According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050 (a 47% increase). The CDC warns us that as the population ages and disability worsens, it is critical to understand the physical and mental health burden placed on 53 million US adult caregivers who care for a spouse, elderly parent or relative, or special needs child.

Caregiving, no matter to whom, is a challenge that impacts caregivers’ personal and professional lives in multiple ways, including his/her ability to work, engage in social interactions and relationships and maintain good physical and mental health. The average age of a caregiver is 49 but nearly 10% are also seniors. There’s also been a dramatic increase in the time people spend caregiving. Caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours a week providing care, but 23% spend more than 41 hours per week.

Considering the current caregiving landscape, it’s crucial for us to acknowledge the pressing necessity of supporting immediate family members who bear the heaviest responsibilities. In my experience assisting caregivers, I’ve heard a recurring sentiment: “I yearn for my family’s help, whether it’s lending a hand with tasks or simply providing some time for me to rest. Even small gestures would make a significant impact on my well-being.”

“Let’s conclude with a call to action: “Family members, become the pillars of support your family caregivers deserve. By extending a helping hand and offering your time, you can transform their journey from one of solitude to a shared triumph of love and care. Together, you can lighten their load and illuminate their path with the warmth of family solidarity.”

The post Caring for The Caregiver: A Need for Family Commitment appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Guadalupe Rodriguez, MSW-LCSW, MPH
Counseling Manager
United HomeCaree®
305.716.0710
unitedhomecare.com

According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050 (a 47% increase). The CDC warns us that as the population ages and disability worsens, it is critical to understand the physical and mental health burden placed on 53 million US adult caregivers who care for a spouse, elderly parent or relative, or special needs child.

Caregiving, no matter to whom, is a challenge that impacts caregivers’ personal and professional lives in multiple ways including his/her ability to work, engage in social interactions and relationships and maintain good physical and mental health. The average age of a caregiver is 49 but nearly 10% are also seniors. There’s also been a dramatic increase in the time people spend caregiving. Caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours a week providing care, but 23% spend more than 41 hours per week.

Considering the current caregiving landscape, it’s crucial for us to acknowledge the pressing necessity of supporting immediate family members who bear the heaviest responsibilities. In my experience assisting caregivers, I’ve heard a recurring sentiment: “I yearn for my family’s help, whether it’s lending a hand with tasks or simply providing some time for me to rest. Even small gestures would make a significant impact on my well-being.”

“Let’s conclude with a call to action: “Family members, become the pillars of support your family caregivers deserve. By extending a helping hand and offering your time, you can transform their journey from one of solitude to a shared triumph of love and care. Together, you can lighten their load and illuminate their path with the warmth of family solidarity.”

The post Caring for the Caregiver: A Need for Family Commitment appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Counseling Manager

United HomeCare®

305.716.0710

unitedhomecare.com

We are preparing to return to our new “normal life” which might bring about new stress reactions that we must be aware of. Learning to deal with them will ensure our wellbeing. It is important to recognize them and not feel alone in having these feelings. They might fade with time and if they don’t, there are many resources and healthcare providers qualified and ready to assist us.

What might some of these stress reactions be?

Feelings of shock, numbness or disbelief; difficulty concentrating; difficulty sleeping, nightmares; constant worry; feeling anxious, angry, fearful; difficulty performing daily or work activities; depression/ isolation; physical symptoms – headaches, body pains, rashes; chronic health problems worsen; low energy and fatigue; increased use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs; appetite changes.

How can we cope with them?

The best strategy is to use problem-solving skills and shifting our thoughts and outlook. Some useful tips are:

• increase our sense of safety by following  health experts’ guidelines to limit the risk of infection

• stay connected to family, friends and spiritual community

• discuss work from home strategies with your employer where possible

• continue to cultivate ways to stay calm (deep breathing, meditation, exercise, music)

• accept what we cannot change and focus on what we can do

• shift negative thoughts/statements to positive ones

• help others – this will take the focus away from us

• if we are grieving – seek activities to honor the lives and memories of those we lost

More than anything trust our inherent capacity to be resilient. It is in times of crisis that we  have an opportunity to discover our inner resources and develop the strength to overcome. Engage in art, music or writing and know that together we are stronger. Be well, at peace and  enjoy the moment, it is truly a gift.

The post Mental Health Tips in the Aftermath of COVID-19 Outbreak appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.