling well themselves. Also, the group with insurance devoted more "quality time"--more companionship and less hands-on assistance--than the group without.

See if your healthy parent can still buy insurance. If he or she can't afford it, see if other family members might contribute to premiums. There are also useful strategies using a reverse mortgage to buy long-term care insurance and life insurance for your loved ones. You should also consider insurance for yourself so when you need care someday, it won't be so stressful on your caregivers.

Staying Proactive In The Lives Of Our Elderly Parents-Hearts of Gold Senior Home Care

Aging is a natural process. We cannot reverse it or prevent it. It's another stage in our lives. Our retirement years are just another stage in our lives.

During our retirement years we undergo physical, mental and emotional changes. As your parents age you may notice these changes. This is the time to get involved in your parents lives. Taking a little bit of time to stay connected with our parents can ensure that they continue to live healthy happy lives.

When your mom or dad has a medical appointment, take the time to accompany your parent to the office visit. With your parent's permission ask questions regarding their health and any changes that you may start to notice. It maybe best to see a physician that specializes in geriatric issues.

Elderly people can at times become confused. When it comes to mom or dad's health, be proactive. This will help your parent cope better and feel that someone really cares about their situation.

As they age, often our parents tend to sit around more. If you notice mom or dad is less active find out why. Staying active is a vital key to remain in good health. Any form of exercise helps maintain bone mass, improves balance and strengthens muscles. Even small amount of exercise can make a world of difference in the way we feel. Exercise can help prevent falls that may cause injuries. Falls are the number one reason that elderly people lose their ability to live independently.

During a medical visit with your parent, address the issue of exercise. Have the doctor suggest simple exercise that your parent can partake in with the physicians permission. Encourage your parents to be more mobile if possible. A simple walk can be an enjoyment for both of you.

Staying in good health means eating a nutritious diet. Make sure that mom or dad is eating well-balanced meals. Assist them in preparing their grocery list. Help them prepare meals if they live alone. Help them purchase items that are nutritious and easy to prepare. Check their refrigerator and pantry for items that may be expired. Small things can make a world of difference.

Sometimes elderly individuals do not keep up with personal hygiene. Personal hygiene is very important. Maintaining personal hygiene makes you look and feel better. But most important, with the aging process our skin becomes much thinner leaving us open to cuts and ulcers. This is one of the reasons that in elderly people there is a greater need for good daily skin care.

Our sleeping habits also change as we age. We find that we need less sleep. If mom or dad has problems with sleeping you can discuss this with their physician. There are simple thing you can do to help them get a good night sleep. Encourage them to develop a routine at bedtime. Activity during the day can help a person sleep better. Make sure mom or dad is not sitting around all day. Have them avoid afternoon naps or caffeine. Reading or browsing through a magazine before bed can also help. Your parent's physician may have other suggestions for a good nights sleep.

As we age, staying mentally stimulated is very important. Books, crafts, gardening and other activities that your parents used to enjoy and can still do should be highly encouraged. Invite family member, friends and neighbors to stop by and visit. Remaining social can help mom or dad keep a positive attitude as well as stay in touch with the world around them. Elderly people seem to get more depressed. Staying social can cut down on depression.

As our parents guided us and supported us when we were growing up. Let us guide and support them through their retirement years. Always let them know though, that they are still in control of their decisions and their lives. Treat them with the respect that they deserve. After all, they did a good job of raising you. Who did we turn to in time of need? Our parents, of course. Let them feel now that they can always turn to us. Becoming proactive in the care of our parents can be at times very stressful and emotional. But it can be very rewarding as well. It is a time when we find that we can bond with mom or dad all over again. And really get to know them adult to adult.

Senior and Elderly Care- Caring for Mom or Dad-Caring for Yourself-Lake County IL

Life is a never-ending rollercoaster. The house needs to be cleaned. The kids have a project at school. The dog has an appointment at the vet. You have to make cupcakes for the Mother's Club. And to top it off mom and dad just moved in providing you with a new job title. Care provider. You feel stressed out. We all handle stress in different ways. Some people get nervous. Some people worry. Some people may even get angry. Taking on too much responsibility can make you emotionally and physically feel sick at times. Stress can affect your whole life. stress can make you feel bitter. Stress may cause things like headaches, fatigue and even high blood pressure.

Not having a minute to yourself can make you feel depressed and agitated. Especially individuals or family members that take on the added responsibility of care provider of a loved one.

There are many things you can do easily to reduce stress each day.
1. A quick walk around the block
2. Go outside for a minute, look at the nature around you and breathe
3. Sing a song to yourself or outloud
4. Call a friend
5. Take a few deep breaths and let your body be still
6. Have a cup of hot tea, close your eyes and think of how good it tastes
7. Play some soft music in the car, at home and clear your mind
8. Buy a journal- write down things that stress you out
9. Bake a cake or some cookies- enjoy eating one piece
10. Take a hot bath
11. Praise yourself for doing so many things
12. Do most important things first- make a list
13. Be honest-ask for help when you can't do everything
14. Tell yourself a joke- laugh
15. Reward yourself-buy yourself something for all the things you do
16. Buy yourself a certificate of acheivement- fill in your name, display it

Remember, the day only has 24 hours. Some things can wait. Your health cannot. You are the most important person to yourself. For families that decide to take on the added responsibility of providing care for mom or dad there are options to reduce the stress and anxiety. A licensed home care agency can provide the support and care for your loved one when life becomes overwhelming. A home care agency can help by providing supplemental care at times so you can have that peace of mind and care for yourself, your family and your needs. Your try your best to ensure that mom or dad can live a better quality of life. Retain a better quality of life for yourself as-well through the services of a home care agency. When daily life becomes overwhelming, the most important thing is to take time for you. http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com

Cell Phones-Peace of Mind & Safety- Hearts of Gold Senior Home Care Lake County IL

Technology has certainly come a long way. For most of us it is very easy to adapt to new gadgets. But for seniors it may be very difficult. Cell phones are one of the new gadgets that every senior should have. Since a lot of seniors live alone, a cell phone can provide a sense of security, help them stay connected to family in friends, but most of all can be important in case of an emergency.

My mother just turned eighty. She is still active and independent, but not very fond of technology. She is set in her own ways. She never thought that a cell phone was necessary. In her opinion, her generation grew up without a cell phone and did just fine. She loves gardening and long walks. But her enjoyments make our family very nervous when we cannot get a hold of her. So I decided it was time that mom had a cell phone.

I felt that it was important for us to be able to stay in touch with her at all times. It was more for my peace of mind, not hers. She understands that even when she is gardening I can get a hold of her at anytime and not worry. She now understands that not only in emergencies is her cell phone important but it provides a feeling of safety and security so that she can maintain her independence.

Buying my mother a cell phone was the easy part. getting her to use it was another story. But once I encouraged her to become familiar with the phone, took the time to make sure she knew how to use it and understood how to use it, she cannot be without it now. She loves chatting with her friends all the time.

For many seniors it is difficult to convince them about the benefits a cell phone can provide. But once seniors realize a cell phone is not difficult to use, they are more accepting of this technology that is new to them. I deal with seniors everyday, providing senior home care in Lake County IL. (http://www.heartsofgoldhomecare.com) I realize a lot of seniors feel isolated and alone. A cell phone can help with socialization and independence for aging adults in their retirement years. My mother loves her cell phone so much, she suggested that for each new client that retains their senior home care services in Lake County IL with us, we should give them a free cell phone so they too can stay connected with their family and friends. She suggested that each caregiver can also help the senior understand and teach them how to use their cell phone. So that is what we are doing. An added value and benefit to the senior home care services that we provide. Stay connected to mom or dad at all times and have peace of mind. For more information on obtaining a free cell phone for your loved one to help you stay connected you can give us a call.