Month: October 2023

Categories
Caregiving

How to Deal with Caregiver Burnout

Senior mom and daughter smiling together

Caring for a parent or older family member is a balancing act: You want to be able to provide the level of attentive care they need, but you also need to take care of yourself.

The complex emotional nature of caregiving can make it hard to recognize the toll it takes on your personal health and well-being. Spending too much time attending to your family member’s needs without attending to your own can lead to a condition called caregiver burnout – which isn’t healthy for you or your family member.

What is caregiver burnout?

Caregiver burnout, also known as caregiver exhaustion, is what happens when you put so much time and energy into taking care of someone else that you’re too exhausted to take care of your own needs.

What are symptoms of caregiver burnout?

Among the most common symptoms are fatigue, depression and losing interest in hobbies and other things that bring you joy. Other signs of caregiver burnout include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, chronic headaches, and body aches and pains.

Feelings of guilt and resentment toward your family member – and alternately feeling that you’re doing too much and not enough – are also common.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to alleviate caregiver burnout.

Build a support system

Reach out to family and friends to discuss what you’re going through. Sometimes simply sharing your feelings and experiences can make you feel less isolated. And if the people around you understand the challenges you’re facing, they may offer to help with your caregiving duties.

In some cases, you may need more support than family and friends can provide. If you feel like you may be experiencing caregiver depression, consult your doctor or seek out a professional therapist or a counseling support group. Having thoughtful listeners who empathize with your situation can help you manage your emotions.

Try a short-term stay at an assisted living community

An invaluable option for caregivers and their families, a short-term stay at an assisted living community can provide temporary relief from caregiving duties. Your family member will receive the support they need from professional caregivers, allowing you to take a well-deserved break – whether it’s a vacation, some time with family and friends, or simply relaxing at home without caregiving responsibilities.

Short-term stays also offer a number of benefits for seniors. They’ll be able to enjoy all of the community’s amenities and events while also having plenty of opportunities for social engagement.

Prioritize self-care

Make sure you’re proactively taking care of your physical and mental health. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, staying active, engaging in activities you enjoy, and spending time with family and friends.

It’s also important to take regular breaks throughout the day. Even a brief pause from caregiver duties can make a difference. Stepping outside for fresh air, listening to calming music, and doing some relaxation exercises are all good ways to take a quick break.

Organize your time

Effective time management is essential when attempting to balance caregiver duties with your own well-being. Create a caregiving schedule that lets you dedicate time to your needs as well as those of the person you’re caring for. This is especially important for caregivers with busy careers or young children who also require their time and attention. Planning out your calendar in advance can make it easier to manage all your responsibilities.

If you can arrange for help from friends and family, this can take some of the pressure off you. For example, maybe a spouse or a sibling can lend a hand so you have time to run errands, see friends or go to the gym.

Know your limits and plan for the future

At some point, the level of care your family member needs may become more than you’re able to provide. Changing health conditions, such as the onset of dementia or the decline of physical mobility, can require professional care.

It’s important to recognize when it’s time to consider assisted living or memory care as the right caregiving option for your family. These transitions can be difficult but may ultimately be the best course of action for your family member’s well-being.

Self-care is not selfish

Caring for others involves a complicated set of emotions, so it’s common for caregivers to feel guilty about taking breaks. You might feel like you’re abandoning your family member by focusing on your needs, but you need to be in good mental, emotional and physical health to provide quality care.

In the long run, taking better care of yourself is vital to preventing caregiver burnout.

Recognize when you need a break

Caregiver burnout is a common and normal phenomenon for anyone providing care for a family member. It’s important to be aware of the toll caregiving can take on your own health so that you can take the right steps to recharge and recover.

Check in with yourself on a regular basis to see if it might be time for you to take a break or seek help from others. Be honest with yourself about what kind of relief or assistance you need. The better you take care of yourself, the better you’ll be able to take care of your family member.

Categories
Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Assisted living v. memory care: What’s the difference?

Three seniors potting plants outside

If you’re just starting to explore senior living communities for your parent, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. From cost to care levels and quality of life, there’s a lot to consider. This article will help you understand the difference between memory care and assisted living.

What does assisted living offer?

Assisted living communities help older adults maintain independence by offering private apartments, daily meals, transportation and 24-hour support for essential activities of daily living – or ADLs – including:

  • Bathing
  • Getting dressed
  • Toileting
  • Transferring to and from a bed or chair
  • Eating
  • Incontinence management

Some families delay making the move to senior living until an incident forces their hand. However, waiting for an accident or higher care need may make it harder to transition to a new environment and integrate into the community. In addition to assistance with daily life, one of the greatest benefits of senior living is staying physically and socially active through community events.

Quiz: Assisted Living or Memory Care – Which Is the Better Fit?

What is memory care?

Memory care communities offer a safe and secure environment where specially trained staff offer round-the-clock care and supervision. These tailored communities plan events that cater to the abilities of memory care residents, design spaces that feel soothing and familiar, and offer opportunities to socialize – all of which can help cognition and mood. As an added layer of security, entries and exits at a memory care community remain secured to prevent wandering.

The primary differences between assisted living and memory care are the level of assistance and security offered in the community. However, some communities offer both options in the event a resident’s care needs change.

Can someone with dementia live in assisted living?

Jason Shott is an Atria Regional Vice President with a long history of researching and working in memory care communities. He notes that many residents in assisted living experience mild cognitive impairment (referred to as MCI), including quickly forgetting names, or difficulty planning and organizing.

“When you begin to notice these symptoms, the first step is to go to a physician – preferably a geriatrician – to rule out medical reasons such as mini strokes or a UTI,” Shott says.

If symptoms are truly related to the beginning stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, the social and cognitive stimulation a community environment offers may help with cognition, and symptoms can be managed until the disease progresses. In later stages, however, it may become necessary to seek an environment that’s dedicated to maintaining the safety and well-being of those living with dementia.

Signs it’s time for memory care

If you’re wondering if memory care is the right choice for your parent, there are a few things to consider. Shott recommends asking yourself if your family member:

  • Is safe in their current living situation
  • Has become withdrawn and moody
  • Struggles to recall the date or time
  • Is experiencing difficulty sleeping, including sundowning (confusion or agitation in the late afternoon and into the night)
  • Has begun wandering
  • Has increased incontinence issues

Average cost of assisted living and memory care

Cost is an important factor in determining the right community. So, how much does assisted living cost? The answer is, it depends.

A Place for Mom reports that in 2023, an assisted living one-bedroom apartment typically costs $4,803 per month. That said, the price can vary greatly by location, amenities and care needs.

Because memory care communities offer a higher staff-to-resident ratio with specialized care, the cost is typically more than assisted living. According to A Place for Mom, the median cost of memory care in 2023 is $5,800 per month, but the range is vast. They note that memory care apartments can be found anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000 per month.

No matter which community or living option you decide is best for your family, it’s important to understand what’s included in the monthly rate.

Finding the right community

AARP notes that even if your family is confident that assisted living is the right fit right now, it’s still important to understand what continuing care options are available. Finding a place where your parent can receive the care they need as their needs change will offer you peace of mind now and remove undue burden in the future.

Shott agrees – and says that if the community you visit won’t work out, they should help you find one that does.

“You want to work with a provider who doesn’t just want you to move in,” he says. “They should understand that if you can’t move in, their job is to help you find the resources you need.”

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

5 Signs It’s Time for Your Parent to Stop Driving

Senior man adjusting mirror in car

The ability to drive is often associated with freedom, so for senior drivers, losing that ability can feel like losing part of their independence. There are ways to get an objective view of your parent’s driving abilities, such as taking a DMV test for seniors or an AARP senior driving course, but you may want to consider other options if you fear for their safety.

So, when should older adults stop driving? Age alone isn’t a predictor. Here are five signs it may be time for your parent to stop driving.

1. Altered driving behavior

Has Dad stopped driving long distances, even though he loves his annual road trip? Is he reluctant to drive at night or in bad weather? Has Mom been in an accident or had a few close calls? Do they miss important street signs and signals or seem “on edge” while driving?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it could be an indication that your parent no longer feels comfortable behind the wheel.

2. Impaired hearing or vision

Has your parent complained about poor vision, or do they seem hard of hearing lately? Good vision and hearing are critical for safe driving.

Aside from the natural decline in eyesight that comes with aging, a number of eye conditions can also hinder an older adult’s ability to focus and use their peripheral vision to detect pedestrians, traffic lights and other vehicles. Hearing impairment may make it difficult to detect external cues such as sirens or a car horn.

3. Slower reaction time

Safe driving requires quick thinking and the ability to multi-task. Similar to vision and hearing impairment, cognitive decline is a common sign of aging. Even mild memory impairment can hinder your parent’s ability to quickly react to unexpected scenarios, such as having to brake suddenly or swerve to avoid a collision.

4. Medical conditions

Discomfort from arthritis can cause older adults to restrict their movements, which could impair their ability to drive safely. Seniors driving with joint pain may find it difficult to fasten a seat belt, glance over the shoulder to assess traffic and even securely grip the steering wheel.

Memory impairment – especially Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia – can also affect driving abilities. Can Mom remember where the grocery store is? Does she routinely get lost or miss turns?

5. Medication usage

While prescription medications can improve the quality of life, they can also put older adults at risk. Certain medications may have side effects that impair driving. If Mom or Dad had a recent prescription change, check the labels for warnings and ask their doctor about possible drug interactions.

Next steps and tips for safe driving for seniors

To gain a firsthand experience of your parent’s driving ability, offer to ride along with them the next time they run an errand. Take note of the signs mentioned above, and discuss with another caregiver or family member to see if they have noticed anything of concern.

Perhaps preparing for and taking a driving test can help your parent re-establish habits that make them feel safer on the road. Search for AARP senior driving course locations if you and your parent agree to pursue this option.

Lastly, ask your mom or dad if they still feel comfortable driving. If you have specific concerns, tell them what you noticed and suggest a checkup with their physician. Regular doctors’ visits can be scheduled to assess your parent’s vision, hearing and any medical conditions that could impact driving safety.

Infographic: 5 Signs it’s Time for your Parent to Stop Driving

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

Alexa for seniors: Creating a seamless resident experience

Amazon Alexa smart device in an Atria Senior Living apartment

Technology is often associated with youth, but smart devices are increasingly being designed to address the needs of older adults. From wearables with fall detection capabilities to security systems that provide a sense of safety for older adults and caregivers alike, smart devices make it easier for seniors to live with greater independence and more fully connect with their communities.

According to AARP, the convenience and peace of mind that smart devices provide are rapidly winning over older adults – who now use technology like smartphones at almost the same rate as their younger counterparts.

Some of the most popular functions of smart technology for older adults include:

  • Security systems, which monitor for intruders, can be integrated with other smart sensors to turn on lights when someone enters a room (reducing tripping hazards), lock the front door when they get into bed and alert a caregiver when they get up.
  • Smart assistants provide important reminders, answer questions and make calls. Voice activation is especially beneficial for older adults who may struggle to see buttons on their phone or navigate a complicated interface.
  • Monitoring health is especially helpful for older adults living with chronic illness. From tracking steps and sleep to detecting falls and monitoring blood sugar, smart wearables offer a host of benefits. The popularity of these devices for people of all ages also means there are more stylish and less obtrusive options to choose from.

The benefits of Alexa for seniors

Because it utilizes voice-activated technology, Alexa-enabled devices stand out as one of the best smart home devices for seniors as there are no complicated interfaces to navigate, and its use isn’t dependent on fine motor skills, eyesight or mobility.

Alexa offers more than 100,000 skills. While that number may be a little intimidating, there are a handful of skills that are most popular and functional for older adults.

  • “Routines” allows users to set timers for lights, wake-up calls and more.
  • “Ask My Buddy” lets you set up emergency contacts and contact emergency services.
  • “My Calendar” reminds you of upcoming birthdays, appointments and other scheduled events.
  • “Alexa Drop In” is an optional feature that permits people to instantly connect between rooms with their supported Alexa-enabled devices. Just say, “Alexa, drop in,” to get started.

In addition to the skills above, Alexa-enabled devices can also:

  • Play the radio or an audiobook
  • Provide the weather forecast
  • Save a shopping list
  • Read a recipe
  • Give the date and time

Ginna Baik, Senior Care Lead for Alexa Smart Properties, says these new innovations are already transforming the experience of aging because the intuitive nature of voice helps older adults quickly adopt the technology.

Amazon and Atria collaboration

While most older adults are interested in smart home devices for the convenience and safety they provide, many are still intimidated by what can be a difficult or confusing initial setup process. Securing a reliable internet connection, integrating devices and managing multiple subscriptions can all deter older adults from using smart devices.

At a growing number of Atria communities, however, residents don’t have to worry about any of the setup. Through a collaboration with Amazon’s Alexa Smart Properties team, Atria has enabled Alexa devices, including the Echo Show, to support both residents and the staff who serve them. This makes Atria among the first in the senior living industry to deploy large-scale Alexa Smart Properties nationwide.

Chris Nall, Atria’s Chief Technology Officer, describes the Atria experience as a combination of hospitality, health care, well-being and social connection – a tall order that requires thoughtful organization and constant innovation. “Technology,” he says, “is the glue that holds it all together.”

That innovation was the driving force behind the collaboration with Amazon. Apartments equipped with Alexa-enabled devices make it easier for residents to do simple tasks, increasing their independence while allowing staff to focus on providing higher-level services and personal attention.

Alexa helps to create a seamless senior living experience

From calling the concierge to playing a favorite song, Atria residents can more fully engage with their communities through Alexa’s voice enabled technology.

With Alexa-enabled devices, residents can use their voice to:

  • Alert staff of a maintenance need
  • Call the front desk
  • Gather information about upcoming meals and events
  • Get answers to common questions

“I tell my friends, ‘Alexa is not intimidating!’” says an Atria resident who’s grown accustomed to talking to the Alexa-enabled devices. “It’s so simple.”

Alexa helps to keep Atria residents engaged

With easy access to a robust calendar of events, residents are empowered to take full advantage of the many programs their Atria community offers.

Since installing the new devices, Alexa-supported communities have seen a 50-75% increase in participation in Atria’s Engage Life events. Nall says that means “More residents getting out of their apartments – while keeping them connected to their families through voice and video calls. And we’ve made it easy. All they have to do is ask Alexa.”

Visit a community near you to learn more about Atria’s approach to senior living.

Amazon, Alexa and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.