Have you ever been on a plane, and just before takeoff the flight attendant instructs you on what to do in the event that the plane looses cabin pressure? You are told to place the dropdown oxygen mask on yourself first, and then help your children or other passengers to apply theirs. The purpose is simple: If you place other’s needs ahead of your own, you will become a statistic and be of no help to anyone. The same rules apply to being a caregiver for others on terra-firma. Take care of yourself first, so that you can be of service to others.
Being a caregiver can be very rewarding, but it can also be very stressful. Your time, energy and resources may become stretched beyond the breaking point. This type of stress is particularly dangerous if left unchecked and can profoundly impact your own physical and emotional health. As a caregiver you have a personal responsibility to take care of yourself first. Listed below are some helpful tips for caregivers to keep in mind when caring for a loved one:
#1 Take time for yourself! This may seem like an obvious observation, however, often caregivers don’t plan for time spent away from their loved one and then neglect their physical and emotional needs. Reach out to other family members, friends, or a trusted visiting nurse service in order to spend a day shopping or having lunch with friends; join an exercise class; take a walk; get a massage; simply drive around and decompress! Don’t assume vacations are a thing of the past – search out local facilities that offer short-term respite care.
#2 Take advantage of local services! Calhoun County is very fortunate to have a great network of organizations providing services and resources for seniors – the Office of Senior Services, http://www.calhouncountymi.gov/government/senior_services. Reach out to your local Chamber for connections or local senior centers and facilities for their suggestions.
#3 Acknowledge your feelings! Oftentimes caregivers experience a range of emotions while caring for a loved one. Rising responsibilities can cause anxiousness and worry; increased dependence of a loved one for daily care and oversight can cause feelings of anger and resentment; and watching a loved one’s health deteriorate can cause tremendous guilt. It’s important for caregivers to reach out others and share these feelings in order to understand it is all a normal part of the process.
In an effort to support area caregivers, Ganton Senior Communities has partnered with licensed Master Social Worker, Lisa Ottenhoff, LMSW, ACSW of Comforts of Home Counseling, to offer ‘Caring for the Caregiver’, a new, ongoing, information and strategy-rich therapeutic support group held the first and third Thursday of each month from 5:30 p.m to 7:00 p.m at Lakeview Senior Living, 14661 Helmer Road South in Battle Creek. Pre-registration is required by calling 269/964-0153.
Lisa offers extensive experience in the behavioral health care field and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Michigan and a Master’s of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University. She is a state Licensed Master Social Worker, a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and is certified as a Qualified Mental Health Professional.
Ganton’s own Diana Duncan, Life Enrichment Coordinator for Reflections Memory Care, joins Lisa. Diana has over four years of experience working with individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and/or dementia. She is a certified support group facilitator through the Alzheimer’s Association and has been trained in the “Best Friends Approach”, a person-centered care program for caregivers. Together they provide a dynamic and positive program setting where caregivers can get the real support and guidance they need. For more information, please call 269/964-0153.
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