Family caregiving is not often a job people are well prepared for, and many underestimate the financial burden, the amount of time it takes to provide care and the emotional toll it can take. To help keep a healthy balance between caregiving and caring for yourself, remember these tips: Take time for a phone conversation or a visit with a … Read More
Caring for Dad: Empower Yourself as a Family Caregiver
When you are a family caregiver, it’s easy to overlook your own care. In order to be the best caregiver for your loved one, pay attention to your needs as well. Here are a few reminders to help empower yourself as a family caregiver: Believe in yourself: Trust your instincts. Usually they will lead you in the right direction. Protect … Read More
Stress Management 101: Alleviate with Assistance
For family caregivers, stress of daily life can easily become overwhelming. Managing stress involves taking charge of the stressful situation, changing your reactions to your stressors, and taking time to rest and relax. It’s important to allow others to help alleviate some of the responsibilities and pressures. While peaceful meditation, exercising and enjoyable activities are great outlets for stress relief, … Read More
What It Takes When Mom or Dad Moves In
When considering bringing an elderly parent into your home, there are more things to consider than just space. Caring for another person takes time, patience, physical and mental strength, and support from other family members and friends. This article from the Washington Post raises many good points that should be thought through when moving an elderly parent into your home. … Read More
Depression or Alzheimer’s? Know the Difference
Many people do not realize how similar the symptoms for dementia and depression can be, and the two can often be confused or misdiagnosed by family members. As Alzheimer’s becomes more prevalent in America, many are on the lookout for signs of the disease. Observe for the following subtle differences between the two conditions, and if you are concerned about … Read More
Answering Common Questions After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis brings with it dozens of questions for the person receiving the diagnosis, for family members and caregivers. Having answers to some of these questions can help put a patient at ease and allow him or her to focus on coping. Here are some frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease, along with their answers. What are the causes/risk … Read More
Visiting Angels Dispels Common Myths about Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a scary diagnosis, but educating yourself about the disease can help give patients and their family members a better understanding of the road ahead. With all the information available about Alzheimer’s it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. The following are some common myths about Alzheimer’s disease, along with the facts behind them: MYTH: Mom … Read More
Visiting Angels of Sunnyvale Hosts “Get Grounded” Fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association
The Visiting Angels team is hosting a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association at our Sunnyvale office on Friday, May 18th from 9am to 12pm, as part of the association’s “Get Grounded” initiative. This event is a great way to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association’s fight against a disease that has touched so many of our lives. Starbucks has generously … Read More
The Benefits of In-Home Care for Employees and Employers
A company’s benefits package is one of the first things potential employees consider when either searching for work or accepting a job offer. Company benefits are there to help give employees a satisfying work-life balance, and as times change, these benefits may need to be reevaluated to ensure that vital needs are covered. For instance, many employees currently struggle with … Read More
The Importance of Stress Relief for the Family Caregiver
Family caregivers often operate in “emergency mode,” running elderly or disabled loved ones to appointments, doing their shopping, cleaning, and providing personal care, all while trying to maintain a job and a personal life. Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems, as chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in the body. It can: Raise blood pressure Suppress … Read More