Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Symptoms, Treatment and Memory Care Programs

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is in November and it’s important to shed a light on the best practices in memory care. Effective memory care can significantly improve the quality of life for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Because each person with dementia will experience symptoms differently, it’s essential to adjust the level of care appropriately. Here is United Methodist Communities’ guidance, recommendations and options for dealing with dementia. 

Early detection of dementia 

Early detection is key to slowing the progression of symptoms that come with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Consult your primary care provider if you or a loved one exhibits the following signs on a consistent basis: 

• Significant memory loss
• Difficulty performing daily tasks
• Using their native language incorrectly
• Confusion with time and place 
• Poor judgement in decision making 
• Misplacing objects or placing them in unusual places 
• Drastic changes in mood, behavior or overall personality
• Loss of drive, motivation, and ambition

Treatment options for dementia behavioral issues

Potential behavioral issues caused by dementia can take various forms. Some notable examples are wandering off course, aggressive reactions, constant paranoia, or resistance to maintaining good hygiene. Fortunately, there are different options available to treat or minimize these significant behavioral issues.

Vitamin E
One interesting study suggests that taking vitamin E twice a day may slow down the progression of dementia in some people. However, the study is ongoing, and the correct dosage of vitamin E should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. 

Medication

Talking to a doctor about the option of medication is usually recommended depending on the severity of the behavioral issue. Most likely, your doctor will prescribe anti-agitation drugs. Some examples are antidepressants, neuroleptics, sedatives and sleep medications. 

Communication methods and other adjustments

It’s very important for caregivers and other family members to learn about different methods to communicate with someone with dementia. Simple things like safeguarding the home environment and engaging in therapeutic activities can keep negative behaviors at bay. If these approaches prove to be unsuccessful, it may be best to consider a professional memory care program at a reputable assisted living community.  

Individualized memory care at United Methodist Communities 

Our Tapestries® Memory Care  concentrates on the cognitive strengths of each resident. The resident-directed approach adapts to the unique and natural routines of each person. This strategy helps maximize and enrich their quality of life with dementia. Our professional associates also take the time to get to know each resident, as well as their families to ensure Tapestries® is the best viable option for all involved. UMC has been successfully admitting and welcomes new memory care residents during COVID-19. To read more information regarding our industry-leading guidelines in navigating the Coronavirus, click here. 

If your loved one suffers from early stages of dementia, please contact UMC at Pitman in Gloucester County to find out how we can meet their needs, as well as yours. To learn more about our Tapestries® programs across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today. 

Originally posted: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2020/11/24/alzheimers-awareness-month/

Caring for Adults with Dementia During the Pandemic

The good news is that dementia is not a direct risk factor for COVID-19 (coronavirus). The not-so-good news is that behaviors associated with dementia, combined with age and other common health issues in older adults, may inflate risk.

People with dementia tend to forget personal hygiene habits like washing their hands, which can be crucial to preventing the coronavirus and other illnesses. Since reputable assisted living communities are open and successfully navigating the challenges of COVID-19, it’s important for dementia caregivers to take extra precautions while keeping up with the best memory care  practices. If your family member has dementia, please read the tips below for new precautions to take during the pandemic. 

COVID-19 tips for dementia caregivers and family members 

• Write notes daily to remind people with dementia of essential hygiene habits. Post them in the bathroom, by the kitchen sink, etc. to instruct them to wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. 
• Make alcohol-based hand sanitizer readily available. It can be a simple alternative if the person with dementia cannot easily get to a sink to wash their hands.
• Ask their doctor about filling prescriptions for the maximum amount of time to cut down on pharmacy trips. 
• Prepare ahead of time and make a “plan B” for your family member’s memory care. This is just in case you should become sick, and your family member with dementia is left without proper care. 

If your family member with dementia lives in an assisted living community…   

• Most (if not all) assisted living communities will have had some COVID-19 cases by now. The key is to look at the progress made since the coronavirus pandemic began. Check with the community regarding their safety protocols for managing COVID-19 risk, including in memory care. For more information regarding our industry-leading standard of infection control, cleanliness, and hygiene regarding the coronavirus, please visit our UNITEDforSAFETY page. 
• Make sure the assisted living community has your current emergency contact information and the contact information of another family member or friend as backup.
• If you are showing any signs or feeling symptoms related to COVID-19, immediately refrain from visiting. Instead, ask the community about alternate ways of contacting your family member. Most communities offer video chat options like Zoom or Skype to connect virtually. 
• If you are well enough to visit, it could prove helpful for them to see a familiar face more often. Check in with the assisted living community regarding the protocols of outdoor visitation or limited indoor visitation. 

Safe memory care at United Methodist Communities   

Our memory care program, Tapestries®, is available in all four assisted living locations: Collingswood, Pitman, Bristol Glen and The Shores. Tapestries® focuses on the cognitive strengths of each resident, while our professional associates manage the new challenges that come with dementia. Families considering memory care during COVID-19, can have confidence in UMC’s health and safety procedures for residents, associates, and visitors. UMC is combining these new protocols with best practices in memory care to help ensure dementia residents are safe during the pandemic, as well as after it passes. 

If your family member suffers from early stages of dementia, please contact UMC at Collingswood in Camden County to find out how we can effectively meet their needs. To learn more about our Tapestries® programs across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today. 

Originally posted: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/caring-for-adults-with-dementia-during-the-pandemic/

Christmas Gift Ideas: 4 Fitness and GPS Trackers for Seniors

 

With Christmas a little more than a month away, you’re undoubtedly busy handling a long to-do list and trying to find the perfect gifts for the seniors in your life. But where do you start? Fitness and GPS trackers make wonderful gifts for older adults, especially those with dementia. Sometimes, seniors who have certain cognitive conditions like dementia can temporarily feel confused, disoriented, or forget where they are. It’s common for them to wander off in search of a familiar place, or a place from their memories, even if it’s a memory from 30 years ago. 

GPS trackers and fitness trackers are an excellent way to keep older adults safe, prevent emergencies, and give their loved ones peace of mind. With that said, the team at United Methodist Communities has put together a list of some of the best tracking products on the market for seniors. 

1. Garmin fitness smartwatches. While these can be used to track certain fitness-related statistics like steps taken, sleep patterns and heart rate data, Garmin smartwatches also provide location tracking and enable communication via smartphones, making them ideal for seniors who are prone to wandering. Caregivers can easily monitor the location of those they’re looking after with the associated Garmin smartphone app. The Garmin smartwatch is also lightweight, stylish and comfortable on the wrist with many different color options available. 
2. Medical Guardian’s Freedom Guardian alert watch. Developed specifically for seniors, this device requires a monthly subscription and has many useful features for older adults: text-to-speech messaging, medication reminders, appointment reminders, GPS location tracking, and emergency SOS.
3. GPS SmartSole shoe inserts. These shoe inserts are comfortable, water-resistant and can easily be slipped into most footwear. They allow caregivers to track the wearer’s location  by receiving email or text alerts via an app, and the battery life is around two to three days. 
4. AngelSense GPS tracker. This tracker can fit seamlessly into a shirt or pants pocket. Caregivers can then use a smartphone app to access real-time data including GPS location, an “unknown place” alert, emergency alerts for first responders, and two-way voice tools that let the caregiver and the wearer communicate. 

Keeping Seniors safe at Bristol Glen 

Of course as a full service senior community serving those with dementia, UMC has even more sophisticated wander management and fall prevention systems. UMC at Bristol Glen and all our communities, embrace technology as a way to keep our seniors as healthy and safe as possible, and we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that technology can have on older adults. Don’t believe the myth that seniors are reluctant to use technology. Our residents prove that myth wrong every day.

For older adults with dementia, advances in technology, including the fitness trackers and GPS trackers mentioned above, can enhance their quality of life, keep them safe, and enable their caregivers to provide better care. Fitness trackers and GPS trackers also allow seniors to retain their independent lifestyles because their caregivers can monitor them remotely, instead of needing to be physically present around the clock. Having an immediate connection to emergency services while using these devices is also very beneficial, because if the senior is alone and needs help, it’s critical that no time is lost when alerting first responders. 

For more information about United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen, or if you have any other questions about technology support, please contact UMC today. Discover why so many people in Sussex County, New Jersey choose us as their trusted community for themselves or their loved ones.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/christmas-gift-ideas-4-fitness-and-gps-trackers-for-seniors/

Nature and Retirement Should Go Hand in Hand

Since we’re heading deep into winter, the last thing you may be thinking about is getting more outdoor time with your senior loved ones! But the beneficial effect of nature on health and wellbeing cannot be overstated, whether you’re young or simply young at heart. Here’s how the power of nature can help seniors live healthier, better lives, and why it’s such an important element of senior living and retirement communities.

Spending Time Outdoors Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

When we think about getting in touch with nature, your mind can easily jump to experiences captured by the National Geographic channel  – canoeing through the Canadian wilderness, rock climbing in Colorado, or walking through the Serengeti among the lions – but it doesn’t need to be that complicated or that adventurous!

Research has shown that simply experiencing everyday life outdoors  significantly impacts  overall mental and physical health. Easy access to green or blue spaces – local parks, woods and nature reserves, lakes, rivers and the ocean – is what really matters, especially through the retirement years.

4 Benefits of Nature for Retirees

1. Encourages physical activity and interaction – If nature is on your doorstep, you’re immediately encouraged to go and explore it. This means you’re more likely to take a walk or hike, which is perfect not only for physical health, but also for mental health. Not only do you get your heart pumping and get invigorated by the fresh air, you’re less likely to suffer from boredom, stress and low self-esteem. It’s also  great for family interactions, helping form bonds between the generations.
2. It helps fight depression and isolation – Seniors are especially vulnerable to isolation and depression, which can  significantly impact  physical wellness. One prevention strategy, interacting with nature,  creates a feeling of inspiration, spirituality and connectedness. Immersion  in nature has long been promoted as a way to revitalize the soul and spirit, and it works – regardless of age. It’s cheaper than therapy, too!
3. It boosts memory – One of the biggest concerns for seniors and their loved ones is memory loss, however,  regular interaction with nature can help.  One study found that interacting with nature not only improved memory performance, it also increased attention span by 20%. The explanation:  natural surroundings have an immediate impact of reducing the stress levels and overstimulation that come from urban environments. 
4. It lengthens life – Nature can help you live longer, and an interesting Harvard study found that despite socioeconomic status, age or race, people surrounded by  greenery, generally live 12% longer than those that don’t. Environments with trees and plants showed reduced respiratory illnesses and 13% fewer cancer deaths, which makes the power of nature pretty amazing.

 

Helping Seniors Get in Touch with Nature at Bristol Glen

When bringing nature to a loved one, make it easy on both of you. Remember to cater to their health and fitness by keeping it simple. A regular walk around the local park, a visit to a local farm to pick apples, a picnic, or fishing with the grandkids are all great options.

In light of these benefits, why not  consider access to nature when looking at retirement communities? Research those offering beautiful landscapes, community gardens, walking trails, large grassy and wooded areas, blooming plants, or easy access to green and blue spaces. At Bristol Glen, we know the importance of nature for our residents as well as our associates. Our beautiful wooded 74-acre campus is the breath of fresh air we all need! To find out more about our senior living community, contact us or visit our website.

Originally posted https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/nature-and-retirement/

Sick of Turkey? Here are 5 Awesome Thanksgiving Alternatives!

While Thanksgiving dinner is traditionally turkey time, this big bird isn’t to everyone’s taste! At The Shores, we say that you only live once – and that means you deserve a Thanksgiving meal that’s delicious in every way. Here are some alternative ideas to traditional turkey dinners from our assisted living team in Cape May County to tempt your tastebuds, wow your guests and keep your table as festive as ever.

#1 – Roast Pork Loin with Pancetta and Sage

If you want an entree with the big roast appeal of a turkey that’s bursting with flavor, juicy, and tender, then this is a great option. Pork loin, a crowd-pleasing favorite that ticks all the boxes as a special holiday meal, is substantial enough to satisfy any appetite! This recipe is by one of the queens of cooking, Martha Stewart, so it’s tried-and-tested as well as being impressive to serve to all your guests.

#2 – Cranberry Pot Roast

If you find turkey too dry and uninspiring, you’ll love this tender, juicy pot roast recipe! This  surprisingly easy recipe (although there is considerable cooking time, so plan ahead) delivers a rich and warming wintery feast. The cranberries and port turn into a thick, luxurious sauce and the finished product pulls apart for easy serving. It is the perfect accompaniment to mashed potatoes and will quickly become your family’s favorite turkey alternative.

#3 – A Seafood Feast

Did you know that lobster was served at the First Thanksgiving in 1621? That’s a pretty good reason to put seafood on the menu! Don’t worry, because  lobster isn’t your only option. We love this recipe for a whole roasted salmon with orange butter glaze. It’s fancy, it’s festive and it’s much easier than it looks, which is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to spend their whole day in the kitchen.

#4 – Individual Stuffed Acorn Squash

Fall and Thanksgiving are synonymous with some of the best vegetables of the year, so why not make them a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner? This recipe for individual stuffed acorn squash is a wonderful combination of earthy squash, sweet apples, herbs, maple syrup, and cornbread stuffing, bringing all the best flavors of the fall together. And because these are all such seasonal items, you’ll have no trouble finding all the best ingredients in your local stores.

#5 – Cornish Game Hens

Want this year’s Thanksgiving to be extra special? Individual Cornish game hens are a wonderful option for a grown-up Thanksgiving dinner, providing a real wow-factor for your guests. They’re simpler to make than you think and cook much faster than turkey or large cuts of meat because of their smaller size. This is a great recipe that combines these flavorful birds with morels, leeks and dry Riesling for a crispy, juicy result.

Thanksgiving at Our Assisted Living Community in Cape May County

At The Shores, we love the holiday season more than any time all year! Since 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone in our community and our residents’ families, we’re working extra hard to make this year a truly special one that embodies the love, joy, and generosity of the season. We’ve got plenty of plans in place to decorate our spaces, create a Thanksgiving dinner to remember, to help our residents enjoy the holiday, and to share it with loved ones in any way possible under the current COVID-19 measures.

To find out more about our plans for Thanksgiving or other assisted living services in Cape May County, NJ, please contact us today. 

Originally posted: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/5-awesome-thanksgiving-alternatives/

7 Home Safety Tips for Seniors

 With age comes decreasing mobility and slower reflexes, which can lead to falls and accidents around the house. Here are some tips on how to keep your home as safe as possible, from in-home care specialists in Sparta, NJ.

1. Rearrange your everyday pantry staples

Pantries are wonderful spaces for storing household necessities from canned goods to baking equipment, cleaning products, emergency kits, and anything else you could think of. However, this means pantries can get cluttered very quickly, and often.

Take a look at your pantry space with a critical eye and plan to make it as accessible as possible, while minimizing fall risks. Put everyday staples on the middle shelves where you don’t have to reach up, stand on a stool, or bend low down to reach them. If you have a big pantry, try to keep the floor space clear and the area well lit.

2. Install and maintain alarms

Make sure the home has enough smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and place them in relevant areas. For example, there should always be a smoke detector in the kitchen close to the stove, and a carbon monoxide detector near heaters. Test the alarms once a year and replace the batteries as needed. 

3. Live clutter-free

If you’ve lived in your home for many years, chances are that it’s not just full of memories – it’s full of stuff! Clutter is the easiest thing to trip over, but fortunately it’s also one of the easiest obstacles to eliminate. Get family and neighbors to help out with organizing your space. Send useful items you no longer want to charity, set up a backyard sale, and then take whatever is left over to the dump. Once you live in a clutter-free home with everything in its rightful place, you will never want to fall back into your old ways. You will find that staying organized is good for your mind and your soul, as well as your physical health!

4. Increase home lighting

It’s easy for lightbulbs around the house to get dimmer over time without you noticing. But fading lights plus poor vision make for serious fall risks! Take this opportunity to upgrade your lights to LEDs. They come in a wide range of brightness and tones, can fit in any fixture, and they last much longer than regular light bulbs, while using less than a tenth of the energy. If you don’t want to upgrade every single bulb, focus on creating more light in fall risk areas like stairs, bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. One great tip is to put lighting strips along stairs and a press-on light by the bed.

5. Tailor clothes

Clothes don’t come in the right size for every body type, and it’s a big problem for seniors. Loose, long sleeves and too-long pants make it easy to trip and fall. They catch onto everything from your feet to railings, cabinets, and rugs. It’s important to tailor all your clothes so that they fit just right. It’s not only a great way to help prevent falls, you’ll also get to support a local business – and let’s face it, clothes that fit well just feel so much better!

6. Grab bars and assistive gear

They may not be particularly attractive, but boy oh boy, do they keep you safe! Not to mention, a lot of the more modern grab bars and assistance gear actually look much better than you think. It’s a quick and easy job for a local handyman to install within your home, plus you will feel less worried about falling while bathing or going up and down the stairs.

7. Live on one level

If possible, live mainly on the ground floor of your home. It’s a simple solution that only requires a little rearranging of the furniture. You can use your upstairs for storage, while keeping the ground floor clutter-free and clear of hazards.

As a provider of in-home care in Sparta, NJ, we know the importance of avoiding slip and fall accidents in the home. If you would like to find out more about our services or start the process of getting your own in-home assistance, contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/home-health-aide-services/

Originally posted: https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/7-home-safety-tips-for-seniors/

Severe Weather Tips for Seniors

 

Those of us who have experienced severe weather know how stressful and disorienting it can be, especially for seniors who live alone and may have limited mobility or cognitive conditions. In order to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and well-prepared in the event of severe weather, we recommend taking the following precautions for yourself, and/or your elderly loved ones.

Blizzards

We all love watching a beautiful winter snowfall, but blizzards can be very dangerous, especially for seniors. Power outages, freezing temperatures, and dangerous driving conditions can leave you stranded. As the snowy season approaches, you should:

• Pack a blizzard survival kit to use in the event of a power outage. Power outages during blizzards are very common, so you’ll need batteries, bottled water, canned food, several extra layers of clothing, a back-up supply of any medications, toilet paper, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, and any other daily essentials you use. 
• Never use a generator indoors. For those who have generators at home, remember to only run it when it’s outside. Generators emit carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas, which is especially dangerous to older adults. 
• Use flashlights instead of candles. When the power goes out it can be tempting to light candles, but flashlights are a much safer alternative because there is no fire hazard. Stash some flashlights and several packs of batteries in the closet so they’re easy to access in the dark. 

Hurricanes

Although we usually get a hurricane warning a few days before it hits, it’s recommended to prepare when there is no threat. This is to ensure you’re not caught up in the flurry of activity several days before the hurricane makes landfall. Put together a hurricane kit with at least three days’ worth of the following supplies:

• Bottled water
• Nonperishable foods, like canned vegetables and fruits
• Dry goods like pretzels and protein bars
• Any medications you or your family take
• Flashlights and batteries

Hurricanes can leave  people confined to their homes for several days until it’s safe to go outside again. So similar to a blizzard, we recommend stocking up on all your essentials well ahead of time to avoid less than ideal driving conditions

You Are Safe from the Storm at UMC Pitman

Preparing for blizzards, hurricanes, or other severe weather events is something that’s easy to put on hold. However, being well-prepared and avoiding the frenzy is crucial, especially for older adults. If you or someone you love has mobility issues or is  cognitively impaired, we recommend taking time to be well-stocked with the provisions discussed above year-round.

At UMC Pitman, we take the safety of our residents very seriously. In the event of severe weather, we are prepared for and implement enhanced safety procedures that are immediately put into place. We understand it’s not always possible to physically be with your loved ones in assisted living during a severe weather event, like a hurricane, however our associates are all highly trained in how to keep everyone safe, connected, calm and out of harm’s way. 

For more information about assisted living at UMC Pitman, or one of our other communities across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/severe-weather-tips-for-seniors/

 

Health and Wellness Programs in Senior Living Communities

There are plenty of important criteria that go into finding the right senior community, and one that shouldn’t be overlooked is how they proactively promote senior wellness. Here are some of the most current trends that retirement communities are embracing to help residents lead fuller, more active and healthier lives, from the team at our CCRC in Sussex County.

Changing from a Care Mindset to a Wellness Mindset

In the past, senior communities focused primarily on care, delivering services that treated health conditions and assisting with the activities of daily living. Today, these communities go much further  and take a much more holistic view of what it means for older adults to live abundantly. The senior wellness mindset  centers on creating a healthy, full lifestyle that is instrumental to senior independence and healthier, more active residents. Also,  care options can be tailored to  residents’ needs.

With seniors living longer than ever before and being mentally and physically healthy for longer, industry leading retirement communities transitioned to services and amenities that promote a modern and fulfilling wellness lifestyle.

The Most Popular Wellness Programs at Senior Living Communities

According to a survey conducted by the International Council of Ageing, the most popular senior wellness programs in these communities are:

• Education and lifelong learning programs – Learning new skills, whether it’s a new language, computer programming skills, crafting activities or even taking courses on different academic subjects, is critical to keeping minds active. Cognitive engagement slows  dementia, builds social relationships and reduces the risks of  depression and isolation.
• Exercise – Physical and mental health are strongly linked to regular exercise, helping older adults stay strong and mobile while boosting the immune system. A spectrum of exercise offerings  specifically target seniors at different fitness levels and interests. These include  yoga, Pilates, nature walks, water aerobics, tennis, Wii, and dancing.
• Health education and disease management – Senior wellness  empowers people to take responsibility for  their own health. Health education programs teach seniors about different health conditions, how they can be prevented, the importance of regular screening procedures, and how to monitor their own health as well as medication management.
• Food and nutrition education – Many senior living communities also help educate residents on managing their own nutrition. Health educators, nurses and dieticians can explain how to incorporate or omit different foods  to manage a health condition. They can also advise on how to overcome different nutritional challenges that seniors may face.
• Intergenerational programs – Many senior activities are a two-way street that include mentoring programs where seniors can pass on their skills and experiences to younger generations. Older adults possess  invaluable skills and knowledge  and building relationships with young people through these programs helps both groups gain independence, a sense of purpose and value in their community.
• Technology – Smart technology also plays a key role in creating a senior wellness community. Devices ranging from senior-friendly tablets and smartphones to smart lights that help prevent falls; timed medication dispensers; pre-programmed personalized workout sessions; telehealth services; and wearable tech that tracks steps, heart rate, oxygen levels, and hydration. 

This is invaluable in terms of creating ways that seniors can independently monitor and evaluate their own health and take important preventative measures to sustain good health. In addition, alert pendants and motion-sensing devices  help ensure peace of mind that if an incident occurs, emergency response will be as rapid as possible.

At Bristol Glen, our focus has always been on creating a community that allows seniors to live a full, independent lifestyle. Senior wellness is foundational to our CCRC in Sussex County where we implement a wide range of physical health programs, mental health activities and cultural experiences that seniors can use to live life to the full. If you’d like to find out a bit more about us, contact us or visit our website.

Originally posted: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/wellness-programs-in-senior-living-communities/

5 Ways to Show Appreciation During Family Caregivers Month

 

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and for those who are caregivers or know someone who is, you know how hard they work to ensure their loved ones are safe, healthy, and happy. Family caregivers constantly make sacrifices and put everyone else before themselves, so some time-off or a special gift will go a long way in the appreciation department.

Here are some ways to show them a little extra love throughout the month of November. Keep in mind it doesn’t need to end there!

1. Treat them to a fun day out. Even with the Coronavirus still among us, we are more than able to leave our houses for a little fun (as long as we are staying safe). Break the traditional routine and treat the caregiver in your life to a fun day out of their choosing. Options may include a local shopping trip to their favorite store or a socially-distanced dinner at their favorite restaurant. Whatever option you decide on is bound to be a wonderful and thoughtful way to show gratitude. 
2. Have the person they care for write them a letter. Family caregivers are often expected to take on caregiving duties because “it’s what they should do,” especially when the person being cared for is a parent or a spouse. However, a little acknowledgement can go a long way, especially when it’s a heartfelt, handwritten letter. 
3. Give them some time off to rest and recharge. Juggling multiple responsibilities is stressful for anyone, especially a caregiver. They all need time to rest, reflect, and think. Family caregivers do not get vacation days like those of us who work traditional jobs. And many caregivers work full-time jobs while caring for their loved one full time, so you can imagine how easy it is for them to feel burned out. Get together with a group of family members or close friends and come up with a plan to give the caregiver some time off. This could be a great opportunity to try respite care at a safe and reputable assisted living community like UMC.
4. Pamper them. Unfortunately, spas are still closed due to Coronavirus complications. However, there are alternate (and safe) ways available to pamper the special caregiver in your life. Most hair salons and nail salons are operating under new COVID-19 guidelines and offer gift cards for customers to redeem at a later time. Before purchasing a gift card for your caregiver, call the desired salon ahead of time to learn more about their current operating guidelines. 
5. Let them know you’re here for them. Being an around-the-clock caregiver while working an additional job or caring for children can easily overwhelm anyone. Strong mental health is essential to being our best self, but we so often ignore self-care for more pressing responsibilities. Let the family caregiver in your life know that you’re available for emotional support, and perhaps find some online support groups they can join if necessary. Socializing and sharing coping strategies with other people who are in the same situation is proven to be very therapeutic and beneficial.

Consider an Assisted Living Option at UMC

Caregiving doesn’t necessarily end once your loved one moves into assisted living. Many family members visit their loved ones multiple times a week to ensure they are happy, safe, and healthy. UMC at Collingswood understands it can be hard to transition from a full-time caregiver to someone who sees their loved one a few times a week. Under our new COVID-19 guidelines and in conjunction with current state regulations, we welcome outdoor visitation and limited indoor visitation. Seeing your loved one safe and healthy in our community with others just like them, will give you the peace of mind you need.

For more information about United Methodist Communities at Collingswood, or if you have any other questions about assisted living, please contact us today. Discover why we are the trusted assisted living community for so many people in and around Camden County, NJ.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-ways-to-show-appreciation-during-family-caregivers-month/