calls and texts right from their wrist.
They also have multiple options (some
voice-activated): emergency communication, health tracking, alerts, fall
detection and GPS tracking options
(look for hard-to-remove, waterproof
smartwatches that work outdoors).
Electronic pressure-sensitive mat
alarms will alert caregivers when the
user gets up from bed or chairs. Door
and motion sensor units (such as SMPL
Wander Alert) can pinpoint someone’s
location. Surveillance cameras, baby
monitors and smart-display devices
with Wi-Fi allow remote check-ins.
Get some relief
Several online apps (e.g.,
LivPact.com, Caring Village)
let caregivers coordinate
and share duties, despite
distance and conflicting
Take care of yourself too
Most people are not trained to be
caregivers and some may have their
own health problems or physical
limitations.
Providing unpaid care can affect
family members’ physical, emotional
and financial health, says the American
Medical Association. This can increase
the risk of premature aging, sickness
and death, depression, mood swings
and resentment. Physical and/or emotional exhaustion can lead to burnout,
increasing the risk for errors, medication mismanagement and unhealthy
personal coping behaviors. Take steps
to ensure your own mental and physical
health (see “Get some relief ”).
schedules, through their
phone, tablet or computer.
Free meditation or deep
breathing apps (e.g., Pzizz,
Sanvello) can promote
relaxation, encourage sleep
and reduce stress.
FROM LEFT: ZINKEVYCH; DABOOST / STOCK.ADOBE.COM
You can preserve home safety and
minimize accidents or injury by installing keyless deadlocks or lockboxes for
emergency access to the home without
a key. Consider automatic stove/oven
shut-offs and anti-scald devices that
limit water temperature. Put gates at
stair openings, install motion detection
lights and mount handrails throughout
the house. Remove throw rugs. Slide a
swim noodle, cut lengthwise, under a
fitted bed sheet to deter rolling out of
bed. Discourage wanderers with a stop
sign on doors.
To save time, prepare, package and
freeze individual, microwaveable meals
that are easy to reheat. Order online
groceries and have food delivered to
your home. Ask others to bring dietappropriate meals.
Caregiver
support groups
Look for local or online
caregiver support groups
that you can connect with:
● Family
Caregiver Alliance
provides resources in
English, Spanish, Chinese
and Vietnamese
National Alliance
for Caregiving
●
● Caregiving.com
● The
Caregiver Connection
● Alzheimer’s
Association
● Cancer
Support
Foundation
● Multiple
Sclerosis
Foundation
● ALS
Association
● BrightFocus
Foundation
● Elton
John AIDS
Foundation—JB
A break can refresh and
energize you. Respite care
can provide much-needed,
short-term relief in the home,
or consider an adult day
program or an overnight in
assisted living facilities.—JB
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