CivicScience’s Post

Caring for yourself is one of the most important things you can do today.    Being a caregiver can be rewarding, but it can also be mentally, emotionally and physically challenging. If you're a caregiver, the thought of finding time for yourself might feel difficult or even impossible.    About three in five caregivers are women, and caregiving responsibilities often fall on women unevenly. Data from AARP shows that the average caregiver age is 49.4 years old, which means more caregivers experience unique burdens as part of the “sandwich generation” providing care to both children and aging adults. Young caregivers (ages 18-49) are more likely to work, and work longer hours, while providing care. The combined responsibilities of work, parenting and caregiving can prevent us from paying attention to our own well-being or make it harder to find the time for our own appointments. It can also strain our financial situations – which is already more difficult for women due to inequities.    This #NationalCaregiversDay, I want the many women who provide paid or unpaid care to know they are appreciated for all they do. If you’re a caregiver struggling to meet your own health needs, Aetna, a CVS Health Company can help you find respite care (temporary care for your loved one in your place). In-person and virtual care at MinuteClinic CVS Health also can make it easier to obtain the care you need, offering a range of appointments according to your schedule and location needs. Check out the piece below for a few other tips on managing your health as a caregiver: https://lnkd.in/ejzerUWh

This is a fascinating study about how perceptions of caregivers varies by culture and how that impacts the caregiving ecosystem within society. As the populations continues to age (by 2030 the number of people over 60 will have doubled), we need to do more research about family caregivers and their impact on society, business, medical care, etc.

Navigating the Caregiver Dilemma - tomorrow, OCO's CEO Amy Coupal, M. Ed., ICD.D will join this conversation on how to support Ontario's aging population. What will this mean for caregivers? Watch the livestream to find out: https://lnkd.in/g-uW4nUJ

WE WILL AGE THE QUESTION IS HOW - Non-self-sufficiency is a concern as Italy, leading in Europe's aging population, sees about 3 million non-self sufficient #elderly, navigating significant changes, including the exponential rise in dementia cases. With the passage of time, an increasing need for #healthcare services is inevitable, as evidenced by last year's approximately 1,328,000 individuals requiring private services. When discussing elderly care, we should contemplate our own #aging, as, if fortunate, we will all experience it. The pivotal issue is not the passing years but rather the loss of autonomy. Aging is a life stage where autonomy gradually diminishes, reflexes and strength decline, and daily activities become more challenging. Unfortunately, memory ceases to be an ally; managing medications and navigating daily life necessitate assistance. Loneliness may set in, especially if family and friends are not nearby. The prospect of facing illnesses related to aging underscores the importance of having a family doctor and appropriate #therapies. In addressing daily needs, three key elements stand out: diverse services (domiciliary, residential, semi-residential), equitable distribution across regions based on elderly populations, and enhanced accessibility through widespread, simple information channels. eCure, drawing on three decades of #caregiving experience, integrates #digitaltechnology and services to care for those non-self-sufficient in the place they prefer: their homes. Present in 7 regions, 17 provinces, and with over 2500 operators, eCure aims to provide comprehensive support in elderly care.

Do you see yourself as a caregiver? Not a professional care provider, but someone who helps a family member or friend with daily activities or medical needs. About one in five Americans are caregivers, according to The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. The average age of someone needing care is around 69. 10,000 Boomers are reaching that age every single day – and will continue at that rate every day until 2030. That means a significant portion of our parents are reaching a point where they may need some assistance. And more people could become caregivers. Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care. Nearly 1 in 4 of them spends 41 hours or more per week providing care says the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Nomo Smart Care offers the perfect opportunity for caregivers to continue care, even when they aren’t able to be present with their loved ones. #Nomo checks normal motion – the patterns and routines of daily life – things like getting out of bed, opening the refrigerator, opening the medicine cabinet. It was initially designed to support aging parents, since pattern changes may signal health issues. But as folks have put Nomo Smart Care to use, we’ve learned of so many other valuable uses. How would you use sensors to check if something happened or know if something expected to happen didn’t? As a #caregiver, what kind of ways would you use a system designed to check normal motion in the home?

Don’t think you’re a Caregiver? Think again! Many people may not recognize themselves as caregivers because they may not be providing care in a formal or traditional sense. The term caregiving's "care" prefix can readily be substituted with alternative ways of dedicating time to your loved ones, such as cooking, shopping for groceries, driving, handling laundry, overseeing medications, managing finances, and many additional activities. Providing care doesn't necessarily involve direct physical assistance, caregiving can take various forms, and it's not always labeled as such. It's important to acknowledge and appreciate the diverse ways individuals contribute to the well-being of others. Whether it's emotional support, assistance with daily tasks, or any other form of care, these actions are valuable and do reflect a caregiving role. If you find yourself consistently doing certain things, you may be taking on the role of a caregiver. Do you: ·        provide emotional support for someone facing challenges? ·        assist with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, or cleaning? ·        provide medical assistance such as managing someone's medications, accompanying them to doctor's appointments, or picking up their prescriptions? ·        provide financial support such as managing finances or help pay bills for a loved one? ·        advocate for someone's needs or rights, particularly in healthcare or social situations? ·        coordinate services such as transportation, home care, or other supportive care? ·        provide companionship by spending time with a loved one who is isolated or lonely? ·        monitor someone's health conditions, symptoms, and overall well-being, and take action when needed? ·        assist with mobility such as using a wheelchair or providing physical support? ·        help older family members with technology related tasks? ·        help with end-of-life care or other decision making for someone who is terminally ill or at the end of life? It's important to recognize and acknowledge the caregiving role you may be playing, as caregiving can have both rewarding and challenging aspects. If you are taking on caregiving responsibilities, it's also crucial to prioritize self-care to ensure your well-being. That’s where we come in. CareGo is here for you and our Care Advisors are looking forward to working with you, click here to learn more about how we can help: https://caregoportal.com/ Sompo – Caring for people since 1888.

Have you heard about or experienced ageism in healthcare? This week's #WednesdayWisdom article takes a look at bias against the elderly in healthcare. As caregivers, this can help us know what to look for are advocates for aging loved ones. #HealthcareAdvocacy #SeniorCare

Caregivers are the cornerstone of personalized care for seniors. They tailor their support to meet the individual needs and preferences of each senior, ensuring they receive the attention and assistance they require to thrive. Beyond physical care, caregivers also provide invaluable companionship and social engagement. They're there to alleviate loneliness and isolation by offering emotional support, engaging in meaningful conversations, and sharing in activities that bring joy and connection. One of the most remarkable aspects of caregiving is its promotion of independence. Caregivers strike a delicate balance between offering assistance when needed and empowering seniors to maintain their autonomy. By encouraging them to make their own choices and participate in activities they enjoy, caregivers foster a sense of purpose and self-worth. Safety and well-being are paramount in the caregiving journey. Caregivers take proactive steps to create a safe and comfortable living environment for seniors. From implementing safety measures to monitoring health conditions and responding swiftly to emergencies, caregivers ensure seniors can age in place with confidence and security. In essence, caregivers are the unsung heroes who make a profound difference in the lives of seniors every day. Their personalized care, companionship, promotion of independence, and commitment to safety all contribute to enhancing the quality of life for aging adults. Find out more about how Caregiver Smart Solutions provide comprehensive aging in place solution that gives caregivers ultimate peace of mind in real time here: https://lnkd.in/eGdW64nC #CaregiverSupport #RespiteCare #familycaregivers #caregiverresources #CaregiverSmart #AgingInPlace #agetech #seniorliving #seniorcare #elderlycare

🌟 Day 54 of #75HardChallenge: Celebrating and Supporting Caregivers in Aging 🌟 In Week 8 of our challenge, focusing on Aging and Geriatric Care, we focus on a cornerstone of elder support: the caregivers. Their dedication and compassion play a vital role in the well-being of our ageing population. 🤲 The Multifaceted Role of Caregivers: Caregivers, be they family members, friends, or professional aides, are unsung heroes in the journey of ageing. They provide comprehensive support that spans physical, emotional, social, and often financial realms. 💡 Deep Dive into Caregiver Contributions:  - Emotional Anchors: Offering companionship and emotional support, caregivers help combat loneliness and provide a sense of stability.  - Physical and Medical Support: Assisting with daily living activities, managing medications, and coordinating healthcare appointments.  - Advocacy and Rights Protection: Acting as advocates in healthcare settings, ensuring that the elderly receive respectful and appropriate care.  - Education and Skill Development: Continually acquiring new skills and knowledge to provide effective care. 🌈 Enhancing Caregiver Support:  - Acknowledgement and Resources: Recognizing their efforts publicly and providing them with access to educational resources, support groups, and counselling.  - Policies for Caregiver Support: Advocating for policies that provide financial and social support to caregivers.  - Promoting Respite Care: Encouraging the use of respite care services to allow caregivers time to rest and recharge. 🔍 Addressing Caregiver Challenges:  - Mental Health Awareness: Highlighting the mental health challenges caregivers often face and providing resources for support.  - Balancing Work and Care: Discussing the challenges of juggling professional responsibilities with caregiving duties. 🖼️ Bringing Stories to Life:  - Captivating Imagery: Utilizing powerful images and narratives to depict the day-to-day life of caregivers.  - Interactive Content: Engaging the audience with polls, infographics, and Q&A sessions about caregiving experiences. 💬 Your Voice Matters: Share your stories, challenges, and triumphs as a caregiver, or suggest ways we can all contribute to supporting caregivers in our communities. #CaregiversSupport #ElderCare #UnsungHeroes #HealthcareCommunity #75HardChallenge

This article can show how caregivers can get paid.