Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

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

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

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

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

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