Guest Post: Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss

By Joan McKechnie

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, approximately 20% of adults in the U.S. report some level of hearing loss. Of these 48 million people, the vast majority are the over the age of 65 and hearing loss is specifically linked to changes in the body due to aging. The organization further reports that at the age of 65, one out of three people reported hearing loss. Understanding the cause(s) behind age-related hearing loss is the first step in maintaining quality of life.

 Why Is Age-Related Hearing Loss So Common?

 Many argue that advances in health care are helping people live longer and longer. However, certain organs in our body may not able to continue to function optimally for that long. In age-related hearing loss, the actual structures within the inner ear often cease to function.

 The inner ear contains a vast number of tiny receptor cells known as hair cells. (If viewed under a microscope, they have structures that look like hair poking out from their tops.) These hair cells help pick up relevant information within incoming sound waves, translate it into electrical pulses and, via the hearing nerve, the information is transmitted to the brain for decoding.

As we age, sometimes from as early as our mid to late 40s, hair cells may begin to deteriorate. The body is unable to regrow new hair cells at the moment, so when a critical mass of hair cells is affected, hearing loss will be experienced. In time, that gradual loss in hearing ability can start impacting quality of life.  Once this has occurred, the condition does not simply “go away.” Rather the negative effects tend to get worse the older one gets.

Other contributing factors may accelerate the progression of age-related hearing loss:

·         Damage to the inner ear hair cells from prolonged exposure to harmful noise levels

·         Family history

·         Certain medical conditions and medications

·         Smoking

What Does Hearing Loss Sound Like?

 

We use the phrase “sound like” because age-related hearing loss rarely leads to complete deafness. Typically, an individual will retain some hearing ability. Common symptoms include:

·         Difficulty hearing people around you, especially in noisy areas

·         Frequently asking people to repeat themselves

·         Frustration at not being able to hear others, TV, radio, etc.

·         Certain sounds seeming overly loud

·         Problems telling apart certain sounds such as “s” or “th”

·         More difficulty understanding people with higher-pitched voices

·         Ringing in the ears

 Why Is It Essential To Manage Age-Related Hearing Loss?

Beyond the obvious reduction in quality of life and risk of becoming socially isolated, growing evidence suggests that if left unmanaged, hearing loss can aid in the progression of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers believe that the strain put on the brain to decode sound when hearing loss is left unmanaged is simply too much and overwhelms the brain. Another idea voiced by several studies is that social isolation, which is commonly experienced by people with hearing loss, may also aid in the progression of these conditions.

 Can Age-Related Hearing Be Cured?

Sadly, no. Because the body is unable to regenerate hair cells, the damage is irreversible. However, using devices such as hearing aids, the condition can be managed. The first step is getting a hearing test at your doctor’s office or local hearing center. The test will show if you have any hearing loss and its severity. Many types of hearing aids are available, as are other helpful devices that amplify sound.

Hearing loss should not be ignored. It can and should be managed.

Joan McKechnie, who is HCPC Registered (Health Care Professions Council in the UK), works for Hampshire-based HearingDirect.com.

Guest Post: A Few Ideas for Improving Your Elderly Parent's Quality Of Life

By Genevive Serrao

Once our parents get older, it’s only natural to want them to stay safe and happy, above all else. While it’s difficult watching a parent grow older, knowing their life will never be the same again, a few simple things could do wonders. 

Strength Training is Vital

Even if your elderly parent exercises regularly, they may not be focusing on the right muscle groups. Want if they’re going to the gym and only using a treadmill? Not that walking isn't important, mind you. However, strength training is much more effective for helping your aging loved one stay strong. It prevents bones from becoming weak and brittle, as well as increases flexibility and range of motion, which ultimately make for greater quality of life.

  

Encouraging Social Interaction

Everyone needs friends—even if the visits are brief or only once a week. Your local area should have a few places where your parent could meet other seniors. Maintaining social connections has a way of keeping spirits up. Family members can’t always be there to keep their loved one company, after all. And, current research suggests that when seniors spends too much time alone, they have an increased likelihood of feeling lonely or depressed.  

Spending Time with Grandchildren

Many elders love nothing more than spending time with their grandchildren. Moments together can make for lasting memories. And you don’t have to live down the block to stay close. You can keep your parents in the loop by sending family photos, and if they know how to use a computer, chat via Skype.

Looking for Potential Issues

As our loved ones “age in place,” we have to keep an eye out for potential safety hazards. Something as simply as reaching for a something in a high kitchen cupboard could lead to serious injury. Check that rooms have all necessary safety features (like grab bars in the bathroom) and take the time to keep the most frequently used items in the home easily accessible.  

Keeping it Clean

Your elderly parent may be used to cleaning up after everyone —just as they may have always done. Perhaps you could encourage them to let go of outdated expectations and devote more time to hobbies or new interests. Hiring a cleaning service frees them from worry about scrubbing floors or keeping the bathroom clean.

What could be more satisfying than seeing your parents making the most of their golden years?

About the Author

Genevive Serrao, the contributor of this article, is currently writing for New York Housekeeping, a company specializing in maid and house cleaning services. Genevive loves playing guitar and is a Jimi Hendrix fan. You can follow Genevive on Twitter (@SerraoGen).

Guest Post: The Cultural Divide... How We Care for Our Elderly Around the Globe

By Genevive Serrao

Placing our elderly relatives in a care home is a common practice in the Western world. But this practice is all but unheard of in the East, where they prefer to look after their own family members. Neither of these cultural differences seems to be wrong, but why are they are so far apart in terms of emotional and family-related care? Let’s take a closer look at the way that elders are treated in different parts of the world.

The West

We’ll kick off with the care of the elderly that we are most familiar with—in the Western world. Impersonal care characterizes our healthcare system and has many negative connotations for the elderly. In the not-so-distant past, elderly and ill relatives were sometimes moved into large and remote facilities, where abusive behavior was tolerated. Thankfully, nursing and retirement homes conditions have improved in recent times. The fact does remains: Why do so many families choose institutional care for their elderly loved ones?

Developing Countries

In the majority of poorer countries, nursing homes for the elderly simply do not exist. This may be due to financial constraints, but is probably more a result of cultural differences. Families tend to look after one another and that includes  parents, once they grow old and can no longer manage their own care. As these countries become more influenced by the west, it seems that some governments are looking into the possibility of private health care for the elderly population.

Japan

Japan’s growing number of older adults are becoming something of an issue in their traditional culture. It continues to be common for parents to live with their grown children until they die. With Japan’s considerable economy and personal wealth not being an issue, we are now witnessing an increase in private health care and retirement homes. 

China

With more than 2 billion people, you would imagine that the Chinese would have some type of care already in place for the expanding number of elders. Decision-makers in this Eastern powerhouse do not seem to consider that a real priority, though. Families continue to follow the old ways of looking after aging relatives until their demise. Families rely on hospitals primarily for short-term care and even serious illnesses. With the average life expectancy increasing every year, one wonders about how this will affect the typical Chinese household in 20 years’ time?

East Meets West

BBC recently reported that some families in Europe are opting to “export” their loved ones to care facilities are far away as Thailand, which has a “strong culture of looking after its elderly.” Costs are significantly lower for dementia care than in countries such as Switzerland, Germany and England, while the reputation for quality care is “very high.” Families stay in touch via Skype and the occasional visit. While this practice is not yet common, the number of families forced to send their family members continents away may inevitably increase along with the elder population. 

The Future?

With the rising costs of private care homes and the faltering economy, perhaps the West could learn from their Eastern counterparts and keep their aging parents a little closer to home during their later years. The reality is that families in the U.S. and abroad may want to care for their loved ones in their own homes, but, despite their best efforts and intentions, cannot cope with the overwhelming demands of caregiving.

About the Author

Genevive Serrao, the contributor of this article, works with All State Cremation, providers of simple cremation services in Hamden, CT. Genevive loves playing guitar and is a Jimi Hendrix fan. You can follow Genevive on Twitter (@SerraoGen).

Guest Post: 5 Places to Look When Seeking Dementia Care for a Loved One

By Ryan Hughes

It is absolutely heart-breaking to see someone you love suffering from dementia. When dementia strikes, everything changes. The one you love may not be able to perform simple tasks any longer or may lose the ability to solve day-to-day problems. Feeling like you’re on an emotional roller coaster is common, with all of the personality changea. Dementia is a disorder that cannot be handled alone. You need to get help. Here are five places to look when seeking dementia care for a loved one.

Begin with the Primary Care Physician
A proper diagnosis is key and it is important to eliminate any other possibilities. Dementia is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease and vice versa. Reactions to medication, thyroid conditions, and lack of certain vitamins can also cause similar symptoms. A visit to your loved one's physician is important to get a baseline status, health history, and a referral to a specialist. A battery of tests will be performed, including brain imaging and blood tests in order to gather comprehensive information.

Visit One or More Specialists
When dementia is suspected, a specialist will be the next step in order to get the specific care that is needed to deal with your loved one's disorder. Ask the primary care physician to point you in the right direction and do your own research as well. Expect to make the rounds as you visit psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, and doctors, who have made dementia their area of expertise.

Seek Online Sources of Assistance
You'll find a host of helpful resources online. The Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) has a great deal of information, including the Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers Center. There is a help line that is available at all times, as well.

Learn About Lifestyle Modifications
Many steps can be taken at home to assist your loved one who is dealing with dementia. Discover medications that are helpful in improving symptoms, providing your loved one with more clarity and peace of mind. You can also make changes in diet to promote cardiovascular health and brain functioning. Reduce the amount of red meat in the daily diet and include a great deal of fresh produce. Whole grains, fish, and foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for cognitive abilities. Your loved one also needs regular, physical activity to keep the blood circulating and maintain well-being.

Bring in Home Health Care Aides or Seek a Facility
If your loved one can no longer be independent, you can bring home health care aides into the home on a daily basis. However, you may find that moving your loved one to a facility is the best option for round-the-clock care. There are many facilities that specialize in providing care for dementia patients. You can ask the primary care physician and team of specialists for their top recommendations. The Alzheimer's Association and other online sources can assist you in narrowing your search in order to find the best in care for your loved one.

Dealing with dementia in a loved one is truly challenging. Fortunately, resources abound to help you in caring for a dementia patient. Don’t give up. There is always hope... and helping hands.

Methodist Homes (MHA.org.uk) is a Christian organization providing care, accommodation and support services for persons 70 and older throughout Britain.

Guest Post: Enhancing Senior Health with Yoga

By Shannon Lochwood

Yoga is often practiced by young people looking to maintain their health and improve their overall fitness level, and many older adults aren’t familiar with even the basics of yoga. However, that doesn’t mean that seniors can’t benefit from taking yoga classes or doing yoga on their own.

In fact, yoga has a wide variety of benefits for senior citizens – maybe even more than for younger participants. While certain types of yoga may not be ideal for seniors, there are forms that will be beneficial for seniors of all different levels of health.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Improved Flexibility

Decreased flexibility is often a common problem for older adults. While any type of regular exercise like walking, jogging or even playing a sport like tennis or golf can improve flexibility, yoga is one of the best activities to immediately improve flexibility over the entire body.

Increased flexibility will decrease the chance of experiencing a minor or major injury that could result in chronic pain, or worse, a broken or damaged bone.

Yoga may also be able to improve joint flexibility and decrease pain associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions like it.

Better Stability

Many injuries that affect seniors aren’t related to serious accidents – they’re related to minor incidents in the home, such as minor falls or simply tripping over something. Practicing yoga on a regular basis can help seniors improve overall stability to avoid those falls that can result in very problematic injuries on the wrong surface.

Sleep Quality

It’s commonly said that seniors need less sleep than their younger counterparts, but many seniors don’t really feel that way. A lot of seniors also feel that they have a particularly hard time falling asleep at night, especially if they’re taking any type of medication that may keep them awake or are experiencing chronic pain related to another condition.

Yoga may help all individuals that feel they have a hard time falling asleep, simply because the movements of gentle types of yoga are often relaxing. Yoga classes also focus on the relaxing aspects of the practice and may even incorporate meditation, which makes many seniors feel more grounded and comfortable after sessions.

If you do take up yoga partly to improve your sleep, consider scheduling classes in the afternoon or evening instead of in the morning or during the day so you’ll be ready for bed within a few hours of your class.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Mental Health

Yoga is known as a relaxing activity, especially if you take classes that incorporate meditation, and for many seniors that suffer from anxiety or depression, doing yoga regularly may help to alleviate or manage the problem.

While some seniors may be hesitant to try yoga with its “new-age” label, others jump at the chance. Seniors that often balk at trying yoga are sometimes the ones that benefit the most, as well.

If the benefits of yoga sound appealing but you’re just not sure about the activity, try to keep an open mind. You may find an activity that you really enjoy once you understand the basics, and. yoga classes can also be another way for seniors to socialize or discover new things in their city. Many major cities such as Los Angeles or Miami have yoga classes just for seniors.

Shannon Lochwood is a freelance writer and has contributed to several health blogs. She loves everything about health, mental and physical and loves to encourage people of all ages to try fun new ways to exercise into their daily routine.

Guest Post: Coping with Hearing Loss as a Caregiver

By Paul Harrison

When others depend on you, it is essential that you take the best care of your own health. If you are struggling to understand conversations or others complain that you have the television or radio on too loud, you may be suffering from hearing loss.

This can be due to many things, such as an ear infection or simply part of the aging process. The sooner you get it checked out, the better. If your doctor does diagnose you with hearing loss, there are plenty of things you can do to help you continue as a carer.

Find out as much as you can about your condition so that you are well-informed and can plan ahead. Your doctor will send you for a hearing test and may suggest hearing aids. These can take some getting used to at first, especially if you have been losing your hearing for some time. However, they will certainly help you to engage in conversation and avoid much of the isolation of hearing loss.

Tell your friends and family what is happening and tell them what they can do to help. Simple things like making sure they have your attention and looking at you while they are speaking can make a big difference, especially if you have begun to rely on lip reading. 

Things will be much easier for you as a carer if the person you are caring for is able to understand your hearing difficulty. You may be able to teach them some simple signs to make things easier for you. This is often not the case, though, especially with older people or those with short-term memory problems.

You can make things easier by turning off the television or radio when you are talking to them, and making sure you are face-to-face.  If there is a window or lamp behind the other person, the light may dazzle you and make it hard to see their face. Another thing that may make it harder to follow conversation is if the other person is holding their hands in front of their face while they talk. If they don’t understand why this is a problem, you could try holding their hand, or give them something to hold such as a drink.

Just as it is harder to hear people when you are tired, it may be harder for the one you are caring for to speak clearly and understand you, when they are tired. Encourage them to point to things to say what they need. Save important conversations for when you are both alert.

One of the major concerns of carers with hearing loss is that they will not hear if they are needed, making them worry about going in the garden or sleeping in case they cannot hear a call for help.

There are pager systems where a transmitter is placed in the person’s room. When it detects noise, or the button is pressed the pager will sound an alarm and vibrate. Some systems also have flashing lights. You can carry the pager with you around the house and garden and not worry about missing a call for help.

This system can also be linked to pressure mats and door sensors, which will tell you if the person you care for is out of bed or has left their room. You can also get pads to put in your pillow, which will vibrate to wake you when you are sleeping.

Other equipment is now available that can make your own life easier, including extra loud doorbells with flashing lights so you don’t miss visitors. You can even find amplified telephones with a loud ring and caller volume control, as well as specially designed mobile phones or hearing aids with wireless capability so you can take urgent calls when you are out and about.

Paul Harrison has been in the hearing industry for 20 years and has gained experience at both at manufacturer level and retailer level for hearing aids.  Paul studied as an audiologist in Cambridge and now through he company www.yourhearing.co.uk manages a team of hearing audiologists across the UK who support hearing loss sufferers with solutions to their hearing problems.

Guest Blog: Clutter and Elderly Care

By Linda Bailey

I have watched Momma cleaning all my life. My earliest memories were of Momma showing me how to clean something or cooking lessons, even though I was not old enough to participate. She sat me up on the counter as a toddler and showed me how to make a pie crust. It was Momma’s way to communicate with me. She was not a big talker and had grown up during WWII and had to be caregiver to her two siblings because Grandpa was at war and Grandma was at the factory. She held her family together and made sure that the house was always clean and the food they had was always well prepared.

I have literally never seen a person that could outwork Momma. She never stopped; even when we had company and we were all chatting it was almost impossible to keep Momma sitting down. A lot of family members got aggravated at her because of it, especially her momma and her sister because they loved to sit and chat. But when things got out of hand or someone had a problem Momma was the first one to be called to the scene! She could handle anything and not just handle it but handle it with love and kindness. She is also the godliest woman I know and she lives her love for God out through her life and in everything she does.

So, about seven months ago, when they told us that Momma had a blocked carotid artery that had to have surgery, we knew she would be just fine. During their investigation of the artery they also found that she had numerous other blockages that needed surgery: a triple bypass. A couple of days before they told us she needed surgery and was blocked up she was out cutting down a tree at my aunt’s house (who is six years younger than Momma’s 77 years) with a chain saw. Only five feet two inches, and was always as strong as most men.

Within three months, she has had two major surgeries and has been hospitalized for a severe urinary tract infection, which keeps coming back. She has lost thirty-five pounds and has lost her appetite for most foods and is mainly being sustained by a high calorie Boost that we have to special order. She is so very frail and tiny. I know that many of you will understand when I say that there are times I just want to ask “Where did my Momma go?” And all the times I complained that she would never sit down seem to be such a long time ago.

Since Momma was such a worker in the past, the clutter did not seem to be as recognizable. Yes, we knew she kept everything, growing up when she did and living in basements and having nothing made her a keeper of things. But when she was well she was busy cleaning out closets (because of the dust) but not really getting rid of anything. She would just move it all to a different spot. And now that she is unable to clean as she did before, things are noticeable and way out of hand. As a matter of fact, she had been in the process of cleaning out a closet in the upstairs hall and had left half of it in the hall before she went in for her surgeries. After coming home, there was no time to clean it up because of all her care needs.

One morning, I went in to see about Momma and she seemed to not know where she was or what was going on. I got very concerned and when she could not get up and walk, I called 911. When they arrived they had to bring special equipment up the stairs and one of the EMT’s complained about the clutter in the hall and asked me how long it had been there because it looked like a long time! It seemed to me that he was insinuating that Momma was not in a good environment. This is what spurred me into thinking about all the things that Momma was holding on to.

I began talking to my family about getting rid of some of the clutter. I am not the most organized person in the world myself. I am a minimalist myself because I can handle having a place for everything and everything goes back in its place. But when it comes to clutter and overflow I am completely overwhelmed. I have a daughter, however, who has absolutely no problem diving in and throwing out. Of course, we had to make sure it was okay with Momma. We knew what she valued, like pictures, keepsakes, etc., but there were things which we needed to ask her about and that is where it got a little tricky.

Since her surgery, she has trouble making decisions and even questions seem to overwhelm her. We made a decision to get rid of things we absolutely knew were going to be okay first and things we had questions on, we boxed up and put in storage. We made sure Momma knew that we were not getting rid of her precious keepsakes; we were just putting them out of the way so that she would have more room and have fewer items to collect dust. She hates dust so that made her smile.

We are counting on, by God’s great grace, Momma feeling better day by day and coming back to a place where she can thrive again. In the meantime, we saw the need to get a lot of the clutter gone.  We did not want to make her feel anxious or threatened by just discarding the things that she loved and cherished, though. We told Momma exactly what we were doing, and after collecting things, we showed her what we were going to give away or throw away and what things we were putting into storage. We did not want to go behind her back and make her feel as if we were not acknowledging her feelings. We wanted to honor her by getting her okay.

Momma still has her thoughts and desires and we do not want to take anything away from her. Sometimes, when people get older and sick, their children mean well but they just take over and act as if their parents are no longer even there. This can really be detrimental to an elderly person, making them feel even less like they have worth and value. And it makes them less likely to recover fully because sometimes it makes them feel like giving up because they are no longer able to make decisions.

I understand there are times when someone’s mind is foggy and they cannot understand or they are fighting you about getting rid of anything. In that case, it might be a good idea to just talk to them about putting it all in storage for them to look through later when they feel better. Letting them know that they are still in charge of their lives to a great degree is key in some people’s recovery. I know not every situation is easy but I do know that respect and honor go a long way on the whole.

Before you think, “How do you know how the elderly feel?” I will tell you that I have spent a great deal of time around my great grandma, grandparents, and my aging parents. I have loved the elderly all my life and have spent a lot of time sitting with them reading, threading needles, talking, or just listening. Your body may change, but your heart stays the same. I was also in a serious automobile accident and lost the use of both of my legs and right arm for quite a while. I was put into a rehab center for the elderly and I spent many an hour sitting and listening to their hearts. Many of them abandoned by their children because they were too slow, could not hear well, or were unable to get around as easily. Yet, they were still who they always were.

I am thankful for these experiences I have had with these precious older people because they have made me more understanding and more compassionate in my work of late with my precious Momma.

Author Bio

This post is contributed by Linda Bailey from housekeeping.org. She is a Texas-based writer who loves to write on the topics of housekeeping, green living, home décor, and more. She welcomes your comments which can be sent to b.lindahousekeeping @ gmail.com.

Guest Blog: The Special Needs of Family Caregivers of Stroke Survivors

By Kristen L. Mauk, PhD, DNP, RN, GNP-BC

Caring for a family member who has survived a stroke can be intimidating. Stroke can cause a myriad of problems from difficulties with walking and talking to bowel and bladder incontinence. Being a caregiver for someone who needs help with activities of daily living can cause a high level of stress over time. 

Rosemarie King, an expert in family caregiving of stroke survivors, found that there were specific areas  reported by caregivers as causing stress. These included interpersonal relationship issues, sustaining one’s self and family, and how well the stroke survivor is functioning. Stress can come from others not understanding your situation or from lack of support from family members and friends. 

Caregivers of stroke survivors are often married daughters who are balancing their own family responsibilities with the new role of caregiver. If there is a great deal of uncertainty about the survivor’s future progress and outcomes, this can add additional stress to the caregiver. Depression is reported in a majority of caregivers of stroke survivors. All of these factors lead to most family caregivers of stroke survivors experiencing what is known as caregiver burden or caregiver role strain (CRS).

You are more likely to have CRS if you have had issues coping with stress in the past, are caring for a person with more serious and complicated needs, and/or you haven’t had the opportunity to learn about stroke and its aftermath. This type of stress can lead to problems such as ineffective coping, relationship issues, and even your own health problems.

Some key signs that you are experiencing CRS include:

• Lack of time to meet your own personal needs.
• Increased emotional ups and downs.
• Withdrawing from your previous social life.
• Changes in leisure activities.
• Increased illnesses or health problems.

What can you do if you are experiencing caregiver role strain? First, recognize that it is normal to feel stress as you learn the role of caregiver. Feelings of stress and being overwhelmed may fluctuate and continue over the entire first year in this new role. You are not alone in these feelings. It takes time to adapt and adjust. You will develop unique ways to be more successful as a caregiver. 

Here are some additional areas to consider, with tips for avoiding CRS.

Education

• Learn as much as you can about stroke so you can understand what the stroke survivor is going through. The American Stroke Association is an especially helpful resource.

Support

• Find a stroke support group in your area.
• Recruit family members to help with the care or financial responsibilities.
• Let people in your faith community know about your particular needs and let them help.
• Hire professional caregivers to help ease the care burden.

Have Realistic Expectations

• While your loved one may not fully recover from stroke, and your life has changed, be willing to accept this.
• Set reasonable boundaries for what you can and can’t do as a caregiver.
• Realize that adjustment will take time for everyone.
• Remember that even small gains can be meaningful to the person who has survived a stroke.
• Consider yourself an essential part of your loved one’s recovery and adjustment to a new life after stroke.

Self-Care

• Allow yourself time alone, time to rest, time to be refreshed.
• Don’t neglect your own health, and let your primary care provider know about your caregiving situation.
• Consider hiring a reliable person to provide care while you run errands, go shopping, or take a vacation.
• If you feel you need help coping, seek professional guidance or counseling early in the process.

You can visit Dr. Mauk’s Boomer Blog at www.drmauksboomerblog.com for more educational resources.

Guest Post: Health and Wellness Tips for Caregivers

By Tara Heath

Whether you’re caring for a loved one or you’re a paid caregiver, the job of taking care of somebody on a regular basis can be taxing, both physically and mentally. While it’s important that you give your all when caring for another person, it’s equally important that you take the time to care for yourself.

Images courtesy of Flickr.

Taking care of your own health and making sure you’re leading a balanced life isn’t just good for you, either. It may also give you the ability to provide better care to others when they really need it the most.

Eat Right All the Time

As a caregiver you probably spend a substantial amount of time preparing healthy meals. However, that doesn’t mean that you always eat healthy meals yourself.

In fact, many caregivers tend to eat quick meals and rely on fast food, microwaveable meals, or packaged foods for their own dietary needs. Unfortunately, this can lead to weight gain and decreased health over time.

If you can’t find the time for three healthy meals a day at the family table, take the time to prepare nutritious food you can take with you. Salads, healthy sandwiches and even snacks like raw nuts or fruit are convenient and good for your body, and preparing them won’t take much time at all.

At the very least, plan one meal per day where you can sit, relax, and eat something freshly prepared to nourish your body.

In addition to eating right, getting at least 45 minutes of exercise each day is ideal.

Seek Support When You Need It

Caring for somebody in need is often very difficult emotionally. When you feel like you're in over your head, remember to express your feelings constructively and vent instead of bottling up everything. Not talking about your concerns may result in depression, as well as being too overwhelmed to function properly.

Seeking professional support may be necessary for some, but for others, simply reaching out to a trusted friend or loved one can be helpful. Speaking to somebody who has been through the same situation may also provide perspective on the issue.

Find Time for Hobbies and Relaxation

When you’re caring for somebody that needs a great deal of attention, you may find yourself falling into a pattern common to caregivers: spending every minute worrying about their health and happiness. While you might think that’s making you a better caregiver, the truth is that it could be negatively impacting your life and your ability to effectively care for somebody that relies on you.

To prevent this, devote at least a little time each and every day to things that you enjoy. The hobby that you choose is up to you. Simple things like reading a book, playing an instrument or simply listening to music can be genuinely helpful.

Look for hobbies and activities that are calming, not agitating. That may mean turning off the nightly news and putting on some soothing music instead.

Being a caregiver is a noble task, but rarely an easy one. If you’re feeling the pressure of the job or become too depressed, your doctor may have a few suggestions to get you back on track.

Tara Heath is a freelance writer in Southern California. She has spent time caring for her grandmother, and knows how demanding the job of a caregiver can be. She contributes health content to the Presidio Home Care blog.