Millenials are experiencing with more frequency the challenge of serving as a caregiver for family or friends. The multitude of challenges include meal prep, medication management, transportation and more!

Check out this great article for more information to help Millenials navigate these incredibly difficult waters!

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The opportunity to be a caregiver for a senior is a high calling. It involves meeting a variety of needs- physical assistance, emotional support, mental encouragement and spiritual help. As we age our need for assistance in all of these areas increase dramatically. 

Another facet of care that many seniors need assistance with is protection and safeguarding of their finances. The elderly are a prime target for scams, con artists and thieves to take financial advantage. It is important that their family and caregivers provide a protective wall between these evil doers and the elderly. There are many things caregivers can do to help keep them safe.

First, it is important to communicate regularly with the senior about their finances, and if allowed to do so as a family member, check their accounts to make sure that there are not any unusual withdrawals. Ask the senior to talk to you about their finances, and make yourself available to discuss any concerns they might have regarding their money.

Second, be aware that many of the instances of financial abuse of seniors is perpetrated by a family member or close friend. Asking for a "loan", sharing personal financial crises to gain sympathy, or even blatantly taking monies or property from the senior take place on regular basis. Other family and friends need to watch for these horrible cases of "financial friendly fire", and be prepared to address those issues with the senior or with other family members.

Third, watch out for scammers who worm their way into the life of the senior via the telephone or print materials. Promises of financial benefits through sketchy investments regularly assault their space through telemarketers and bulk mail. Be on the lookout for these, and respond quickly if you feel they are being taken advantage of. 

Finally, have an open and honest conversation with the senior about the possibility of scams or people trying to take advantage of the senior. They need to understand how broad and rampant the problem is across the country, and look out for those who might take advantage of them. One easy way to do that is to pick up a copy of the resource "Protecting Your Nest Egg: Fraud Protection for Senior Citizens from Con Artists, Thieves & Scams" and go through it together. It is full of descriptions of common scams, and even a "self test" to see just how likely it is the senior might fall prey to a scam.

We love the seniors we care for in our lives. Stand in the gap and protect their hard earned money, investments and property!

Page Cole
Visiting Angels of Tulsa
Visiting Angels of Bartlesville
Visiting Angels of SWOKC

For anyone who works as a caregiver, it is no surprise to see the physical, emotional and mental fatigue that comes with the responsibility of caring for others. But there is a fourth facet that goes unattended in many caregiving situations- Faith Fatigue.

Many people are very committed to the spiritual aspects of life, while others do not see much value in those issues. Regardless of the level of commitment to the spiritual aspects of life, we all have a need to refresh our inner being. Some accomplish this through participating in religious or church activities. Others choose to feed their soul with private meditation, music or acts of service. The issue of greatest importance is not "How" they are nurturing the "faith" portion of their life, but that they are in fact making an intentional effort to keep that part of their life balanced and healthy.

Caregiving is a constant pouring out of one's own self into the needs of another. It just makes sense that if you are always pouring out your energy and heart, but not doing something to replenish your innermost needs that eventually you will feel empty or burned out. It is critical that each individual consistently tends to their own inner faith or spiritual needs so they are able to provide the highest level of quality care to those in need.

What can you do?  Attend religious services, spend time in meditation, read scriptures or religious writings are a few of those healthy options. Listening to edifying music or participating in spiritual events are also ways to feed one's soul. Finally, many individuals find that prayer or quiet contemplation are rejuvenating and can bring balance to their hearts and their soul. 

This article is not intended to be "preachy" or condescending in any way. It is simply a reminder that human beings are complex creatures, individuals with physical, emotional, mental, social and yes, spiritual needs. Take care of yourself people! You deserve it!

Page Cole
Visiting Angels of Tulsa
Visiting Angels of Bartlesville
Visiting Angels of SWOKC
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Taking care of a loved one or working professionally as a caregiver can be extremely rewarding. Anyone who has done any amount of caregiving can testify this is true! At the same time, the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stresses of being a caregiver can take their toll on you as well. It is important that as you "pour out" yourself into the nurture and service to others in need that you are also doing things that "fill your cup" so that you don't end up burned out and used up. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "I'm doing great!", and 10 being "I'm burned out!", where would you rank yourself?

It's important that you stay healthy by staying fresh. Sometimes caregivers need to step away to recharge their batteries. That charge can come through whatever hobbies or recreational activities help you to relax and rejuvenate! Maybe you are a "craft" person who enjoys making things- then go do that! Possibly you are an outdoorsy type- then go for a hike or spend the afternoon at the park or botanical gardens! Others enjoy music or the arts- so treat yourself to some new music or a night at a performing arts center! Your health is vital if you are going to be the very best you can be when you are actively caregiving! Self-care is critical, and hobbies are one way to provide that care!

You may find it provides more structure and accountability for you to regularly enjoy those hobbies if you find someone else to share them with you. Build relationships outside of your caregiving to stay positive. When you go golfing with a friend, or hit the stores with a shopping buddy it is actually therapeutic! Another person can help you unwind and destress from the pressures of caregiving! Who will you call the next time you need to get on your "Hobby Horse" and enjoy some relaxation time?

I offer this suggestion with a warning. It is OK to bring your hobby into your caregiving if or when you think it could be positive. First, the care of the person you are helping is most important when you are providing assistance to them. You do not want to do anything that would be anything but beneficial or wholesome for them as well. Second, you also must make sure that you are allowing time outside of your caregiving to participate in your relaxing or refreshing hobby. It should never be something that only happens when you are with the care recipient. That all being said, for someone who loves gardening could find out that working in the garden with the care recipient that blesses both of them! Is there a hobby that you love that you could share with your care recipient, one that you both would enjoy?

Remember, life is a journey... stay balanced. Burnout is normal among caregivers, regardless of whether they are being paid or a simply a family member or friend helping a loved one. Know your limits, and know what the signs are that you could be nearing burnout. Now get out there and have some fun! 

If you would like more information about caregiving issues, or are interested in talking to us about one of our fantastic professional caregivers, contact the amazing people at Visiting Angels of Tulsa!

Visiting Angels of Tulsa
1532 S Peoria
Tulsa, OK 74120
www.visitingangels.com/tulsa
[email protected]