Category: Caregiver Advice

To celebrate National Carers Week, myhomecareie.wpengine.com would like to offer Carers the opportunity to win training courses with Servisource Training.

Servisource Training offer healthcare courses across Ireland including the following courses which are ideal for carers:

• People Moving & Handling
• Heartsaver AED
• Infection Prevention & Control
• Recognising & Responding to Elder Abuse
• Children First

To be in with a chance to win, simply contact Carol Ann in Servisource Training at Freephone 1800 400 900 and book your training courses by the 30^th of June 2012. You will be entered into a draw and the winner will be refunded the full value of any training courses booked. T & C apply, don’t forget to quote reference number ST-01-SSHC, when booking your courses.

Three top tips to assist you when caring for a loved one with a disability.

Promoting independence:

– Allow the individual to carry out tasks in their own time and at their own pace.
– Offer assistance when needed; wait until your offer is accepted before you help.
– Listen to their instructions and allow your loved one to carry out tasks in their own way.
– Provide empowerment through acknowledging your loved ones right to take control and responsibility of their own life, to make decisions and to respect their feelings and concerns.

Communication:

– Always put your loved one first and refrain from negative phrases/labelling.
– Treat him/her with dignity, respect and courtesy.
– Allow him/her time to express any concerns/feelings/issues.
– Be patient, flexible and supportive.
– Actively listen to what he/she has to say. Be attentive to his/her needs.
– Take time to understand and ensure that he/she understands you.

Active involvement:

– Encourage your loved one to take part in enjoyable activities.
– Actively involve him/her in ongoing activities both in the home and the community.
– Offer choices and preserve his/her right to choose.

Most importantly, manage time effectively, you need your time.

One of the most effective ways of getting rid of stress naturally is meditation. A person generally suffers from stress when he or she spends a large share of their mental energy worrying about their future and thinking about the past. If you can successfully bring back your focus to the present, you will be able to get rid of this stress up to a great extent. Meditation can help you in bringing back the focus to the present.

How to use meditation as a remedy for stress.

1. First, you will need to find a perfect place for meditating. You can meditate in a place full of fresh air and greenery. Meditating in your backyard or in the lawn will be a great way to start the process. However, you can also meditate in a room, provided that the room has enough space and contains an airy atmosphere.
2. Once you have found a space for meditating, roll out the yoga mat and sit down on it. You can play a relaxing music while meditating; however, it’s optional. If you are meditating in a room, never use bright lights; dim lights help in promoting relaxing atmosphere.
3. You must sit down on the yoga mat with your legs crossed (follow the Indian style of sitting). Your back must be positioned straight supporting the wall. Your back must remain straight. However, never stretch it beyond your limits; that will make you feel uncomfortable throughout the meditation session. Place the hands on the knees keeping the palms facing upwards. Next, form ‘okay’ sign using the thumb and index finger on both your hands.
4. The next step of meditation will require you to concentrate on breathing. Close your eyes and start breathing in slowly. Your focus must be absolutely on your breathing; you must continue inhaling until you fill the lungs. Now, exhale slowly; while exhaling you must empty the lungs completely.
5. Repeat the above inhaling and exhaling action repeatedly, until you manage to attain complete relaxation.

• Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right. Reward yourself with respite breaks often.
• Watch out for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
• When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
• Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.
• There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.
• Trust your instincts. Most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.
• Caregivers often do a lot of lifting, pushing, and pulling. Be good to your back.
• Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
• Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
• Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.