caregiver support
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5 Stress Relievers Every Caregiver Should Know: Prioritize, Move, and Thrive
Feeling overwhelmed by your endless to-do list? As a caregiver, managing stress is crucial for your well-being and the care you provide. Here are five practical strategies to help you reduce stress, prioritize tasks, and find moments of peace amidst your busy life. 1. Prioritize Your To-Do List Take a hard look at your to-do list and separate the essentials from the non-essentials. Create two lists: one for tasks that absolutely must be done, and another for things that would be nice to accomplish. Now, focus only on what’s essential. Break down your essential tasks into three categories: Top Priority (#1), Medium Priority (#2), and Low Priority (#3). Concentrate on…
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The Dr. Said ‘Dementia’: Essential Next Steps for Patients and Caregivers
Hearing the word "dementia" from your doctor can be overwhelming. Your mind races with questions: Is there a cure? How will this affect our lives? What can be done to slow it down? It's natural to feel lost with so many unanswered questions, but you're not alone. Understanding Dementia First, know that dementia is a broad term that encompasses various diseases, including Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's and more. While there is currently no cure for most types, understanding your specific diagnosis can help you and your loved ones prepare for the journey ahead. Let me help first with some basics. Dementia is terminal in all forms except one, which is termed…
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A Fun and Insightful Interview with Betsy Wurzel on Chatting with Betsy
Betsy Wurzel Chatting with Betsy on Passionate World Talk Radio A Fun Interview with Betsy Wurzel on Passionate World Talk Radio Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when they’re live on the radio. However, my recent interview with Betsy Wurzel on her show, Chatting with Betsy on Passionate World Talk Radio, was a completely different experience—fun, engaging, and incredibly rewarding. Connecting Through Caregiving Betsy and I immediately bonded over our shared experiences as caregivers and our Christian faith. Betsy has been in the caregiving trenches just like me, and her passion for helping others shines through every episode. Her show reaches audiences in 174 countries, making it a fantastic resource for…
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8 Effective Tips to Help Your Loved One Sleep Better – Caregiver Guide
Just as sleep is crucial for us as caregivers, it is even more essential for those we care for. Their brains require more time to process, reset, clear, and rest because they often work three to four times harder than ours. While we remember where we are, who we are, and who others are, they might struggle with these basic details. Here are 8 effective tips to help your loved one sleep better: 1. Cut Down on Caffeine and Nicotine Limit caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and cola) and nicotine, especially several hours before bedtime. Caffeine can significantly affect someone with Alzheimer's. For example, my mother-in-law, who had two…
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Reduce Stress and Eliminate Limiting Beliefs with These Powerful Techniques
There are several effective brain hacks you can use for stress management. The key is to retrain your brain to respond differently to stress triggers. Although this process requires time and consistent effort, it’s entirely possible. In this article, we will discuss three of the most powerful brain hacks to help you reduce and control your stress levels. 1. Identify and Replace Limiting Beliefs We all carry some limiting beliefs within our subconscious minds, often formed during childhood. Parents and teachers sometimes instill these beliefs with good intentions, but they can have negative impacts in adulthood. For example, if you were told as a child that "money doesn’t grow on…
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5 Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout and How to Prevent It
Caregiving is a challenging, often overwhelming, responsibility. While small amounts of stress can keep us alert and focused, prolonged or intense stress can take a toll on both physical and mental health. For caregivers, this is especially true as the demands of care increase and isolation intensifies. Feelings of loneliness, depression, and sadness are common, but recognizing the signs of burnout early can help you take the necessary steps to care for yourself. You’re Doing an Amazing Job! First, it's essential to acknowledge the tremendous effort you're making. Caring for a loved one is a noble and selfless act, but it can also be exhausting. Your hard work might go…
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5 Self-Care Mistakes You’re Probably Making: Essential Tips for Caregivers
Being a caregiver often means prioritizing your loved one's needs above your own. It's a common pattern among many caregivers, leading to neglect of personal well-being. Here are five self-care mistakes you might be making and how to correct them to improve your overall health and well-being. 1. Avoiding the Sun Many of us are cautious about sun exposure, fearing the risk of sunburns and skin cancer. However, completely avoiding the sun can have its own drawbacks. Sun exposure reduces depression, improves sleep, and increases Vitamin D naturally in the body. Remember vitamin D improves blood and boosts your immune system’s ability to fight colds and viruses. Regular exposure to…
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First Quarter Journaling Tips: Set Goals and Stay on Track for a Fresh Start
As we step into the new year, it's a prime time for fresh starts and setting new goals. The first quarter—January through March—offers a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for the year ahead. Whether you're managing a business, navigating a career, or focusing on personal growth, effective journaling can be a powerful tool to keep you on track. Here are some journaling tips and ideas to help you make the most of the first quarter. 1. Define Your First Quarter Goals Start by outlining what you want to achieve before the end of the first quarter. Reflect on both personal and professional aspirations. This could range from career milestones,…
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Adopting a “Don’t Quit” Mentality: 4 Tips to Stay Motivated and Overcome Challenges
It's easy to give up—that’s why most people do it. Winners, however, know that quitting is never an option, which is why they keep winning. How often have you given up on something you truly wanted? Was it worth it? Giving up on your dreams is a mistake you never want to make. The people who make history are those who refuse to quit, regardless of the obstacles. If you want to make a difference in your life and the world, learn to persevere. No matter how tough the circumstances, no matter how many times you face setbacks, never give up. Keep fighting, keep believing, keep working, and your victory…
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12 Simple Activities for Seniors with Dementia: Affordable Ways to Engage and Connect
Research has shown that providing activities during the day will cause less need for a long nap and better nighttime sleep.
