Cancer Info’s Post

Caregivers are unsung heroes, dedicating their time and energy to ensure the well-being of loved ones. Yet, caregiving often leads to significant emotional, physical, and psychological strain. 🌸 Aromatherapy can support stress and enhance caregivers' well-being. Explore ACHS’s micro-credential program: Aromatherapy for Caregiver Burden and Professional Burnout to learn more about supporting caregivers effectively. 🌿 Learn more in our latest blog: https://hubs.ly/Q02HSZp70 #Caregivers #Aromatherapy #HolisticHealth #MentalWellbeing #SupportCaregivers #ACHSBlog

My recent post speaks of the process of becoming a Caregiver. Based on my own journey, I’ve identified ten spaces that are impacted by the caregiver role’s inherent challenges, and which can contribute to burnout and the risk of becoming a “hidden patient.” These spaces are differentially important to each Caregiver, and honest awareness of this can be helpful. I offer a little “activity” to help this along. https://lnkd.in/e2nZMCrR

My recent post speaks of the process of becoming a Caregiver. Based on my own journey, I’ve identified ten spaces that are impacted by the caregiver role’s inherent challenges, and which can contribute to burnout and the risk of becoming a “hidden patient.” These spaces are differentially important to each Caregiver, and honest awareness of this can be helpful. I offer a little “activity” to help this along. https://lnkd.in/e2nZMCrR

Finding strategies to cope, maintain resilience, and deliver optimal care can be immensely challenging yet gratifying in its own unique manner. It requires a delicate balance of emotional strength, adaptability, and a deep sense of compassion. Caregivers often find themselves navigating through a myriad of responsibilities, from managing medical treatments to offering emotional support to their loved ones. In the face of such demanding circumstances, it is crucial for caregivers to prioritize self-care and seek support from their social network or professional resources. This can involve setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness techniques, or attending support groups to share experiences and gain valuable insights. Research shows that caregivers who actively engage in self-care activities are better equipped to handle the stress and demands of their role. Moreover, providing the best possible care involves staying informed about the latest advancements in medical treatments, attending training workshops, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to caregiving. By fostering open communication and being proactive in seeking guidance when needed, caregivers can enhance the quality of care they provide and improve the overall well-being of their loved ones. In essence, while the journey of caregiving may be arduous at times, it is also a journey filled with moments of profound connection, personal growth, and resilience. By embracing these challenges with a sense of purpose and dedication, caregivers can truly make a difference in the lives of those they care for. Listen to the entire story about handling your grief while caregiving wherever you get your podasts. #caregiving #podcast #dementia #alzheimers #dementiatips #health #experience #life #care #geriatric #support #parkinsons #remember #memories #senior #age #lifestyle #fading #aging #mental #decrease #older #worry

🔍 Have you wondered how advance care planning (ACP) interventions impact caregiver outcomes? Let us share some insights with you! 📊 We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the impact of ACP interventions on caregiver outcomes. Meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that ACP significantly improved congruence in end-of-life care preferences between caregivers and patients. 💡 Results also showed improved bereavement outcomes, satisfaction with care quality/communication, reduced decisional conflict and burden among caregivers. No study showed that mental health of caregivers was adversely affected. Overall, this review suggests that ACP interventions have some benefit on caregiver outcomes. Authors: Chetna Malhotra, Huynh Vinh Anh, Mahham Shafiq MBBS, MSc and Ada Portia M. Batcagan-Abueg #AdvanceCarePlanning #ACP #CaregiverSupport #EndOfLifeCare #SeriousIllnessConversations #HealthcareResearch #PalliativeCare #Caregiving #Research #MetaAnalysis #DukeNUS

Caregiver's Sentiment: Tolerance of Cognitive Dissonance Although I might have said it slightly differently, "Wisdom is demonstrated through the tolerance of cognitive dissonance," This quote by Robert Thurman resonates deeply with the journey of caregiving. Caregiving often requires navigating the complex and sometimes conflicting emotions that arise when tending to a loved one, especially in their most vulnerable moments. Cognitive dissonance—holding two opposing thoughts or emotions at once—becomes a frequent companion. For example, caregivers may feel immense love and fulfillment in their role while simultaneously grappling with feelings of frustration or exhaustion. They might cherish the precious time spent with their loved ones but also mourn the gradual loss of the person they once knew. These conflicting emotions can be challenging, but it is in the acceptance and tolerance of this dissonance that wisdom grows. A wise caregiver understands that it’s okay to hold space for both joy and sorrow, strength and vulnerability. By embracing these contradictions with compassion and grace, caregivers not only care for their loved ones but also nurture their own resilience and inner peace. This delicate balance is what truly defines the heart of caregiving—finding wisdom in the complexity of human emotions and using it to provide the best care possible. #SanMiguelDeAllende #RetireMexico #AffordableAssistedLiving #MexicoCaregiving #DementiaCare #MemoryCare #AlzheimersCare #AssistedLiving #IndependentLiving #SeniorLivingMexico #HospiceCare #PalliativeCare #ContinuousCare #CaregivingWisdom #CognitiveDissonance #CaregiverResilience #EmotionalBalance #CompassionateCare

Want to know the type of caregiver who is more unnoticed by their employers, colleagues, and friends than any other caregivers? Those who have already been caregiver to their child with cognitive or physical challenges who then must take on another family member who needs care. Imagine you have adjusted to your bedridden child with multiple physical disabilities and your parent with dementia also needs you to handle his care. Plus, you must continue working to supplement the care needs of both family members. How would you cope? Why does it matter? ●      30-35% of caregivers fall into the compound caregiver category where they are continuously providing care to more than one family member daily. ●      As it previously was thought to be a negligible number of compound caregivers, there are few resources within the medical and government systems that consider this caregiving category for services. ●      They spend 50+ hours in their caregiving role and 40 hours in their work role. So, these caregivers are basically working 24/7. The human body tends to break down without rest and recreation in some small way ●      Compound caregivers are desperately in need of self-care plans to help them feel seen and heard in a safe, non-judgmental manner. These caregivers are basically working 24/7 and in need of assistance to preserve their physical and mental health, such as those provided by certified coaches. ●      Many working compound caregivers are apprehensive about acknowledging that they need help. Friends and colleagues tend to shy away from caregivers. Like all caregivers, others shy away from them, not wanting to be reminded of their own mortality. So, compound caregivers remain out of sight, out of mind and overwhelmed. Do YOU know someone who is a compound caregiver in your networks? Tag them below and let’s give them a shoutout. Help them feel seen! ⬇️

What in the world can a PT do for someone with dementia? I'm so glad you asked! Physical therapists (PTs) are movement experts that diagnose and treat people with injuries, disabilities or other health conditions. They are essential in helping decrease fall risk and train in fall recovery skills, relieving pain, improve mobility and range of motion, work on balance and walking gait, determine need for assistive devices like walkers, and prevent and recover from injuries. PTs and OTs both can help in endurance and energy conservation strategies, home modification recommendations, and transferring from one surface to another. It’s important to know you don’t have to wait for an injury to get a physical therapist involved in the care of you or someone you are caring for. If you notice ANY change in the things listed above, you can request an evaluation. Share some love in the comments with a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant in your life. Also, let me know what questions you may have! Make sure to follow @the_brain_pt on instagram to learn more! #physicaltherapy #rehabilitation #occupationaltherapy #PT #OTR #COTA #SLP #speechtherapy #speechlanguagepathology #longtermcare #nursinghome #homehealth #dementia #caregiver #alzheimers #alzheimer #dementiaawareness #dementiacare #caregiverlife #alzheimerssucks #vasculardementia #frontotemporaldementia #lewybodydementia #alzheimersfight #alzheimersdisease #dementiasucks #dementiapatients #dementiasupport #caregiversupport #caregivers

Recognize the emotional and physical toll caregiving can take on family members or primary caregivers. Seek assistance from support groups, counseling, or respite care to prevent burnout. Educate yourself about Alzheimer's and dementia, understanding the progressive nature of the conditions. This knowledge can help caregivers anticipate challenges and adapt their approach over time. Foster open communication with healthcare professionals, sharing concerns and seeking guidance on managing behavioral changes or adjusting care strategies as needed. Check out the website https://lnkd.in/gB6mVTyC for more information! 🌟 #Alzheimers #DementiaCare #HomeCare #SupportiveEnvironment #Routine #Independence #Engagement #Health #Wellbeing #Caregivers #EmotionalSupport 💜🌼

ABC Charts: A Tool for Caregivers As caregivers for individuals with dementia, we often face challenging behaviors known as Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). These can be incredibly frustrating and stressful to manage. Here's a simple yet powerful tool that can be your secret weapon: the ABC Chart. What is an ABC Chart? The ABC Chart helps you identify the Antecedents (what triggers the behavior), the Behavior itself, and the Consequences (what happens after the behavior). By tracking these elements, you can gain valuable insights into the reasons behind the behavior and develop effective management strategies. How to Use an ABC Chart: Create a chart: Divide the chart into three columns: Antecedents, Behavior, and Consequences. Observe and record: Whenever a challenging behavior occurs, immediately record the following: Antecedents: What happened before the behavior? Was the person feeling hungry, tired, or frustrated? Did they experience a change in routine or environment? Behavior: Describe the specific behavior in objective terms. Consequences: What happened after the behavior? Did the person receive attention, avoid something they disliked, or get their needs met? Review and analyze: After a week of recording, review your chart and look for patterns. Are there specific triggers that consistently lead to the behavior? What consequences seem to reinforce the behavior (even unintentionally)? Using the Insights: Once you understand the ABCs of the behavior, you can develop targeted strategies: Modify antecedents: If certain situations trigger the behavior, try to avoid them or modify them. Provide alternative coping mechanisms: Teach the person relaxation techniques or offer them preferred activities to manage stress or frustration. Adjust consequences: If the behavior leads to unintended consequences, like attention or escape from something unpleasant, find alternative ways to address those needs. Remember: Be patient and consistent. Changing behavior takes time and effort. Seek professional guidance if needed. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice and support. By using ABC charts and implementing these strategies, you can gain a deeper understanding of your loved one's behavior and create a more peaceful and manageable environment for both of you. #caregiving #dementia #BPSD #ABCCart #alzheimers #memorycare #eldercare