In this episode of Aging with Grace LA, we will discuss how to avoid Caregiver Burnout, Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and 7 Secrets to living a vibrant and fulfilled life.

Episode Transcription

Intro
In this episode of Aging with Grace LA, we’ll discuss, How to avoid Caregiver burnout. Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Viewer questions. And 7 secrets to living a vibrant and Fulfilled life! I’m Rochelle and this is Aging with Grace LA, your leading source of information for thriving during the third act of life.

Segment #1: CAREGIVER CONNECTION
What is a caregiver? Someone who is responsible for the care of someone whose health is impaired by sickness or old age.

The role caregiver’s play in our lives is an important one and sometimes we forget that the person caring for our loved ones may need a little care themselves. Caregiver burnout is a real issue of concern and can occur when caregivers don’t get the help and support they need. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Possibly resulting in fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression. But there is a very simple solution: Often those who care for others neglect properly caring for themselves, it is important to ask for help when needed, seek emotional support from family, friends and pay for a regular weekly caregiver reliever from a local company like LiveWell Home Care. Lastly, take care of your own healthcare needs. I know, I know easier said than done but it’s important to show a little care for the ones who care for our loved ones.

Segment #2: Quick Facts
On December 12, 2010 Gladys Burrill completed the Honolulu Marathon in 9 hours, 53 minutes and 16 seconds making her the oldest woman to complete a marathon at the ripe old age of 92.

Segment #3: Health Matters: Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s the most common form of dementia, is the slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65 it affects more than 25million people worldwide. According to the Alzheimer’s Association there are 10 signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms schedule an appointment with your physician now and seek help with in-home caregiver services to assist with activities of daily living.

Segment #4: Viewers Asked
Meagan P. of Playa Del Rey asks: I’m caring for my 85 year old mother and I am feeling a little overwhelmed. How do I know it’s time to hire help?

This is a really great question Meagan and I am sure you are not alone… Caring for an ailing or disabled family member is difficult. You want to do it out of love but it can really be a lot of work. Over time those feelings of love can become tainted by fatigue, frustration and eventually resentment. Because you love them so much you want them to be safe, nurtured and comfortable by providing them with the best care possible. So when you find yourself feeling overwhelmed you may want to consider hiring help.
Hiring help isn’t an admission of failure. Knowing your limits and seeking help when you need it shows you’re capable of making good decisions, both for yourself and for your loved one. There are great providers of caregiver services you can check your local listing of provider services.

Segment #5: Health and Wellness:
Getting older is a part of life and although I hate to admit it, it happens to the best of us, including me. So I want to share with you 7 key steps That Will Ensure a Thriving, Vibrant, and Fulfilling Third Act of Life, an except from Dorika Beckett, CEO of LiveWell Home Care, Los Angeles.
#1: Exercise: Daily exercise of at least 30 min- 1 hour is mandatory 6 days a week including cardio, flexibility and strength training.
#2: Eat Healthy: Mostly whole foods, vegetables, fruits and lean protein.
#3: Never Retire: You may switch pace and no longer work at your 9-5 job but spend your days contributing to society, e.g. teaching kids, volunteering at your favorite charity, etc.
#4: Build a Team: If married, invest time in your partner. If without a life partner, FIND ONE or invest in your friendships, get to know younger people to mentor, engage in your community, church, temple.
#5: Manage Your Finances: Become debt free, save, invest and live below your means. My rule of thumb is to live on < 50% of your income. Buy long-term care insurance.
#6: Manage Your States/Beliefs. The best is yet to come. Live each day as if it is your last. Maintain your joy always.
#7: Commit to Growth and Development: Learn something new every day. If you are not growing, you are dying
Note: For the sake of time I would suggest posting the 7 tips on screen instead of having the host read them.

Segment #6: Senior Spotlight
Want the secret to a long and healthy life, well just ask Bill Finch. The 100-year-old North Carolina man says the key is to eat healthy and stay active. Which is why he keeps busy with a weekly game or two of badminton as well as going for a jog a couple times a week. And he seems to be having a good time doing it! Sounds like good advice to me and from the looks of him it seems to be working.

Segment #7: Senior Activity Center
And here is what’s happening in your neighborhood.
Glassell Park Senior Citizen Center
3750 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90065
323.257.1863

Senior Exercise Class
This class is designed to help you stay fit and maintain a healthier lifestyle
Mondays/Fridays 9:30am to 10:30am
01/09/2012 – 03/12/2012
Maximum 20 Students
Monthly Fee $10.00
For a complete Calendar of events check us out on-line.

Outro
Well it looks like our time has come to a close… Thanks for joining me for this week’s episode of Aging with Grace LA. This edition of Aging with Grace LA was brought to you by Live Well Home Care LA’s leading provider of in home care services in the Los Angeles area. For more episodes please check us out online at www.livewellhomecareinc.com.