Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
December 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Advice, Home Care, Long-Term Care
There aren’t many jobs as noble as being a caregiver! Indeed, it is a worthy cause, and one which society is beginning to celebrate more and more. But for the caregiver, the nobility and grace are lost in the sheer emotional and physical demands of his or her duties. It is exhausting, stressful work! Many caregivers work themselves to the point of exhaustion, and then burn out quickly. This is, appropriately, referred to as “Caregiver Burnout.”
Caregiver Burnout is not something that HAS to happen to any caregiver. It is an occupational hazard, but occupational hazards can be avoided! Here are some signs that you as a caregiver need to watch for in yourself:
- Are you frequently exhausted
- Do you feel helpless? Do you easily become irritated by little things?
- Do you ever start resenting the person you’re caring?
- Are you becoming anxious?
- Do you find that you’re crying more than you normally do?
- Is your health fragile?
If you answered yes to some of these questions, you need to be on your guard. Things should not continue this way. And they don’t have to.
Here are a few ideas to keep Burnout at bay:
- Proper Diet: Don’t underestimate the importanace of eating right! If you don’t, you won’t have the physical or emotional energy to keep up with all your duties. You need energy, just like your car needs Gasoline! So put enough of the right stuff in the tank!
- Exercise: This is another basic that is easily overlooked. Proper exercise helps helps to build and sustain your energy levels. So go out and take a walk!
- Do things you Like: It is NOT selfish to schedule time for yourself. If you don’t, you will only feel less satisfied and more upset. Your hobbies should not end just because you are a caregiver. Your life is not over. So find a way to actively pursue the things you used to pursue.
- Ask for Help: Contrary to the opinions of many caregivers, it is really okay to admit that you need some help. You are not responsible for the entire well being of your family circle. Let people know you need a hand, and they will likely give it. Remember there are some really helpful services like Respite Care and Adult Day Care homes that are designed especially with you in mind. Take advantage of them!
- Find people you can talk to: You need to vent sometimes. You need someone who will hear you without judging you. A support group can be extremely helpful! Otherwise, schedule time to talk with your best friends, or a family member who knows how to listen. And when you find that person, let your guard down and be honest.
- Learn this word: “No.” I understand it’s a difficult one for you to pronounce, but if you don’t learn to say it, you will end up taking on all kinds of thins you never wanted to take on. For some reason, people often see all that caregivers do, and think they are superheroes. So they ask the caregiver to do even more! Don’t get more stressed than you already are. Just say “No.” It doesn’t make you a jerk. Don’t worry, they’ll understand.
- Encourage Independence: The person you care for might be relying on you a little too much. Consider encouraging him or her to do those things they still can do themselves! This not only lightens your load, it encourages a sense of well-being and dignity.
Remember not to overdo it! Stay balanced in a healthy way. You don’t have to burn out! In fact, you really can experience the fulfillment of your incredibly important job if you keep things in perspective!
Nintendo Wii: A Perfect Present for Seniors
By now, you have probably heard stories about how the Nintendo Wii has become a big hit in the world of Elder Care world. And it’s true. If you look around at your local Senior Center or Retirement Community, chances are, you will find a Nintendo Wii. And there might even be a line!
So, why Wii? Why now?
The Nintendo Wii is completely different than previous video games. The controls are not primarily based on pushing tiny buttons, but on motion. The player holds on to a control (sometimes one in each hand) and simulates the movement of the “virtual” player on the screen. In this way, people can “play” tennis without ever stepping out on a court, or bowl a twelve pound bowling ball even if they haven’t been inside a bowling alley in tweny years!
Kids love the Wii, of course, but seniors are maybe the ones who are most impressed.
Many therapists are starting to use the system in their practice, because it is a simple and fun way to encourage muscular motion. Some have dubbed it “Wii-hab.” The trend has stayed true in Oregon. Seniors all over the state have gotten into the game for exercise, entertainment, and even competition!
The Nintendo Wii retails for around $200, and the games range from $20 for simpler games to more than $80 for a game like Wii Fit, which includes a high-tech “Balance Board,” which is necessary for many of the activities.
The Wii makes an ideal Christmas present for grandparents, especially those who wish they could be more active. And the biggest plus of all could be this: the Wii could be an ideal place for grandpa to rub shoulders with his grandkids.
Harmony Hill Retirement Homes
October 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under Individual Facilities
Harmony Hill Retirement Homes
2366 NW Lakeside Pl
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-4391
Harmony Hill Retirement Homes is an Independent Living Facility in Bend, OR.
Independent Living Facilities in Salem, OR
October 27, 2009 by admin
Filed under Salem, independent living
There are several Elder Care facilities in Salem, OR, including Independent Living and Senior Retirement Communities . These facilities offer a wide array of services. Some are linked with Assisted Living and skilled nursing units as a part of their Continuing Care services. Here is a broad list of these unique Elder Care services in Salem.
Click on the name of the facility for more information.
| Facility Name | Address | PHONE # |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster Village Retirement & Assisted Living | 4138 Market St NE | 503-364-3383 |
| Meadow Creek Village Assisted Living | 3988 12th Street SE | 503-375-9732 |
| Regency Woodland | 4710 Sunnyside Rd. SE | 503-364-1355 |
| Capital Manor | 1955 Salem Dallas Hwy NW STE 1200 | 503-362-4101 |
| Redwood Heights Retirement | 4050 12th St Cut Off SE | 503-540-0822 |
Memory Care in Salem
October 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Long-Term Care, Memory Care, Oregon Directories, Salem
Do you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of Dementia? Are you worried about their safety and security?
There are a plethora of fine Elder Care facilities in Salem and some of those specialize in Memory Care. Their services range from Home Care to Respite Care to Adult Day Care to long-term Assisted Living. While many of them treat other ailments and situations as well, these facilities specialize in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia.
Below is a directory of Memory Care facilities in the Salem, Oregon area.
Click on the facility name for more information.
| Facility Name | Address | PHONE # |
|---|---|---|
| Harmony House | 3062 Hyacinth St NE | 503-588-0722 |
| Hawthorne House of Salem | 3042 Hyacinth St NE | 503-763-2722 |
| Rosewood Court Residential Care | 4254 Weathers Street NE | 503-585-4602 |
| Avamere Rehabilitation of Salem | 4120 Kurth St S | 503-581-8667 |
| Orchard Heights | 695 Orchard Heights Rd NW | 503-566-9052 |
| Brookstone Alzheimer's Special Care Center | 5881 Woodside Dr SE | 503-316-0687 |
| Farmington Square - Salem | 960 Boone Road SE | 503-363-2273 |
Nursing Homes in Salem, OR
There are many Skilled Nursing and other Elder Care facilities to choose from in Portland. Below is a of Nursing Homes in Salem. Click on the name of the Facility for more information.
| Facility Name | Address | PHONE # |
|---|---|---|
| Avamere Rehabilitation of Salem | 4120 Kurth St S | 503-581-8667 |
| Capital Manor | 1955 Salem Dallas Hwy NW STE 1200 | 503-362-4101 |
| Evergreen Windsor Health & Rehab Center | 820 Cottage St NE | 360-892-6628 |
| Tierra Rose Care Center | 4254 Weathers Street NE | 503-585-4602 |
| Sunnyside Care Center | 4515 Sunnyside Rd SE | 503-370-8284 |
The map indicates the location of these facilities. To match up a facility with a location, simply click on a marker to find the name, or put the name in the map search bar.
Assisted Living in Salem, OR
October 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Assisted Living, Long-Term Care, Oregon Directories, Salem
There are many fantastic Assisted Living and Elder Care Facilities in the Salem, Oregon area. The table below includes just about every Assisted Living Facility in Salem. You can sort through the information by clicking the top row.
Click on the name of the facility to see more information. For other kinds on Elder Care in Oregon, click here.
| Facility Name | Address | PHONE # |
|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Residential Care - Salem | 2480 NE Coral Ave | 503-362-5885 |
| Harmony House | 3062 Hyacinth St NE | 503-588-0722 |
| Hawthorne House of Salem | 3042 Hyacinth St NE | 503-763-2722 |
| Lancaster Village Retirement & Assisted Living | 4138 Market St NE | 503-364-3383 |
| Rosewood Court Residential Care | 4254 Weathers Street NE | 503-585-4602 |
| Avamere Rehabilitation of Salem | 4120 Kurth St S | 503-581-8667 |
| Meadow Creek Village Assisted Living | 3988 12th Street SE | 503-375-9732 |
| Regency Woodland | 4710 Sunnyside Rd. SE | 503-364-1355 |
| Capital Manor | 1955 Salem Dallas Hwy NW STE 1200 | 503-362-4101 |
| Gibson Creek | 1615 Brush College Rd NW | 503-361-8599 |
| Orchard Heights | 695 Orchard Heights Rd NW | 503-566-9052 |
| Cedar Village Assisted Living | 4452 Lancaster Dr NE | 503-390-9600 |
| Brookstone Alzheimer's Special Care Center | 5881 Woodside Dr SE | 503-316-0687 |
| Farmington Square - Salem | 960 Boone Road SE | 503-363-2273 |
| Southern Hills | 4795 Skyline Rd S | 503-378-7499 |
| Evergreen Windsor Health & Rehab Center | 820 Cottage St NE | 360-892-6628 |
| First Call Home Health, LLC | 565 Union St. NE, Ste 205 | 503-371-4567 |
| Tierra Rose Care Center | 4254 Weathers Street NE | 503-585-4602 |
| Redwood Heights Retirement | 4050 12th St Cut Off SE | 503-540-0822 |
| Sunnyside Care Center | 4515 Sunnyside Rd SE | 503-370-8284 |
| Salem Hospital Home Care | 2455 Franzen St NE, Salem | 503-561-5999 |
Four Seasons Residential Care
October 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Individual Facilities
Four Seasons Residential Care
2480 NE Coral Ave
Salem, OR 97301
503-362-5885
Four Seasons Residential Care is a Residential Care facility for Seniors in Salem, OR.
Seniors & Computers: 6 Steps to Getting Grandma Online
October 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Advice, Uncategorized
The Internet can be an intimidating place for Seniors. Many of them have decided they can do just fine without it, and would prefer to let the younger generation to keep their technology for themselves. Some even insist that the older way of life was better without all of the so called “advancements.” But there are real benefits for seniors online. Some studies have shown depression rates to be significantly lower for them, and it’s easy to see why. They can “get out” see family, talk to friends, and shop for the things they need without being hampered by fatigue and limited mobility. If any one group can benefit most from the internet, it might just be senior citizens!
Senior computing is on the rise, but many still reject it despite the endless appeals of their younger family members. Sometimes, the problem is in the appeal itself. The younger crowd often highlights the benefits that they themselves enjoy; things like online video streaming and shopping. But to the elder generation, these benefits are less important on the forefront. What is important to the Greatest Generation? Relationships. Family. Especially Grandchildren!
With that in mind, here’s a sure-fire, step-by-step guide to finally getting Grandma to log on.
1. Get her a computer.
Obviously. She might already have one collecting dust, or maybe you do. It doesn’t have to be state-of-the-art, but it needs to have basic functionality for handling high speed traffic. A USB 2.0 port is a must.
2. Get her signed on with a high-speed internet service.
Cable and DSL service has come down in price, and wireless Broadband is becoming increasingly popular. For her purposes, even a 1.5 MBPS speed will likely be sufficient. If she’s going to video conference, it would be safer to go higher, just in case. Dial-up is not going to help very much.3. Create Accounts for Her.
You do this all the time for yourself, so do it for her. Start with a real simple email account. Gmail is a nice option, because their interface is nice and clean. Then, get her signed on with whatever picture sharing sites the rest of the family uses, like Snapfish, Photobucket, or Flikr. If nobody uses these, chances are they use Facebook. So get her signed up there. Don’t worry about features. What’s important is that she’s using the same thing they are using. Next, move on to Skype. This is contingent, of course, on whether the rest of the family ever does video conferencing. If they do, get her a USB 2.0 webcam, hook it up, and open a Skype account (or a similar service, like iChat for Mac users. Again, the important thing is that she’s using what the rest of the family is using.) For all of these, save the settings so that her username and password (use the same one every time, if possible) will automatically be entered every time she goes to the site.4. Simplify Everything.
Clean up the desktop. Make the icons big. Her eyes aren’t so good anymore. Re-label her web browser “INTERNET,” and her Skype or iChat icon “Video Phone.” Un-install any unnecessary toolbars on the browser window, and instead put some personalized bookmarks up there, just for her. Label her Shutterfly bookmark “Grand-baby Pictures.” Label her email account not as “Yahoo Mail” but just “E-Mail.” You can include other helpful ones as well, such as “Weather,” “Old Friends,” etc, which she might want to explore later on.5. Coordinate with the family.
Have someone send her an email ahead of time, welcoming her to the 21st century. Make sure there are new pictures up on the family site–ones Grandma has never seen before. Have them accept her Friend Request on Skype beforehand, and see if they can be online at the same time you will be.6. Show her how.
Invite her to sit in front of the keyboard, and you sit next to her. Let her take the mouse. Be patient with her. Have her click on the “INTERNET” icon. Let her click on “Email,” and read the note that was already waiting for her. Have her click “Grand-baby” Pictures and comment about how quickly and easily they come up. Finally, have her open up Skype and say hi to her grandchildren, face to face.If you can do all of this, she’s well on her way. Remember to go slow. If you do well, she will get more comfortable in the digital world and in time, she’ll learn to navigate for herself. That can only be good news.
Elder Care Directory for Portland, OR
Elder Care facilities in Portland offer a wide variety of services, from part-time home Respite Care to long-term Nursing Home care. This sortable directory reveals which services are offered by each facility. Six Categories are included: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, Memory Care, Home Health Care, Independent Living & Retirement, and Respite Care / Adult Day Care.
To sort through this directory by category, simply click on the top row. For example, if you want to see all the Assisted Living Care services in Portland at the top, simply click above the “Assisted Living” row, etc.
Portland Elder Care Directory
