Summer is finally cooling off!

Summer is finally cooling off and we are almost to autumn.  Autumn is my favorite season of the year!  I like it because we all seem to start something new in the fall.  Some start school, some start college.  Most of us start a new schedule...if nothing else due to new traffic patterns with a zillion school buses out on the roads.  Regardless, autumn is a time to start fresh. At ACCfamily, we are starting some fresh stuff too.  We spent the summer re-tooling a lot of our inner workings and services.  We are very glad to tell you that we have added a medical doctor to our menu of services.  Our doctor does house calls!  If you or a loved one needs a doctor's visit but is afraid to go out (or can't get out!), we can now come to you.  Exciting days for ACCfamily!

We also added a couple more steps to our background check process so you can know every caregiver that comes to your home is safe.  We did NOT have any bad experiences that caused this change...we just added another level of security.

We have added a couple more things that will be discussed in the future.  There will be more on the doctor too!  We just couldn't wait any longer to tell you.

Oh, and by the way, we updated our website too.  Tell me if you like it.

Thank you for allowing us to join your family!  It is an honor to love and serve you!

-Jim Lindsay

President

Stay Warm

With the possibility of a polar vortex before us this winter, let's remember to take extra precautions to stay warm. Here's a few suggestions from mentalfloss.com.

1. Warm yourself first

2. Wear a hat

3. Turn on the ceiling fan

4. Block drafts with a pool noodle

5. Dress your windows up in warmer clothes

6. Stuff your pockets with hand warmers

And remember, a wise person once said:

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.

Easing the Financial Strain

The statistics posted recently on US News.com say it all:

The growing number of Americans caring for their aging loved ones often face financial strain along with their daily caregiving responsibilities. A survey this year of 1,345 family caregivers by Caring.com found that 46 percent of caregivers spend more than $5,000 a year on related expenses. Those costs include medications, medical bills and in-home care. One-third of respondents said they spend 30-plus hours a week on caregiving and half said they had to change their work schedule to make room for those responsibilities.

Caregiving may not only lead to emotional but also financial burdens.  It is wise to take measures to assess not only your mental strength but your financial strength as well. It is smart for families to sit down and talk through the economical factors that come right along with caring for a loved one.

But take heart! There are steps that can be taken to reduce financial strain when taking care of older adults.  They are listed briefly below but you can read in more detail here.

1. Leverage community help.

2. Hire help for yourself.

3. Try to avoid quitting your job.

4. Check up on public benefits.

5. Investigate long-term care options.

And remember, ACCFamily is here to support you as you use your resources wisely - ultimately providing the care and support for your loved one so that you can manage your life and money in the best way possible.

How to Handle Criticism

How to Handle Criticism while Caregiving A great article taken from Aarp.org.......  To read the full article click here.  And remember ACCFamily is here to help you when things get difficult.  We can provide that extra support for you and your loved ones.  Reach out to us today!

"You know she's depressed. Take her to a bereavement support group," one of my 84-year-old mother's longtime friends recently advised me about her.

"Try to stay out of her life as much as possible," another counseled, a few months earlier.

"She should be in an assisted living facility," a third insisted before that.

I hadn't asked any of them for advice, only occasional support and company for my mother. But their notion of being helpful was to tell me how I should be a better son and caregiver and change what I was doing.

In each instance I responded as courteously as I could, though I probably showed less enthusiasm for their ideas than they might have desired. Inside, though, I chafed. The suggestions were not wrongheaded in and of themselves, even though they were at cross-purposes with one another. I also knew that these friends were offering advice because they genuinely care about my mother and me. But — call me sensitive — it felt like they were finding fault with my years of concerted caregiving. That didn't help; it made me feel criticized and hurt.

I've talked with many caregivers who have similar experiences. They are peppered with ideas from friends who implore them to seek different doctors and treatments, set different limits with care recipients, and secure different amounts of time (sometimes more, sometimes less) for self-care.

Extended family members not directly involved in the day-to-day caregiving work are notorious for being free with such unsolicited advice. It is as if by dint of their own blood relationships with the care recipient and perhaps guilt that they aren't providing more hands-on help, they feel they have the right and responsibility to direct operations from afar. The primary caregiver is left in the position of having to graciously accept the facile and occasionally impractical suggestions or stand accused of trying to be a hero and rejecting others' assistance.

It's clear that most caregivers need the support and concern of friends and family members. But if they become offended, then they may cut themselves off from that potential assistance. Here are ways to handle unsolicited advice and remain connected to the well-meaning sources of it.

Take it from whence it comes

Caregivers would be well-advised (there's that word again) to not just react to the message being given but to consider the background and intentions of the messenger. Advisers often have a sincere desire to help, because they truly are caring and invested. They just don't have enough information and understanding to know how to actually be helpful. They are also unaware that their good ideas may come across as critical. If you express appreciation for their caring, they will usually feel satisfied that they are making a difference and stop pressing specific recommendations.

Some people, though, use pieces of advice as thinly veiled barbs. Out of competitiveness or their own misery, they consciously or unconsciously mean to take caregivers down a peg. They should be kept at arm's length. It is seldom worth debating them or giving them the satisfaction of having caused hurt.

Tomorrow

"Tomorrow, is the first page of a 365 page book.  Write a good one." Brad Paisely

ACCFamily Can Help!

Here at ACCFamily, our goal is to come alongside you and support you and your family, when you need it most.  An extra helping hand during the holiday season can help to relieve some of the stress during these months.  Remember you don't have to do it alone! Whether you are looking for around-the-clock home care services, a temporary helping hand for just a few hours per day, or a professional assessment of your elder care needs, ACCFamily can help.

Call us today to learn more about how we can support you during these months.  Toll-Free: 1-877-549-7894

Are You Stressed During the Holidays?

The holiday season ignites goodwill towards men, usually accompanied by familial stress. ACCFamily, being a strategic and enlightened caregiving company striving to keep families together, came across a great article on allaying stress during the Christmas season. The focus is on family caregivers, which is the target ACCFamily strives to help. Our hope is some of the advice is helpful and encouraging – you are not alone during this season. Family Caregiver Alliance (http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1039)

For many caregivers the holiday season gives rise to stress, frustration and anger, instead of peace and good will.

Caregivers may feel resentful towards other family members who they feel have not offered enough assistance. Managing care for someone who has a cognitive impairment may leave caregivers feeling that they will not be able to participate as fully as they would like in family gatherings. Already feeling overwhelmed with caregiving tasks, stressed-out caregivers may view traditional holiday preparations as more of a drain of precious energy than a joy.

Following are some suggestions that may help make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your loved ones. Keep in mind that the holidays can, in fact, provide unique opportunities to seek better communication, connection and support from family and friends.

 An opportunity for communication

It’s hard to know how much to communicate about a loved one’s decline in cognitive functioning and personal care needs. Whom do you tell? How much do you tell?

Although it is understandable to have reservations about discussing a loved one’s impairments, honest communication about the realities of the caregiving situation offers others the opportunity to respond with assistance. Sharing the truths of your situation may help reduce some of the feelings of isolation and lack of appreciation common in caregivers.

 Holiday greetings and a brief note

Some caregivers have had success in writing a brief note describing the person’s condition and enclosing it in a holiday greeting card. This can be a nonthreatening way to inform distant or uninvolved relatives about the realities of the caregiving situation. If written in a tone that’s not accusatory or guilt-inducing, family members may be more forthcoming with assistance or, at least, have a better understanding of the effort you are putting into providing care.

Let sleeping dogs lie?

It is common for caregivers to be disappointed with family members who they feel are not “pulling their weight” in caregiving responsibilities. If this holds true for you, and your goal is to enjoy the holidays, you must decide how much and when to communicate this disappointment. Consider clearing the air before the holidays or perhaps resolve within yourself to put those feelings on hold, with the intention to discuss the matter after the holiday season passes. In the meantime, enjoy the holiday!

Be clear about your energy level

Let family members know that your caregiving duties are keeping you very busy and that you only have so much energy for holiday preparation and hosting duties.

Accept the need to adapt

Caregivers often have to adapt their traditional role or experience of the holidays. This may mean allowing another family member to host more time-intensive festivities. You may need to modify the amount of time away from home to match the comfort level of your impaired loved one. You may also have to choose which events to attend based on which would be the simplest, least exhausting and most enjoyable for the person for whom you provide care—and for you.

The visit room

Don’t expect the person with cognitive impairment to be able to adapt to all situations; you may need to adapt the environment to their needs. See if you can arrange to have another room in the house designated as a quiet place for the impaired person. Many people with dementia find multiple conversations and background noise disturbing. To avoid this anxiety, the person may benefit from time in a quieter room with less stimulus where family members could take turns visiting with them.

 Share your wish list

Respite: some caregivers ask for time off from caregiving duties as a gift for the holidays. This could mean another family member gives you a break. Sometimes asking for aSaturday off “in the next three months” is more accepted, as family members can then schedule it into their calendars. If this is not possible, perhaps they would consider paying for a home care worker or a stay at a respite facility. Your FCA Family Consultant can help you locate these resources in your area.

Home repairs: Do light bulbs need changing, or grab bars need installation? That maddening pile of junk in the garage needs to go to the dump? Tasks such as these may be the perfect way for a family member to help out if providing personal care is too uncomfortable for them.

Care for you! How about a gift certificate for a massage, facial or manicure? How about an opportunity to spend the day fishing or a walk in the outdoors?

Book your homecare worker early! Speak with your home care worker or home care agency early about your holiday plans!

Schedule one-on-one time

While caregiving, it is easy to get caught up in all the tasks of personal care and homemaking chores. Make a point of setting some time aside this holiday season to enjoy the person you care for in a relaxed, one-on-one context. The best activities are those which take advantage of long-term memory—usually less impaired in people with dementia. Try looking through family photo albums or unpacking holiday decorations, which may stimulate memories.

Reflect on the rewards

Reflecting on the rewards of caregiving can help maintain your self-esteem. It may feel very rewarding to know that you are fulfilling a vow or promise you have made to the person for whom you provide care. Your caregiving may be an expression of living up to your personal ideals or religious beliefs. You may also be experiencing a great deal of growth as you learn new skills and meet challenges in ways you never imagined possible.

A little thank you goes a long way

After the holidays, write a thank you note to family members or friends who spent time with your loved one. Emphasize the positive impact their visit or brief time spent with your loved one had on them. This may reinforce positive feelings from their visit and diminish any discomfort they experienced. They may then be more encouraged to visit again or be more supportive of your efforts.

You're Not a Kid Anymore When.....

Found this list today and can't help but share.....  Hope it brings a smile to your face. Signs That You're No Longer a Kid (or Even Close)

1. You're asleep, but others worry that you're dead.
2. Your back goes out more than you do.
3. You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
4. You're proud of your lawn mower.
5. Your best friend is dating someone half his/her age... and isn't breaking any laws.
6. You sing along with the elevator music.
7. You'd rather go to work than stay home sick.
8. You constantly talk about the price of gasoline.
9. You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
10. You consider coffee one of the most important things in life.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
12. People call at 9 pm. And ask, "Did I wake you?"
13. You send money to PBS.
14. You know what the word equity means.
15. You can't remember the last time you laid on the floor to watch television.
16. Your ears are hairier than your head.
17. You get into a heated argument about pension plans.
18. You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.

-- Anonymous

Taken from Caring.com

Light up the Night!

Looks like we do literally light up the night sky during the holiday season!  NASA scientists have satellite images that show an increase in brightness in major US cities during the holidays.  Some US cities brighten up as much as 50% from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  What an incredible thought -- to imagine our lights brighten up the dark space. So can be true in our lives during this time of year.  We all can play a role in brightening up the season for someone else.  Whether it be serving at a food kitchen, spending extra time with an ailing loved one or just lending a listening ear to a friend - we can be that light of hope and encouragement.

For many, this time of year is not always a joyous one.  Perhaps money is a stretch, a job is more stressful or some are dealing with memories of days gone by.  Let's take a step out of our own lives and remember others.

How can we make a difference during this time of year? How can we lighten up the night?

Source from: http://www.wired.com/2014/12/tracking-holiday-lights-from-space/#slide-id-1682223

Caregiver, Have Confidence!

As we recently included this article in our monthly newsletter, we thought we'd share it here too.  One can never have too many reminders on this issue! Take from: Caring.com

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy."  Norman Vincent Peale

I have a confession to make: I frequently feel inadequate. Acutely inadequate. As a wife, as a nurse, as a writer, as a woman, as a caregiver. Often, these feelings overwhelm me to the point I find it difficult to start or continue a project. After all, why begin something if you believe you won't do it well? Or won't even finish it?

Take this past Thanksgiving. I invited my siblings to come from out of state, and they graciously accepted. I planned a menu and some activities, but as the date approached, doubt crept in. I felt I wouldn't be able to pull off a large dinner for nine in my small kitchen. I believed my siblings wouldn't be interested in the activities I'd planned, and that they'd be bored and regret they'd come. I was afraid people wouldn't like some of the dishes I planned to serve, as I diverged from a strictly traditional meal in order to diversify the menu.

The doubt became louder as the date loomed closer. Viewing my cluttered guest room, a voice deep down scolded me for being a sloppy housekeeper. After the guests arrived, I became ill with a nasty virus, and my coping skills correspondingly declined. I had a hard time thinking clearly and not only wasn't very talkative but actually found all the hubbub annoying. I turned churlish and then berated myself for not behaving as a charming hostess. even as I tried to soldier on as best I could. Obviously, I told myself, I was a failure. Worse, it was no less than I expected.

After my guests had departed, I even chided myself for my feelings of failure. Basically, I guess I felt I was a failure at being a failure. How much more absurd can you get?!

And so, with this realization, I've decided it's time to stop wasting energy on these negative feelings. Starting today, I'm going to begin focusing on the things I do well, rather than those areas in which I'm lacking. I urge you to do the same.

None of us does everything well. And you know what? That's OK. I will never have a completely clutter-free home. On the other hand, I do a good job at keeping my bathroom clean. I'm a good cook. I'm a good listener. I'm a reliable employee. I tell (and show) my husband how much I love him. And I treat others with kindness.

Aren't those things far more important than having a clutter-free home?

This week, I'm going to ignore the fact I'm inadequate in many respects "“ because I'm more than adequate in many other ways, and that's what I choose to focus on from now on. I'm going to reprogram the audio tape that runs in my head so that all the negative messages are erased, and it only plays reinforcing messages. This week, I will reclaim my self-confidence. I invite you to join me.

By Elizabeth Hanes

Do You Need a Hug? Or a Shove?

Do you need a hug? Or a shove? The power of local government is a resource to influence lifestyle, especially in the health sector. While government laws and schemes can forcefully cause a chain reaction, positive repercussions are not always apparent. That being said, creative health initiatives in the grassroots style can directly or inadvertently cause cultural and social change. BBC published an article outlining the significance of local health councils, and the manner of measures to spur health change. The author organized these categories into the physical verbs of "Hug, Nudge, Shove, or Smack." I would have liked to see the word "punch" thrown in there for equal dramatic measure.

What do these words represent specifically? It's a literary way of defining community action. Take "Hug" for example. Local officials worked with fish and chips restaurants in north-east England to get them to use salt shakers with fewer holes. Who would have thought?! Reducing the holes from 17 to 5 can cut salt consumption by three quarters, and that's without the public even being aware!

The terminology break-down:

Hug - Covers a range of incentives - although not usually hard cash. Instead, the focus has been on providing vouchers or giving discounts. Already used to discourage things such as drug use and smoking.

Nudge - Based on the idea of changing behaviour without using compulsion. Can include enticing people to take up activities or using subliminal marketing. For example, stressing social norms can encourage people to change behaviour because they want to be alike.

Shove - More deliberate than a nudge. For example, some council planning departments have been restricting takeaways and fast food restaurants near schools.

Smack - The most draconian of all the measures: banning something. Most famously used by central government when it introduced the smoking ban.

While ACCFamily cannot provide salt shakers with fewer holes, the aim to provide home-healthcare containing 'hug-like' measures is ingrained in our ethos. Sometimes, though, we get a little feisty with a nudge. Case in point: "EVERYONE is calling ACC Family to inquire of their marvelous services, so YOU should TOO!"

A Lesson to Learn in Honoring Elders

If you've ever traveled abroad or experienced other cultures, perhaps you know the importance and honor that other societies give to their elderly.  Many cultures celebrate aging, instead of fearing it.  For instance, Korean's have a high regard for aging, having large celebrations when people reach 60, 70 and even 80 years old. Many Indians live in joint family units, with the elders acting as the head of the household. The elders are supported by the younger members of the family and they in turn play a key role in raising their grandchildren. This is less common in the United States.  AARP had a recent article about this very subject that tweaked my interest.  It was entitled: A Lesson from Thailand in Honoring Elders. Here's an excerpt...

We arrived with jasmine garlands and two rosettes folded out of Thai baht. We slipped off our sandals and felt the cool, smooth tiles beneath us as we walked toward a woman sitting on her front porch. 

The woman was my friend Fon’s 90-year-old great grandmother, Chid. Fon had invited us — my friend Jess, my boyfriend Joe and me — to go to the beach, a few hours south of Bangkok. But first, she asked, could we stop to worship her great grandma?

Let me explain.

Two weeks ago, Joe and I moved to Thailand for our year abroad, part of my master’s program in gerontology, a joint degree from Miami University in Ohio and Mahidol University in Thailand. Jess, Fon and I started classes this week, but for us, the farangs(foreigners), the learning began as soon as we stepped off the plane.

Our beach day happened to fall on the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand, which is Mother’s Day here. On this day, a national holiday, it’s customary for Thai people to visit the mothers in their families, and shower them with love and appreciation.

Jess, Joe and I watched as Fon and her mother, Pruksa, knelt before Chid. Together, they bowed their heads and said a prayer aloud. In Thailand, grandparents are considered to be like big, full trees that reach out over the earth, providing shade and comfort to the generations below. They used this image in their prayer, which Fon later translated, and wished her great grandmother a long, healthy life ahead.

In return, Chid offered them a blessing. She leaned in, touched their shoulders and wished them success in work, in family and, for Fon, in her studies. Pruksa started to cry. She hugged Chid tightly around the waist, and whispered words of love that even we farangs could understand.

After Jess, Joe and I took turns with our blessings, we bowed our goodbyes and headed off to the beach. Fon’s grandmother, Boonchuay, and brother Tak came along, too. The seven of us enjoyed a seafood feast prepared out of the back of their pickup. We ate fresh shrimp, squid, oysters and blue crab under a row of umbrellas lining the shore. It was beautiful — and beyond delicious.

By the end of the day, our bellies were full, and our heads and hearts were swimming with all that we’d experienced. American families gather on holidays and honor our matriarchs at Mother’s Day, too, but there was something different about this day that started with a ritual of respect and ended with a casual meal among what felt like friends.

If first impressions hold even an ounce of truth, I think people here are on to something. The idea of intergenerational relationships, of coming together with people of all ages, seems to be at the heart of Thai culture, particularly when it comes to family. I have a feeling we’ve got a lot to learn.

To read the article and others from AARP click here.

A FIGURATIVE ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR THE SELFLESS

You know the high you get from attending a baseball game or conference, standing as one with thousands of others cheering a common cause? Then, after the day of intense excitement, animated discussions are had regarding the powerful speakers; the well-trained and talented pitcher; or the amazing food. The stars of the event are the ones in your exact line of sight, broadcast over large screens and resounding in your ears.

The rare occasion is when a person remarks, “Wow, that event was great – the dishwashers really went out of their way to clean the dishes and keep them sparkling.”

“Oh yes,” the other replies enthusiastically. “The maintenance men fixed the bathroom faucet in complete optimism, as the line out of the bathroom became mutinous and raucous. I admire their calm dedication!”

Wrong.

A typical conversation would follow the lines of, “Dude, can you believe the handsome CEO spoke about gaming in the workplace? Ahhh, such power coming from a place of humility. That guy is top notch.”

“Did you see that pitch at the bottom of the 7th? We’ll see replays of that in the coming weeks.”

We’re easily captivated beings that concentrate on the image at hand, literally right in front of our eyes. We compliment events and people that are announced in grand fashion, and then give a mandatory light applause to the general statement of ‘the people behind the scenes who helped make the event possible.” The truth is, though, that the light smattering of applause is for the  real heros who make hypothesis’ become realities. The unseen, the uncherished, hard-working individuals who strive and commit hours of unglamorous work. The real heroes. The epitome of selflessness behind the scenes.

The nurses behind the doctors. The caregivers behind closed doors. The event organizers behind the keynote speaker.

There are selfless heroes everywhere. Now let’s give them a round of applause.

Don't Let Yourself Be Sabotaged

We've probably all heard how important it is for a caregiver to make their own care a priority.  Some people may shrug it off as "good advice" but still say, "how can I really take care of myself like I should?  There is just no time".  We must remember that because the caregiver, at times, is the life-line for their ailing mother, father or  relative, it is so very important to heed that advice. Over time the caregiving situation can be stressful and even tense. Good efforts can be undermined by a few "sore points".  Here's some areas to pay special attention (taken from Caring.com) and how to deal with them.  And remember, ACCFamily is always here to help alleviate some of the stress and allow you, the caregiver, to be all you can be for your loved one.

Lack of Privacy

The Solution:

Make necessary home improvements to allow the live-in elder to have his or her own space, not just for sleeping but also for living: a TV set and comfortable chair, a desk, opportunities to get out of the house. Avoid making a child share a room with an elder if you can. Explore whether a parent's assets can be used to fund a modest addition to a caregiving adult child's home, rationalized as a cheaper alternative than out-of-home care.

Ignoring Sleep Deprivation

The Solution:

First make sure your loved one's basic "sleep hygiene" is in order: No stimulating beverages or activity late in the day. A quiet, dark room. Proper clothing for sleep (elders sometimes nod off in their day clothes). No TV or electronics used in the bedroom at night. Use of a proper, comfortable bed, not a lounge chair. (An elder may "turn in" but never actually get in bed.)

Lone Soldier Syndrome

The Solution:

Let go of old ideas that asking for help is a sign of weakness. If ever you needed other people in your life, it's now.

Not Anticipating

The Solution:

Make lists of your options, or of places and people you can contact to solve potential problems common to your situation.

Overwhelming Care Tasks

The Solution:

Be sure there's been a through physical exam to see if a problem, such as incontinence, is fixable. Adult diapers and toileting schedules, or a change in medications, may make incontinence more manageable, for example. Frequent falls and problems getting up are other physiological problems that may be treatable.

Click here to read the full article.

The Cost of Diabetes

Diabetes is costly: said in the most figurative AND shockingly literal sense. Since 2007 there has been a 41% increase in the total cost of diabetes, from 174 billion to 245 billion. Forty one percent?!

Articles are everywhere online detailing the high rise of Type I diabetes among children, the hypotheses of diet and gene interactions to combat the repercussions, and endless statistics detailing growth rate and costs. The information can be staggering, not to mention overwhelming. In the midst of this diabetes hurricane, health professionals are growing increasingly concerned with the sheer NUMBER of people affected with the disease and the factors prevalent in adding to those numbers. Two major factors influencing this rise is the increasing age of the baby boomer generation, along with the rising obesity rates.

ACCFamily wants to continue to spread awareness about diabetes, in order to address the disease on the front end of the battle, versus the back. Besides helping monetarily, it will increase quality of life. Consider taking a moment to read the following articles:

Diabetes Cost Report

Diet Strategies Show Promise in Lowering Risk of Diabetes

Freedom Through Movement

Came across a great article today from Caregiver.com ..... Take a look! Freedom Through Movement

by Kate Shuman, Staff Writer

Caregivers are the diligent keepers of a flame called hope. For every activity that their loved one may feel they can no longer do because of physical limitations and mobility problems, the caregiver still sees incredible potential for new adventures in the areas of physical activities and enjoyment of sports. Just because someone may have mobility problems doesn’t mean that they can no longer enjoy the things they once did, it just means that some things need to be approached in a slightly different manner. Yielding to some of the wonderful innovations that have been created to help modify mobility equipment for outdoor activities can help open a door once thought to be closed forever.

As a caregiver for someone who may be confined to a wheelchair or who has other mobility issues, much relies upon you to help bring your loved one gradually back into the physical world. Sometimes starting with the most simple of physical activities can really make a difference in your loved one’s attitude and confidence level. A good activity to begin with is hiking in one of our country’s many national parks. At least 50 of these parks have created hiking paths that are accessible to everyone, especially to those in wheelchairs. Before going on a hike, research the area that you and your loved one would like to explore. Make sure that any possible accessibility issues are discussed with the park personal ahead of time, to insure a positive experience for both you and your loved one.

There are also many benefits, both physical and psychological, to getting out into the great outdoors. Regular hikes and walks will help make physical improvements, such as strengthening the heart and lungs, along with making other muscles stronger. All of this can lead to improvements of circulation, flexibility and limberness, better balance and range of motion, sharpened senses, improved endurance and coordination, as well as better weight management.

Along with all of the physical improvements comes a more positive outlook on life for your loved one. You can also become more positive because of helping your loved one face their disability as a challenge rather than impossibility. Just think, something as simple as a hike or walk can help give your loved one a feeling of empowerment and a sense of accomplishment. But why stop with just a hike or walk? Your loved one may want to pursue new adventures on the ski slopes or revisit an old favorite like diving. With so many technological advancements made to improve mobility equipment, there is an endless sea of adaptable gadgets that can make just about any sport or hobby possible.

Some of the more common activities caregivers and their loved ones can enjoy include: archery, fishing, golf, bowling, working out, hang gliding, swimming, aeronautics, gardening, crafts (needle point, knitting, tapestry, painting, wood work), travel, basketball, hockey, fencing, yachting, cycling (handcycling), canoeing … and the list goes on. Caregivers and their loved ones can enjoy many of the things they always did together, and perhaps take on some new hobbies and adventures as well.

As a caregiver, it’s important for you to help your loved one carefully pace their re-entry back into the physical world. Your loved one may have high expectations of what their physical abilities should be at the moment; that’s not to say that over time their physical abilities won’t improve. It’s best for your loved one to realize what they would like to do in the way of physical activities, by first looking at what they want to do, then they need to ask what it is they can do and what they are willing to do. Finally, they need to know how they might do a certain activity or hobby. With wheelchair accessibility becoming available in more and more public recreation areas, there are many more activities to choose from, so by carefully researching your loved one’s interests and options, you’ll both help to create a better experience the first time out.

Among the many rewards that come from being involved with recreational activities and hobbies is the increase of self-esteem given to both the caregiver and their loved one. Also, your loved one, over time, will feel more willing to take chances and able to tolerate stress better. Loved ones can also receive immediate, positive feedback from accomplishing a desired task or activity. By our loved one going out into the community, the general public becomes familiar with them, associating them with their sport or activity, rather than with their disability. In turn, this helps to increase public awareness and acceptance of those with physical disabilities, allowing them to be included in whatever activities they so desire. Returning to the physical world doesn’t have to be impossible, but instead, it can be a brand new adventure for caregiver and loved one alike, creating a tremendously powerful and personal experience for both of you, bringing you even closer to one another, further strengthening and solidifying the impenetrable bond of caregiver and loved one.

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The Upside of Aging

I read an interesting article today on Reuters.com titled How an Aging Population Could be Tonic for the Economy. It caught my attention and after several read throughs, I was encouraged.  I'll provide the synopsis or you can read the article for yourself here.

The number of working people between the ages of 65-100 is expected to increase sharply over the next few decades and while this has caused alarm for economists, there are still some that have positive things to say about an aging population. Paul Irving, President of a non-partisan think tank focused on public health, is convinced there is many opportunities in these findings.  In his book, titled  The Upside of Aging: How Long Life is Changing the World of Health, Work, Innovation, Policy and Purpose he says, "It's not that aging doesn't pose some major challenges to overcome...So often the framing is negative, but there are some very positive potential outcomes of an aging society."

"That is an opportunity for people to have longer productive working lives, and it should drive economic growth as new products and services are launched to serve an older population.... It's critically important to encourage and enable people at all levels of the economic pyramid to continue to work. It might be that someone does a physical job that becomes very difficult to do in his fifties, so we should make it easy for that person to be retrained and find new opportunities."

It's all about embracing the possibilities of a graying society and adapting with the change.  Shifting the stigma from "Getting old is bad or dull" to "Getting old is the next phase of life".  If we don't adapt, we could very well miss out on the potential.

So whether you're 35 or 65 , let's all change the way we view aging.  Let's all find the upside.

The Memory of Time

"No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” Virgil

That quote is inscribed on the wall of the 9/11 Museum, which was dedicated yesterday, May 15th.   We all remember where we were, what we were doing and who we were with, in 2001, on that fateful day, when so many lives were lost.  Nearly 13 years later and the memories are just as vivid.

The museum, which opens to the public next week, tells stories of loss but also of courage, kindness and comradery as so many people came to the rescue of others. America was united in those moments and stood as one.

How were you changed?  As time passes, it’s easy to slip back into the routine of our day-to-day lives.  Time is so very precious. Whether it be taking care of your ailing father, running around with three little kids or picking up medication at the pharmacy – time is precious.  Let September 11th and those who lost their lives be a reminder for us to live differently.  Treasure each moment.  Before the memories are all that remain.

To read more about the 9/11 memorial click here.

When Song Sets You Free

Here's a repost from a while back BUT it's definitely worth a reread (if you haven't already).... "Larry was an artist, a musician, sculptor, and jewelry maker. There wasn't anything he couldn't do." A sheen of tears layered his wife's eyes as she started a video monologue, detailing their charmed life of the past, the seizure which happened out of the blue, and the reality of their life now.

The story doesn't end in heartbreak, however.

Music therapist Moreen Borsch began working with Larry, singing, playing the piano, and strumming guitar, using these activities to improve speech and strengthen muscle coordination. As his wife reconciled her memories of the past with the harsh edges of the present, watching her husband come alive through music was an unsurpassed joy. His cheerfulness and upbeat manner were completely attributed to music acting as the spur.

Music therapy can enhance the quality of life for people with conditions ranging from dementia, chronic pain, cancer, addictions, anxiety disorders, and numerous others. The American Music Therapy Association relays music therapy interventions can be designed to:

• Promote Wellness
• Manage Stress
• Alleviate Pain
• Express Feelings
• Enhance Memory
• Improve Communication
• Promote Physical Rehabilitation

Music is a unique and special tool which can be used to benefit all members of a family unit. Heavens, who WOULDN'T want to experience all of the bullet points above?! The truth of the matter is, you don't need to be a professional music therapist to utilize it in a daily routine. Being in the elder care business where compassion rules and sometimes music is just sensible, ACCFamily encourages you to creatively implement music in the fabric of your life. Caregivers especially can benefit from this specific therapy.

AARP blogger Amy Goyer gives a list of practical ways, acting as caregiver or loved one, to incorporate music into the everyday:

• I keep a CD player on the back porch where Dad likes to sit in the sunshine and listen to his favorite tunes — everything from classical to World War II-era music to Josh Groban. It transforms a solitary time into a fun, relaxing or stimulating experience and activity for him.
• I keep a DVD library and I use the DVR to tape musicals (hint: TCM airs them frequently!). We watch them often as the plots are easier to follow, they keep Dad’s attention and Mom enjoys them … and Dad and I sing along! Dad and I frequently have spontaneous dance contests as we view them. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Sound of Music and Oklahoma are just a few of our faves.
• Dad likes to take the dog for several walks every day, and I turn our walks into musical adventures. Physical activity and music are a golden combination for brain stimulation. It’s amazing to me the songs that Dad will remember when we’re walking — the other day he sang one of his college fraternity songs for me that I had never heard before — when we got home he sang it for Mom. He’s so adorable! When we walk, if he begins to drag his feet, I encourage him to play drill sergeant (he’s a WWII veteran) and he calls out the march and then we sing patriotic songs. His pace instantly picks up and the shuffling stops.

So let's get snappin', foots'a tappin', hands'a clappin' - because song will set us free!

THE FACES BEHIND STATISTICS: THE REASON FOR ACCFAMILY’S EXISTENCE

With the Baby Boomer generation’s age on the rise and closer scrutiny of nursing facilities and assisted living rampant on the news, it seems everywhere you turn there are discussions spawning over the topic of elder care, homes, caregivers, and alternative options. Care-giving, in particular, is a task that many families ‘accidentally’ fall into. One day a daughter is flowing in her daily routine; the next she is providing care for an aging relative. Family caregivers, in particular, while being ad mired either for financial frugality or patient love, walk a tired and forlorn path littered with many stresses.

The National Family Caregivers Association recently released statistics regarding family caregivers, including misperceptions of gender numbers, statistics of depression, and total money ‘saved’ by family care-giving. Many of the numbers are quite staggering and  present many ‘hidden’ issues of family care-giving. For example, over 61% of family caregivers suffer from depression some or most of which results from not receiving aid from other family members. One study calculated that American businesses lose between $11 – $29 billion each year due to employees’ need to care for loved ones.

ACCFamily came into existence in order to walk alongside family caregivers and let them retain their respective title of son, daughter, cousin, husband, wife. ACCFamily makes having a caregiver help you at home a legitimate option. Partnering with your family is a passion that drives the mission of ACCFamily and what we will continue to strive for. Allowing us to take some of the load you bear is not a cold choice to be made, but rather a decision that lessens many of the statistics above, while opening up a door to new relationships. ACCFamily is eager to share your burden.