Category: Senior Care

Tips for Caregivers of Divorced Parents

If you are a Caregiver taking care of aging divorced parents, you know the challenges of trying to make everyone happy. With competing demands from both parents, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to meet everyone’s needs. However, there are some things Caregivers can do to make the situation a little easier. Here are some tips to help make things a little bit easier. 

  • Set boundaries with both parents: Caregivers should explain what they are able and willing to do. You should also make it clear that you cannot do everything. It may be beneficial to ask a family member or sibling to assist with taking care of day-to-day tasks so you are not expected to do everything.

  • Split up the work: As a Caregiver, you know how essential it is to spend time with your aging client, make sure you are dividing your time amongst your parents equally ensuring each parent receives some individual attention. If there is a day you are not able to get to your other parent, request for assistance from the family member or sibling designated to help for the day. This way no one feels overwhelmed.

  • Make a Schedule and Stick To It: If there are multiple people providing support to your aging divorced parents be sure to make a schedule and stick to it. Make sure that everyone is on the same page when creating the schedule to ensure your parents are cared for at all times.

  • Communicate: If there are multiple family members or siblings assisting with caring for your aging parents, be sure to communicate with them about caregiving responsibilities so everyone remains on the same page for care. It may be beneficial to start a group chat.

  • Rest and Relax: While taking care of your aging divorced parents, caregivers should also include personal time to take care of themselves. Make sure to schedule some time for rest and relaxation. By taking these steps, Caregivers can help reduce personal stress and create a more manageable situation.

Taking care of aging divorced parents can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Hopefully, by using some of the tips provided, it’ll be possible to make things a little bit easier. I hope these tips have been helpful and wish you all the best as you continue to care for your loved ones. 

Are you a Caregiver for a loved one who is incarcerated? Are you trying to find ways to cope? Check out my podcast to learn tips on how Caregivers can manage all of this!

The caregiver’s job is a difficult one with many new realities and hardships such as incarceration.

Often they need to perform as both mother and father to a child with a parent in prison, teaching skills and caring for them in ways the absent parent would have done as well as showing up for the loved one in prison.

So how can they cope with all of this? I share a couple of tips to help in this episode.
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ATTENTION: INSTAGRAM UPDATE!!!

Thank you for your patience with me as I attempted to gain access to my Instagram account @rozjonesenterprises! Unfortunately, I have been prompted to create a NEW Instagram account.

Be sure to follow my new Instagram page @rozcaregiverconsulting and check out my top business mistakes as a Business Owner!

(Click the link above to access my new Instagram page with ease!)

Subscribe to The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Newsletter!

Caregiving can be a roller coaster of ups and downs. The information that you will receive from The Caregiver Cafe Weekly Specials Newsletter will support you as a caregiver. Remember…

1. YOU ARE NOT ALONE: The problems you face as a caregiver are experienced by other caregivers. Knowing that you’re not alone can be comforting. 

2. Tools and Resources:  Find caregiver stress management tools and gain perspective from other caregiver’s experiences.

3. LEARN TO: Ask for help, accept help when it is offered, and acknowledge yourself on this caregiving journey. Hear from experts on how to balance caregiving responsibilities by taking care of your needs and involving others to help manage the natural stress and isolation of being a caregiver. 
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Stay Fit, Trim, and Healthy with Safe Exercises for Seniors

By Roz Jones

Seniors have a lot to gain through regular exercise. Staying active can improve your client or loved one’s physical and mental health and extend their ability to live independently. Below are some tips for developing a beneficial exercise program for your client or loved one and sticking to it.

Designing a Safe and Balanced Exercise Program

  1. Increase endurance. Aerobic exercise like walking or biking is great for your client or loved one’s heart and circulation. Swimming is especially good for seniors because they get a total body workout with low impact and little risk of injuries. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity daily for your client or loved one.
  2. Build strength. Muscle mass declines with age, but resistance training two to three times weekly can help offset that loss. To be safe, start off with easy exercises and progress by increasing weights and repetitions gradually. You may want to take your client or loved one to visit a local gym or take a class at a senior center.
  • If your client or loved one prefers working out at home, you can buy weights or use household items like bags of rice.
  1. Stay flexible. Stretching will keep your client or loved one limber and help protect them from injury. Have them do it as often as possible – daily is great! Warm-up with some light aerobics and then ease into a stretch gently. Have your client or loved one hold the stretch for about 30 seconds. Repeat each movement a few times, gradually extending your client or loved one’s range.
  • It’s good to feel some slight tension, but if your client or loved one experiences any pain, stop and have them withdraw back to a more comfortable position.
  1. Improve balance. Protect your client or loved one from falls and broken bones by working on their balance. Tai Chi is another low-impact activity ideal for seniors. It promotes balance and strength. Even just having your client or loved one practice standing on one foot can enhance their stability.

Sticking to the Exercise Program

  1. Set realistic goals. A regular workout routine is safer and more beneficial than scattered efforts. Keep your client or loved one motivated by establishing realistic goals. Find activities that they can easily incorporate into their daily schedule such as cutting back on TV viewing to going for a daily swim. When their favorite program is on, they can even exercise during commercials.
  2. Have fun. Think about the pastimes your client or loved one loves and expand upon them. When children visit, go for a long walk through the park. If your client or loved one gets tired of using the treadmill alone every day, sign up for a yoga class with a buddy whose company you enjoy.
  3. Make contingency plans. Life events will sometimes interrupt your client or loved one’s normal schedule. While traveling, look for hotels with fitness centers. If it’s too cold to ride bikes outdoors, browse the public library for exercise videos for seniors.

Other Safety Tips

  1. Talk with their doctor. If your client or loved one has been sedentary for a while, their doctor can advise them on how to get moving safely. No matter what health issues they may experience, there is usually some form of exercise that they can engage in even if there’s a need to modify the standard positions.
  2. Learn to breathe. Proper breathing will help your client or loved one maintain good form. Generally, you exhale when you exert effort and inhale when you relax. So have your client or loved one breathe out when they lift something and breathe in when they lower it.
  3. Drink plenty of water. The body needs water regardless of whether you’re sweating. By the time you’re thirsty, you’ve gone too long without drinking.
  4. Wear the right shoes. Your client or loved one can exercise without spending a fortune on expensive equipment, but good shoes are worth the cost. Get protective footwear that’s designed for their chosen sport, whether it’s golf or tennis. If tying laces is a struggle, Velcro closures will give your client or loved one a secure fit.

Exercise is a great way for older adults to stay healthy and fit. Follow simple safety precautions so your clients or loved ones can remain active and enjoy the pastimes they love.

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ATTENTION: INSTAGRAM UPDATE!!!

Thank you for your patience with me as I attempted to gain access to my Instagram account @rozjonesenterprises! Unfortunately, I have been prompted to create a NEW Instagram account.

Be sure to follow my new Instagram page @rozcaregiverconsulting and check out my latest post on the top business mistakes I’ve made as a Business Owner!

(Click the link above to access my new Instagram page with ease!)

3 Ways to Have a Conversation with Older Generations

By Roz Jones

Today I want to talk about having conversations with the elderly. Some people find it difficult or don’t know what to say to older people. But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Whether you work or volunteer at a nursing facility, have an elderly neighbor who you want to get to know, care for an older loved one, or some other way you interact with the elderly, knowing how to have better conversations with them helps both of you thrive. 

Senior members of the population are more prone to loneliness than other age groups. Weakened health, decline in physical mobility, and loss of driving privileges due to age all affect their ability to socialize. This doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy company.

3 Ways to Have a Conversation with Older Generations

  1. Ask open-ended questions. Ask about their family, for example. Encourage them to talk about their life. Seniors are a wealth of knowledge, filled with stories from decades of life experiences, funny stories, inspiring tales of courage, relationship stories, or even shocking things like wars or living in the Great Depression.
  1. Sit down with them with their photo albums, music records, or recipes and travel back through time, encouraging them to tell their stories behind the images.
  1. Try to find a quiet place that is relaxing and has few distractions. Turn off radios, televisions, and your phone. Be mindful of hearing challenges they might have. You may have to speak a little louder, slower, and more distinctly so they can understand your words. Be patient if they struggle to find the right words.

Use these conversation starters to help you build relationships with older generations.

  • What life experiences gave you the most happiness?
  • How did your military experience shape you?
  • Tell me about your friends growing up? What was school like?
  • What’s your view on ….? 
  • Do you recall the types of clothing or popular hairstyles of your youth?
  • What was your favorite time of day when you were younger?

I’ve just launched Shop With Roz, my online store filled with supplies and gifts for every caregiver. You can find a wide variety of products in the store to help yourself and your loved one. Check it out here!

After you have a look through the store, see any products you use and love as a caregiver, and think we should share them with everyone? Let me know!

It’s here, I am so excited to share a new caregiver app called CircleOf….This app will allow you to surround yourself with resources and experts from your community including ME!!!! As you are looking through the app, you will see my familiar face. I’m excited about this partnership and new ways to support you as you support your loved one. Here’s the link so you can explore the app. I would love your feedback and spread the word by sharing the link to family and friends.

Visit http://www.rozjonesent.com for more information on addressing mental health as a caregiver and check out my upcoming book!

Veteran’s Day Resources and Events

By Roz Jones

Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day, so now is the time to recognize the number of caregivers who are veterans themselves, or who are caring for a veteran, and all the resources available to them.

Here is a small sample of the events going on this week in honor of Veteran’s Day, specifically designed around caregiving.

#VetResources Check-In: Secretary Denis McDonough – Veterans Day Q&A

The VA is hosting a Q & A with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on issues that are important to veterans, their families, caregivers, loved ones, and survivors.

Yoga 4 Caregivers

This group is putting on special programs for caregivers who are veterans or taking care of a veteran.

Red Cross – Stress Solutions

The Red Cross is hosting a Stress Solutions Workshop, which can be useful for both veterans and their caregivers.

Red Cross – Trauma Talk

Join in this discussion of stress and trauma together in a supportive interactive setting.

Like what you see here, and looking for more? Sign up to my newsletter at rozjonesent.com for more Veterans Day resources in your inbox tomorrow!

It’s here, I am so excited to share a new caregiver app called CircleOf….This app will allow you to surround yourself with resources and experts from your community including ME!!!! As you are looking through the app, you will see my familiar face. I’m excited about this partnership and new ways to support you as you support your loved one. Here’s the link so you can explore the app. I would love your feedback and spread the word by sharing the link to family and friends.

Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15th!

Navigating the Medicare Open Enrollment process can be confusing and difficult your first time, and I want to help out! For caregivers and their loved ones who are in need of advice and help planning their Medicare enrollment, I’m offering a discounted counseling session for just $97! Go to https://rozjonesent.com to sign up!

Interested in making your own contribution to the Caregiver Cafe? There are guest blog spots open for November and December. Email assistrozjones@gmail.com for more info!

Visit http://www.rozjonesent.com for more information on addressing mental health as a caregiver and check out my upcoming book!

Medicare Open Enrollment Starts This Week!

Medicare open enrollment starts October 15th, and runs until December 7th! Take a look at these tips to be ready to enroll.

Check your mail. You may get important notices from Medicare or Social Security. If you’re in a Medicare plan, you’ll get an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) telling you of any changes in coverage, costs, or service area. Note any 2022 changes to your health coverage or any extra help you may get to pay for prescription drugs.
You may also get brochures and other marketing materials from insurance companies that offer Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Remember — plans aren’t allowed to call or come to your home without an invitation from you.

Think about your Medicare coverage needs for 2022. Carefully review your current Medicare coverage, and note any upcoming changes to your costs or benefits. Decide if your current Medicare coverage will meet your needs for the year ahead. If you like your current coverage, and it’s still available for 2022, you don’t need to take any action to keep it.

Preview 2022 health and prescription drug plans. You can use the official medicare.gov site to compare your current Medicare plan to others, and see prices based on any help you get with drug costs.

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Navigating the Medicare Open Enrollment process can be confusing and difficult your first time, and I want to help out!

For caregivers and their loved ones who are in need of advice and help planning their Medicare enrollment, I’m offering a discounted counseling session for just $97 through the end of October!

Go to https://rozjonesent.com to sign up!

Newsletter subscribers got this info a day early, sign up to the newsletter to get extra content and early access right in your inbox!

It’s here, I am so excited to share a new caregiver app called Circleof….This app will allow you to surround yourself with resources and experts from your community including ME!!!! As you are looking through the app, you will see my familiar face. I’m excited about this partnership and new ways to support you as you support your loved one. Here’s the link so you can explore the app. I would love your feedback and spread the word by sharing the link to family and friends.

Interested in making your own contribution to the Caregiver Cafe? There are guest blog spots open for October, November, and December. Email assistrozjones@gmail.com for more info!

Visit http://www.rozjonesent.com for more information on addressing mental health as a caregiver and check out my upcoming book!