Caregiver Connection Quarterly Newsletter
The Caregiver Connection Newsletter is a free publication of the Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA).
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stories in this issue
- Thank You
- Beat the Heat This July
- August Is National Immunization Awareness Month
- Sickle Cell Awareness in September
- You Are Invited to Join Trualta
- The Book Nook
Thank you
Thank you for attending the Caregiver Spring Mini-Conference
Thank you to all of those who were able to attend our Virtual Spring Mini-Conference, "Nourishing Caregivers: Mind, Body, and Spirit!" It was an informative morning with lots of helpful information from some experts in the community, such as:
- Nourishing the Mind: The Mental Health Association gave great tips on how to manage stress while caregiving and techniques for protecting your own mental health.
- Nourishing the Body: Jessica O’Hara-Anderson from BCDA’s Nutrition Program provided helpful info on creating balanced, healthy meals as a busy caregiver.
- Nourishing the Spirit: Emily Kearns of Dementia Friendly Baltimore County with special guest, Mary Todd, presented strategies for shifting our perspectives and finding gratitude and joy in our caregiving journeys.
Thank you to all of our amazing presenters for their time, insight, and knowledge.
If you were not able to attend or want to review any of this helpful info, check out a recording of the conference.
Beat the Heat this July
As the summer temps rise, it’s important to think about ways to stay safe in the heat. As we age, we become more sensitive to heat-related illnesses. See below for tips on reducing the risk of conditions like heat stroke this summer.
- Stay cool: Whenever possible, keep activities inside in air-conditioned buildings. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, look into public cooling centers in your area. Baltimore County offers libraries, senior centers and recreation centers as free community public spaces where residents can find reprieve from the heat.
- Hydrate: Continue to drink fluids throughout the day. Add hydrating foods like cucumber and watermelon. If you or your loved one have any medical conditions that limit fluid intake, be sure to speak with your doctor first for specific advice.
- Take breaks: Break activities into small periods throughout the day, allowing for more rest in between. Save strenuous activities for early morning or late evening when the temperatures are lower.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing: This will help your body regulate your temperature and keep air circulating around your body.
- Know the signs of over-heating: Be sure to seek medical care if you or someone you care for is exposed to prolonged heat and is showing the following signs: dizziness, extreme sweating, headaches, weakness, nausea.
For more information on resources or cooling centers in Baltimore County, call Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-887-2594.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
In August we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month. Have you had your shingles vaccine yet? It’s recommended for all individuals 50 and older (and those 19 and older with weakened immune systems). Getting vaccinated can help reduce the risk of contracting shingles, a virus that presents as a painful rash. New findings are showing an additional benefit though: a reduced risk of developing dementia.
A study conducted by Stanford Medicine over several years, using research data from a public health program in Wales, found a direct link between receiving the shingles vaccine and a lower risk of developing dementia. The study found that those who received the vaccine were 20 percent less likely to develop dementia than those who did not receive it. Although the results are hopeful for research in dementia prevention, more studies are needed to understand this connection to the vaccine.
To find out more information, be sure to ask questions and speak with your individual providers about your eligibility and safety before receiving the vaccine.
Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic condition that affects red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. Typical red blood cells are a round disc-like shape, but in sickle cell disease, they are closer to a crescent-type shape. This makes it difficult for the cells to travel easily through the blood vessels. The result is often chronic pain, fatigue, and other related illnesses for those with sickle cell disease.
With advances in science and medicine, individuals can live much longer now with sickle cell disease than previously. As the average life span grows, so does the understanding of how to treat older adults with the condition. Here are some things to keep in mind if you or your loved one are aging with sickle cell disease:
- Medical care: Those with SCD often require more frequent doctor check-ups and could benefit from connecting to specialists who are aware of the most up-to-date treatments available.
- Reduce risk of infections: Both SCD and older age increase one’s risk of severe illness with infection, so wearing masks, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, and consistent hand hygiene is even more important for older adults with SCD.
- More frequent medication checks: SCD and the medications that treat it can have complex side effects. And as we age, many older adults tend to develop other health conditions that also require medications. It’s important to screen and assess prescription lists at least annually to help reduce risk of interactions and side effects.
- Mental health support: Any health condition can be stressful, and there are often stigmas in society that can also add to the complex feelings one might have about their disease. Seeking professional assistance and looking for communities with support groups can provide a safe space to share feelings and resources.
- Control the environment: Individuals with SCD sometimes have difficulty keeping their body temperature balanced. Exposure to drastic temperature changes can trigger painful episodes, so it’s important to be aware and control the environment when possible. Avoid extreme heat and cold as much as possible.
- Heart-healthy nutrition: Focusing on food that follows heart-healthy guidelines can help control some of the symptoms and secondary conditions that are associated with SCD.
You are invited to join trualta
As a caregiver of someone in Baltimore County, you are eligible for free registration on Trualta, an online platform available in both English and Spanish, providing support and education for caregivers. Trualta provides access to a library of information tailored to your specific needs. This includes tips and strategies for providing the best care for your loved one, such as:
- Communication tips
- Techniques for providing safe hands-on care
- Care strategies for loved ones with a specific health condition
- Tips for managing medications and other important health needs
In addition, Trualta gives you access to online support communities such as:
- Virtual support groups at various days and times throughout the week, that are offered in both camera-on and camera-off styles, depending on whether or not you wish to remain anonymous
- Community chat groups where you can post questions and connect with others
- Your own personal care coach who can provide one-on-one support and advice through video calls or emails
For more info about Trualta and access to free registration, contact us at 410-887-4724 or caregivers@baltimorecountymd.gov.
The book nook
"Feeding My Mother, " written by Jann Arden, Published by Random House Canada, 2017.
“When Jann Arden's parents built a house just across the way from her, she thought they would be her refuge from the demands of her career. And for a time that was how it worked. But then her dad fell ill and died, and just days after his funeral, her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
In "Feeding My Mother," Jann shares what it is like for a daughter to become her mother's caregiver—in her own frank and funny words, and in recipes she invented to tempt her mom. Full of heartbreak, but also full of love and wonder.”
PAST EDITIONS OF CAREGIVER CONNECTION
Read past editions of the Caregiver Connection newsletter: