Am I a Caregiver Caring Adult or BOTH

Am I a Caregiver, Caring Adult or, BOTH? Annie Lepkowski, LMSW Family Support Coordinator, Next Shift Hannan Center NEXT

What Next Shift Offers Knowing that family caregivers have limited time, we make connecting with Next Shift as easy and convenient as possible. Some of the services we provide include: • A bio-psychosocial assessment to determine caregiver needs/personalized care plan • One-on-one coaching for family caregivers and, when requested, family members • Connection to support and resources • Education and guidance • Family mediation • Day. Break

What is a Caregiver? A family caregiver provides unpaid assistance and support to family members, friends, neighbors or partners who have physical, emotional or developmental needs, and who are no longer able to perform tasks on their own.

According to the AARP, over 40 million Americans provide unpaid care for an adult aged 50 or older--approximately 6 out of 10 of them are doing it while also earning a living.

2017 Annual Family Caregiver Survey* • Family caregivers are primarily women 50+ who care for a parent or spouse • 46% of family caregivers report having only 2 -8 hours to themselves each week • The majority live with their care recipient and provide care 24/7 • They receive little to no help from others; feel lonely and isolated • More than half report not caring for their own needs-“Something’s gotta give and that’s what gives. ”

What a caregiver is • not… Always expected • Trained • Compensated—finances and retirement are affected • Supported • Provided resources • Regarded as experts • Able to care for their own needs

Signs of Chronic Stress (Caregiver • Burnout) Increased anger and impatience; anxiety, worry, guilt • Lightheaded, dizziness • Increased or decreased appetite • Increased smoking, alcohol, or drug use • Social withdrawal or isolation • Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts • Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue

How It Affects the Body § Tense Muscles, knots in stomach § Depression § Weakened Immunity § Emotional Overload § High Blood Pressure

OKAY, THAT’S A WHAT CAN BE DO Start with one thing ….

Time to build your toolbox…

Find your community • Who is there? • Be specific • Acknowledge the hard • Talk turkey • Oxygen tank – self-care is NOT selfish, it is essential • Be okay if you’re not okay • An opportunity

Begin to notice… WHAT’S YOUR TEMPERATURE?

§ S – STOP § T – TAKE A BREATH § O – OBSERVE § P - PROCEED

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS Notice Your Breath “Deep breathing counters the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure, ” psychologist Judith Tutin, Ph. D, a certified life coach in Rome, GA. Write and Release Spend 10 -15 minutes a day writing about the stressors one is facing can bring a great deal of relief in being able to give words to the stress. Share with Others Talking to a trusted friend or family member about what’s going on can bring great relief to an individual. Sharing with a trained counselor or therapist can also be beneficial.

We Feel What We Eat • 80/20 balance--fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains , healthy fats and lean proteins • It provides better brain functioning, improves energy levels, boosts your mood and immune system • Skipping meals can leave you in a bad mood and actually add to stress levels Do A Reset • Get moving—within 3 minutes of walking blood pressure decreases, within 10 minutes one’s mood improves and creative thinking improves • Allow time each day for breaks • Meditation/prayer • Schedule time for self and/or friends • Keep your own health in check • Connect with a support group • Respite care

It Takes A Village

THANK YOU FOR SPENDING TIME WITH US TODAY www. nextshiftdetroit. com Annie Lepkowski alepkowski@hannan. org 313. 833. 1300, ext. 40