Posts by Andy Niska
Using Respite Care to Reduce Family Tension
Family dynamics can complicate caregiving immensely. But respite time is an excellent tool to help you defuse those tensions and create a little space to understand each other better. You’ll Feel Better Rested. Family tension crops up for so many reasons when it comes to caregiving, but one of the things that makes it worse…
Read MoreFive Tools that Can Help Your Senior Deal with Vision Loss
Vision loss is frustrating for your aging family member, but even worse is the fact that it can affect how well she can do the things that she needs to do and that she loves to do. Using some of these tools can help her to get back to doing more. Lighting Is the First…
Read MoreFive Tips for Staying Calmer as a Caregiver
Calm can be a big goal for caregivers because chaos is such a big part of the caregiving process. The less often you experience calm, the more strongly you probably want to achieve it. Use Calm as a Mantra. When you focus on getting to calm, you can get there more quickly. As you start…
Read MoreFive Ways to Do a Stress Check
Doing a stress check allows you to assess where you stand right now as a caregiver. As you gain more experience in checking your needs, you’ll find that you get to the “right” answer more quickly. When you give yourself what you need, your stress is going to diminish. Examine Your Physical Needs. Physical needs…
Read MoreWhy You Should Be Exercising, Too
If you’re not already exercising every day, you might be surprised to hear that it can be a big part of keeping you going as a caregiver. You don’t have to exercise a lot, but if you’re consistent with daily exercise you’re going to see some big benefits. You Need to Keep Your Energy Levels…
Read MoreFour Real Tools to Help You Feel Better as a Caregiver
Over time as a caregiver you may start to feel as if you’re always run down and feeling lousy. There are so many reasons for this, but it often leads back to not having a defined self-care plan. Adding some of these tools to your kit can help you to feel far more competent as…
Read MoreFour Big Reasons for Your Senior to Seek Medical Attention after a Fall
Once your elderly family member falls, it’s vital that she sees a medical professional right away. Even if she’s not excited about the idea, there are some reasons why it’s important. She Might Have an Injury She Doesn’t Notice. A fall can be shocking, which sometimes means that your senior doesn’t notice an injury at…
Read MoreNutritious Foods to Have on Hand for a Senior in the Event of a Power Outage
Power outages are challenging at any time of the year, but they can be particularly difficult during the winter. As a family caregiver it is critical that you ensure your senior has everything they need to get through the challenge of the power outage in the healthiest and safest way possible. One aspect of this…
Read MoreBenefits of Home Care: Mobility Support Out of the Home
Getting out of the home is a fantastic way to change up your senior’s routine, stimulate their mind, and help them to get more activity that can keep them healthier as they age in place. If your elderly loved one is struggling with mobility challenges, however, they may hesitate to leave the home often, or…
Read MoreWhat is “Chemo Brain?”
Cancer and cancer treatment come with all sorts of troublesome side effects. One side effect that many cancer patients complain about is a feeling of mental fogginess that makes it hard for them to think and can affect memory. This side effect is often referred to as “chemo brain.” Understanding chemo brain and what it’s…
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