I understand what you mean about not wanting loved ones to think of themselves as a burden. But asking for help is NOT saying this person is a burden. We need to think of caregiving support groups, brochures, books, even respite care, as another tool to use for optimal health, just like medication, doctor's visits, good diet and exercise. Certainly, you wouldn't leave the "When Your Loved One Resists Care" brochure laying around, but most literature you get doesn't look at caregiving as this burden to overcome, but a natural state of life. It's like reading "What to Expect When You're Expecting" when you're pregnant!
And yes, your parents might worry that they are a burden to you. You can try to reassure them, and tell them you're only doing what they did for you when you were growing up. Most parents aren't offended by their kids attending support groups or using respite care, because they want the best for you and for you to care for yourself.
I think the hardest thing for caregivers is remembering that you can only be an effective caregiver if you care for yourself as well. If you are sick, physically or mentally, you don't do anyone any good.
Another two great books for college (and right out of college) kids are Help! My Apartment Has a Kitchen and Help! My Apartment has a Dining Room!, by Kevin Mills and Nancy Mills. The recipes are easy for the most part, and are in plain English so even the most amateur cooks can figure out the instructions. There are even hints on where you'll find the more exotic ingredients in the grocery store. I'm in my 30s and still use some of the recipes because they are so tasty! These two books also contain a lot of vegeterian recipes.
I work for a non-profit organization that works with older adults and caregivers. We provide information, help in finding and obtaining needed services, comprehensive individualized assessments for frail older adults, plans of care to help keep older adults living at home, and support for both caregivers and older adults.
There are similar organizations in communities across the country. If you facing a situation with elder care and you could use some help, call the ElderCare Locator or visit their web site. http://www.eldercare.gov or 800-677-1116.
mbladams (anonymous) says...
I understand what you mean about not wanting loved ones to think of themselves as a burden. But asking for help is NOT saying this person is a burden. We need to think of caregiving support groups, brochures, books, even respite care, as another tool to use for optimal health, just like medication, doctor's visits, good diet and exercise. Certainly, you wouldn't leave the "When Your Loved One Resists Care" brochure laying around, but most literature you get doesn't look at caregiving as this burden to overcome, but a natural state of life. It's like reading "What to Expect When You're Expecting" when you're pregnant!
And yes, your parents might worry that they are a burden to you. You can try to reassure them, and tell them you're only doing what they did for you when you were growing up. Most parents aren't offended by their kids attending support groups or using respite care, because they want the best for you and for you to care for yourself.
I think the hardest thing for caregivers is remembering that you can only be an effective caregiver if you care for yourself as well. If you are sick, physically or mentally, you don't do anyone any good.
On Help for Caregivers
October 9, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mbladams (anonymous) says...
Another two great books for college (and right out of college) kids are Help! My Apartment Has a Kitchen and Help! My Apartment has a Dining Room!, by Kevin Mills and Nancy Mills. The recipes are easy for the most part, and are in plain English so even the most amateur cooks can figure out the instructions. There are even hints on where you'll find the more exotic ingredients in the grocery store. I'm in my 30s and still use some of the recipes because they are so tasty! These two books also contain a lot of vegeterian recipes.
On Tuck these into your off-to-college care package
August 29, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mbladams (anonymous) says...
I work for a non-profit organization that works with older adults and caregivers. We provide information, help in finding and obtaining needed services, comprehensive individualized assessments for frail older adults, plans of care to help keep older adults living at home, and support for both caregivers and older adults.
There are similar organizations in communities across the country. If you facing a situation with elder care and you could use some help, call the ElderCare Locator or visit their web site. http://www.eldercare.gov or 800-677-1116.
On Caregivers in the circle of life
June 7, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )