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We at 1-800-COMPANION know that in most instances families are doing the best they can to provide care to their loved ones in need as well as maintain a semblance of order in their own life. It is a known fact that people thrive in their own environment and comfort of their home. Let 1-800-COMPANION’s expertise in homecare help you find ways to inspire hope and reduce the stress caring for a loved one can cause on the entire family. First and foremost care givers need to understand it is okay to ask for help and understand they can not do it all alone.
There are numerous techniques and care that we can assist with and teach to aid the care giver and family on how to cope and handle the different activities of daily living and accompanying safety issues. As an important link in the care givers support system 1-800-COMPANION can help care givers avoid burnout and make the all important time for themselves and their family. After an initial client assessment we will make recommendations as to where to find the services and supplies to assist with their care giving needs. Let 1-800-COMPANION provide a care giver to perform household tasks, personal care, and assistance with activities of daily living, light housekeeping, companionship, errands and respite care.
For families a companion can not only provide the functions mentioned but they are the link for the family. We are your eyes and ears when you can not be present. This is especially true if the family is trying to provide long distance care. In this case our help is invaluable in keeping a family abreast of the care, day to day living, safety and physical and mental health aspects of the client.
Families that are caring for their loved one without outside assistance experience a myriad of stresses that impact everyone involved. There are emotional impacts, as well as physical ones. Emotional impacts can include one or many of the following feelings - resentment, exhaustion, denial, sadness, frustration, anger, helplessness, depression, guilt, anxiety, withdrawing from outside activities, lack of concentration and loss of hope and purpose. Fatigue coupled with stress can actually cause harmful health conditions for caregivers. Physical impacts can include sleeplessness, high blood pressure, stomach disorders, headaches and back and joint problems.
Any combination of the stated impacts can further result in financial impacts on the care giver and their families. Many times a person is so overwhelmed they are unable to perform their job and this may result in the loss of their job, resulting in further stress for everyone involved.
There are strategies for overcoming many of the emotional and physical impacts caused by caring for a loved one. First and foremost is to realize you are doing the best you can and recognize and accept a need for respite assistance. Respite care is a gift and can give the care giver and their family the time to enjoy each other and activities of life that can reduce their stress.
Some solutions for care giver stress:
1 - Enjoy the memories you and your family have of your loved one and simply smile.
2 - Remember to laugh often.
3 - Slow down, relax, set limits and learn to say no.
4 - Be proactive in your loved ones medical care.
5 - Take time out to pamper yourself, even in the smallest ways.
6 - Avoid isolating yourself. Join support groups for socialization. Keep your friendships and social life alive.
7 - Think positively and be thankful for what you do have.
8 - Above all ask for and accept help.
How 1-800-COMPANION changed a family’s life:
The Rogers family saw their life turned upside down when Gretchen Rogers’ mother came to stay with them. At first things were fairly simple but as her mother’s illness progressed she needed more and more care and attention. The family’s life as they knew if totally changed. Not knowing where to turn Gretchen asked her mother’s physician what her options were in order to keep her mother Anna at home. The doctor suggested calling 1-800-COMPANION. The company sent their Healthcare Consultant to assess the family’s needs and offered suggestions for Anna’s care.
Carrie, a trained and experienced companion, cares for Anna during the week while Gretchen and her husband work and take care of their children and home. Carrie has enabled Gretchen to spend more time with her husband and children. Gretchen says the kids love the time she has to give them now, and the children do not resent Anna anymore and actually enjoy time with her as well. Anna’s interest in life and her attitude has improved thanks to time with Carrie. The biggest bonus is Gretchen has time for herself and the family got to spend their first long weekend away in years. She highly recommends taking the first step and asking for help. Call 1-800-COMPANION and let them give your life hope and purpose.
