Senior Living Blog by UMH | caregiver tips (5)

Aging & Caregiving | assisted living | caregiver tips | dealing with loss

The Real Gifts of Aging

By: Jim Stinson February 25th, 2014

By Jim Stinson, Director of Spiritual Life for UMH

Senior Living Options For Your Aging Loved One [Infographic]

By: Marissa Salvesen February 19th, 2014

If you are caring for an aging loved one, you may have heard that searching for the right senior living community can be quite an overwhelming process. For many families, this is actually true! There are many options to choose from, many factors to consider, many questions to ask, and many people to talk to before making a decision you and your loved one feel comfortable with.

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The Value of Stories

By: Jim Stinson December 5th, 2013

A Blog by Jim Stinson, Director of Spiritual Life for United Methodist Homes “Do you Remember when, Grandma…?” As my family was waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready they were doing what most families do at holiday time. They were reminiscing. Since “Grandma” always lived with us she was a source of many memories, especially as she grew older and had ever-greater senility. No one was ever sure what she would say or when she would say it.

How to Become a Better Caregiver in One Day

By: Marissa Salvesen November 21st, 2013

You become a better caregiver by making your loved one’s day a little brighter--a little lighter and a lot happier each time you care for them. And it’s the simple things that are often the most appreciated. If you can “make their day,” you often unknowingly become a better caregiver. Here are six care-giving tips that will surely help to brighten your loved one’s day:

The Essential Caregiver's Guide

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 24th, 2013

As your parents and other loved ones age into their senior years, the time will come when they can no longer live on their own and complete everyday tasks without some assistance. There are many questions that arise during this time and a variety of options for families to consider. Who will take care of your loved one? Should they continue to live at home? Would a move to an assisted or independent living community be a good decision? Handling the changes that come during this season of life can be a bit overwhelming for any caregiver.

Managing your Aging Parent’s Health Needs

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 28th, 2013

According to a recent poll, the number of adult children providing personal or financial assistance to their parents has tripled in the last 15 years. Becoming a caregiver is a role few people plan for. Most people are thrust into the caregiver role unexpectedly, often when a parent suddenly suffers a stroke or a chronic condition worsens. This often inevitably leads to caregiver burnout and less effective management of a senior parent’s health needs.

Crosby Commons Assisted Living Hosts Caregiver Education Program

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 7th, 2013

Crosby Commons Assisted and Independent Living Community, on the Wesley Village campus in Shelton, recently hosted a caregiver education program, entitled, “Preventing Compassion Fatigue and Burnout”, presented by Gerontologist and CEO, Donna B. Fedus, MA. This free program, offered specifically for social workers, administrators, and other health care professionals, was filled with valuable self-care techniques to help caregivers avoid the dangers of burnout in their mission and commitment to caring for others.

Identify the Signs of Senior Caregiver Stress

By: Elizabeth Bemis July 2nd, 2013

Experts say it comes with the territory. The odds are if you’re caring for elderly parents for any length of time without much assistance-- it’s a given--you HAVE caregiver stress. No one tells you going into this role that part of the plan of caring for the well-being of a loved one is also taking care of your own.