The Caregiver Connection is a free publication of the Baltimore County Department of Aging.
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To read past editions of Caregiver Connection, view the online archives.
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Stories in this Issue:
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NFC Month is organized by the National Family Caregivers Association and is designated as a time every year to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers. "This year we are encouraging people to speak up during National Family Caregivers Month”, said Suzanne Mintz, NFCA president and co-founder. "One of the most important attributes on being an advocate for your loved one is the willingness and the ability to speak up and keep your eye on the ultimate goal, protecting not only the health and safety of your loved ones but for yourself as well."
In honor of National Family Caregivers Month and NFCA's 15th Anniversary, NFCA is hosting a free Family Caregiver Teleclass to teach family caregivers how to improve their communication with healthcare professionals and become better healthcare advocates for themselves and their loved ones.
What: Teleclass one-hour educational sessions available by phone and web.
When: Thursdays November 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. Eastern time.
How: E-mail teleclass@thefamilycaregiver.org with your name and contact information and you will receive a registration form.
To learn more about NFC Month and NFCA, visit www.thefamilycaregiver.org.
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Baltimore County Department of Aging’s Caregivers Conference 2008
Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Bykota Senior Center, 611 Central Avenue, Towson
Cost: Free admission. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase.
This day-long conference for family caregivers of older adults will provide:
prominent guest speakers in the field of aging
resources and vendor exhibits
opportunities to network with other caregivers
Respite care is available for your loved one while you attend the conference, with advance registration.
Conference topics include:
Memory loss and depression in the elderly
Behavior concerns in caring for parents, in-laws, other relatives
Challenges and success stories in caring for a spouse
Legal issues for the aging family
Navigating caregiving resources
Register at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/go/caregivers and for questions call 410-887-2594.
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The majority of both small (75 percent) and large (72 percent) employers responding to the 2008 National Study of Employers allow time off for employees to provide elder care without jeopardizing their jobs.
Large employers (53 percent) are more than twice as likely as small employers (24 percent) to report providing Elder Care Resource and Referral Benefits.
On the other hand, small employers (64 percent) are more likely than large employers (47 percent) to say that it is very true that they encourage supervisors to support employees with family needs by finding solutions that work for both the employees and the organization.
From the 2008 National Study of Employers by the Families and Work Institute. The report can be found at http://www.familiesandwork.org/site/research/reports/2008nse.pdf.
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We family caregivers as a rule don’t always do a good job of taking care of ourselves. We are always putting our loved ones’ health and well-being first. After that, there isn’t much time or energy left.
The research is clear, however: The extreme stress that family caregiving can cause actually has been shown to affect our immune systems, making us more prone to chronic illnesses ourselves. It can cause premature aging, and, in some cases, can result in premature death. Caregiving can even affect the health of our teeth.
If you are run-down, more tired than usual, will you be able to provide good care?
If you have a cold or the flu, will your loved one catch it from you?
If you become depressed, will you be able to make good decisions? Will life become unbearable?
If you are not well, who will fill your shoes, whether temporarily or permanently?
These are not questions to be taken lightly. Your own good health is the best present you can give your care recipient. Because you need to be there for someone else, the importance of taking care of yourself cannot be overstated.
Every day: Take a vitamin supplement, and, brush and floss your teeth.
Every week: Exercise, and, find a caregiving buddy or support group to talk with and support you.
Every month: Get away to do something for yourself, and, add some spirituality to your life.
Every year: get a flu vaccination and have an annual physical, and, have a real respite break or vacation.
From the informational pamphlet “The Best Present You Can Give Your Loved One: Your Own Good Health” written by the National Family Caregivers Association. Visit www.thefamilycaregiver.org or call 800-896-3650 for more NFCA information.
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Senior Expo is not just for senior adults. Caregivers can get a lot out of attending this year’s Senior Expo. 200 exhibitors ranging from hospitals to tourism agencies to financial institutions and everything in between will be presenting beneficial information.
Dates: Wednesday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium
In addition to finding information, Expo attendees can find fun. Prizes will be offered as drawings, and continuous live entertainment will be heard from the Examiner Entertainment Stage during both days of Expo. On Wednesday evening, there will be a special celebration with a wine tasting by Frederick Cellars, speed dating, and, music by Beatles tribute band, Beatwater.
In the 4-H Building on Wednesday, there will be an on-site volunteer activity stuffing care bags for the homeless. This project can be a great way for a family to come together to help the less fortunate in their community.
For more information, visit www.seniorexpoonline.com or call 410-887-2594.
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Free your heart from hatred.
Free your mind from worries.
Live simply.
Give more.
Expect less.
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Baltimore County Department of Aging concludes its’ yearlong outreach of
seminars to address major life changes and moving forward in life.
October is “The Differences Between Men’s & Women’s Grief” by Gilchrist Hospice.
November is “Coping with the Holidays” by Gilchrist Hospice.
December is “New Purpose Through Volunteering” by Baltimore County Volunteers.
For a schedule, contact Senior Information and Assistance at 410-887-2594.
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Revised September 19, 2008
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