Caring for the Caregiver Right to Flourish January 4, 2013 Introduction – Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging: Who We Are / What We Do Caregiving for Your Loved Ones – Preparing for the Journey Managing Self Care: Basic Principles Managing Caregiving Stress Benefits of Good Communication Reaching Out – Using Community Resources Q & A Livia Fiordelisi, Care Manager National Family Caregiver Support Program Coordinator, Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging, 84 Progress Lane, Waterbury, CT

Acute =/= Chronic Chronic Illness No cures Long-lasting “Normal” changes Uncertainty Acute Illness Cures available Short-term Return to normal Dealing with certainty vs.

What do you think? QUESTIONS to CONSIDER 1Challenges Alyce and her family faced? 2Changes in Alyce? 3How well did Alyce take care of herself?

Don’t become another Alyce QUESTIONS ABOUT ME… 1 What can I learn? 2 What changes do I need to consider? 3What do I need to do to take better care of me?

It’s up to me! MANAGING SELF-CARE MEANS… Take responsibility. Have realistic expectations. Focus on “what I can do.” Communicate effectively with others. Deal with our emotions. Set goals and work toward them.

Taking Action TAKE BETTER CARE OF MYSELF POSSIBLE STEPS: 1Make doctor’s appointment 2Take half-hour break 3Ask son to stay with Dad 4Walk 3 times a week

Don’t ignore it—Do address it! STEPS TO MANAGING STRESS 1Recognize warning signs EARLY. 2Identify sources of stress. 3Identify what YOU can and cannot change. 4Take action.

Discuss  Report for partner Complete these statements… 1My warning signs of stress are______________. 2Sources of stress for me are_________________.

Ignore it—it festers RESULTS OF NEGLECTING STRESS Increased health problems Disrupted relationships “Burnout” Depression Decreased quality of care

THE SERENITY PRAYER …grant me the serenity to Accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference. —Reinhold Niebuhr, 1934

Accept what I cannot change CHANGES I CAN MAKE Change a situation Change my perception Change my response

GOOD COMMUNICATION... Benefits both listener and speaker Prevents misunderstandings. Builds relationships. Increases chances of being heard. Reduces stress and frustration. Enhances problem solving.

Keys to open the door… COMMUNICATING WITH THE MEMORY- IMPARIED PERSON 1.Have realistic expectations. 2.Keep it short and simple. 3.Use repetition. 4.Do not argue or correct. 5.Be aware of your body language. 6.Use touch.

Strike it Rich LOCAL RESOURCES Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging Independence Northwest (disability services) Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter Parkinson’s Disease Association, CT Chapter National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) CT Chapter

Strike it Rich WEB RESOURCES CT Department of Social Services. Elder Services Learn more about Connecticut’s National Family Caregiver Support Program page and other helpful programs. Eldercare Locator The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services. ElderCare Online A site for those caring for aging and parents and elderly loved ones. They are committed to providing senior resources, home health care advice and an online community where supportive peers and professionals help improve the quality of life for caregivers and elders. Family Caregiving A joint venture of the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) to recognize, support and advise family caregivers.

Strike it Rich WEB RESOURCES FCA: Family Caregivers Alliance FCA is a public voice for caregivers. FCA programs— information, education, services, research and advocacy— support and sustain the important work of families nationwide caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions. National Center on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren chhs.gsu.edu/nationalcenter The National Center was established in 2001, within the College of Health and Human Sciences at Georgia State University. The group’s aim is to support grandparent-headed families in order that they may secure a promising future for their grandchildren. chhs.gsu.edu/nationalcenter National Family Caregivers Association The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to help transform family caregivers' lives by removing barriers to health and well being. The Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving Dedicated to establishing local, state and national partnerships committed to building quality long- term, home and community- based services. The Institute provides family caregivers with effective supports and making investments that promote caregiver health, skills and resilience.