(Newswire.net — December 16, 2014) Brockton, MA —
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance-National Center on Caregiving, 29 percent of the U.S. adult population cares for someone who is ill, disabled or aged.* The National Alliance for Caregiving reports that there are approximately 66 million unpaid caregivers providing chronic and long-term care to family members.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, shares essential tips with family caregivers to help them through the busy, and often stressful, holiday season:
Be kind to yourself. Caregiving can be very hard work; take time to appreciate the loving care you provide. Know that every day you are doing the best you can.
Take care of yourself. Make and keep your own doctor’s appointments and other appointments that help to keep you well.
Remember to ask for help. People will often be happy to assist if they know what is needed; Caregivers need a break too.
Reach out to others for professional support if needed.
Set limits for what you are able to do; no one can do everything.
The best decisions are joint decisions. When possible, include the person for whom you are caring in matters that will affect him or her. This helps to reduce conflict and can lead to better outcomes.
Do your best to remain optimistic. This will help to lift everyone’s mood. When difficulties arise, know that this too, shall pass.
“The majority of caregivers are family caregivers – spouses, daughters or sons caring for aging loved ones or those with chronic or disabling health conditions. The typical family caregiver often juggles caregiving with the responsibilities of a full-time job and a family,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Family caregivers are at significant risk for burnout, and that risk increases during the holiday season. It is imperative that they take care of themselves, so they remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential caregiving services.”
Caregiver Appreciation Brunch
In recognition and appreciation of family caregivers, OCES held a Caregiver Brunch at OCES last month for caregivers who participated in the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshops. Each caregiver who participated in OCES’ Family Caregiver Support group was presented with a proclamation scroll signed by Governor Deval Patrick, as well as a $25 gift card and a cooking/caregiving book. Caregivers were also able to network with one another and share commonalities of their caregiver experiences.
OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program can assist caregivers in locating resources to help them including local support groups. In addition, the Healthy Living Department at OCES offers workshops on many aspects of self-care. For more information about these programs and others, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.
*The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP (2009), Caregiving in the U.S. National Alliance for Caregiving. Washington, DC. – Updated: November 2012.
About Old Colony Elder Services
Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers.