Category: Giving Care

Benefit of Live Music in Nursing Homes

Much more than just a time-filler, live music holds therapeutic benefits for nursing home residents. According to a 2016 study, live music has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the body, allowing for a stronger immune system, reduction in depression, better memory and many other benefits. It’s no wonder that nursing homes schedule in a healthy dose of live music!

Music also has the power to unlock positive emotions and memories. And attending performances with others creates a space for building relationships. The low physical and cognitive requirements allow for a range of abilities to enjoy this shared experience.

Even those in a later stage of dementia can benefit from this sensory stimulation. Hearing music that evokes memories can help a resident reflect on their life and feel a stronger sense of meaning, as well as make them feel connected to the community outside of the nursing home walls. This in turn can contribute to a stronger sense of self and a positive outlook. Additionally, the musical performances are a diversion from the day-to-day activities, keeping life interesting and providing fresh experiences for our kūpuna.

MANOA COTTAGE KAIMUKI
748 Olokele Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816
808-800-4089 | info@manoacottage.com
www.manoacottage.com

Much more than just a time-filler, live music holds therapeutic benefits for nursing home residents. According to a 2016 study, live music has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the body, allowing for a stronger immune system, reduction in depression, better memory and many other benefits. It’s no wonder that nursing homes schedule in…
The Gift of Caring for Others

Those of us in the home healthcare business have the opportunity to witness and share amazing stories of families in need each and every day. These stories come from the connections and meaningful moments between care providers and those they care for.

By allowing an agency caregiver into a home in crisis, family members are often able to learn new caregiving methods and skills. But as hired caregivers become part of the family, they in turn have the opportunity to learn from their clients — how to live, and sometimes, how to love.

Home healthcare supervisors and schedulers working behind the scenes enable these situations to become daily experiences. Hearing about the successes, the accomplishments, the new diagnosis and the struggles our families go through allows us to share in these moments, giving the professional caregiver the gift of experience and emotional growth.

Watching others go through life-changing events becomes an event in our own lives. By listening and understanding, we can share in these deep moments of exchange.

Providing care to families and their loved ones also enables us to acknowledge the gift of giving of ourselves. We are frequently filled with concerns about our families:

Will she survive this bout of pneumonia?
How will he make it home after his hip surgery?
Is she getting enough to eat?
How can we make a difference?

Some caregivers break down and cry when a client must move into another situation that may be more suitable for their care needs.

“My best self comes out when I realize how everything from subtle influences to helping educate family members can end up saving their lives in some way,” said Margie Esprecion, RN. “Catching the signs and symptoms of an illness, or convincing a 90-year-old to visit their doctor, or noticing the need for an emergency intervention makes me feel like I made a difference.”

We have seen caregivers recognized by family members and clients as angels. The gratitude shown by the family encourages caregivers to keep learning and providing the best care they are capable of. They write words of appreciation — “compassionate, thoughtful, considerate, intuitive, attentive, comforting, respectful” — bringing us joy and satisfaction, recognizing our efforts, and supporting and encouraging the client-caregiver relationship, and acknowledging our purpose:

To provide nurturing moments for the one who cares and the one who needs the care.

Sometimes we must just pause and appreciate everyone who has taught us how to become better human beings.

This is the gift of caring for others.

ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu HI 96814
808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com
AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For class information and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.

Those of us in the home healthcare business have the opportunity to witness and share amazing stories of families in need each and every day. These stories come from the connections and meaningful moments between care providers and those they care for.
The Best Type of In-Home Care for You

It is important that seniors and their families understand their choices when it comes to in-home care, so they can decide what will best fit their needs.

For some folks, traditional time-based in-home care services are the best option, while others will find task-based in-home assistance to be less intrusive, more affordable and an effective way to continue to live well at home independently.

Responses to the following questions can help determine the type of care that best suits the needs of a senior and their family.

• How independent is the senior? Do they need constant supervision or do they have signs of dementia?
• Has the senior recently been discharged from the hospital or does he or she need temporary help with the activities of daily living?
• What other assistance is available? Are there family members and friends who are also able to provide support?
• What are their objectives and health goals?
• What is their budget for in-home care?

Task-Based Assistance

This type of assistance works best for seniors who are independent, but would like help with:

• General housekeeping and laundry
• Meal preparation
• Medication reminders
• Exercise and range of motion routines
• Transportation to doctor appointments or errands
• Bathing or toileting assistance
• Other personal care assistance

Time-Based Services

This type of care is based on services provided for seniors who want to stay at home but need longer visits or more direct, hands-on care to assist with activities of daily living.

Task- & Time-Based Services

Healthcare services that offer a full range of care services can design a care plan that suits a senior’s individual needs by offering both time-based and task-based care.

A combination of time- and task-based services can also be tailored for a senior who has a unique combination of care needs.

VIVIA by Ho‘okele Home Care
820 Mililani St., Ste. 711, Honolulu, HI 96813
O‘ahu: 808-784-3049 | Maui: 808-784-3094
info@viviacares.com | www.viviacares.com

It is important that seniors and their families understand their choices when it comes to in-home care, so they can decide what will best fit their needs. For some folks, traditional time-based in-home care services are the best option, while others will find task-based in-home assistance to be less intrusive, more affordable and an effective…
The Gift of Holiday Presence

Every year at this time, The Caregiver Foundation witnesses and acknowledge the “extras” caregivers provide for individuals who would otherwise not benefit from any holiday spirit.

Cleo, a caregiver for a 100-year-old bed-ridden client with dementia, brought in a dazzling Christmas tree. Lights danced in our client’s eyes; a smile in remembrance of holidays past softened her face.

Myra worked with one of our traumatic brain injury clients. Festive clothing, special jewelry and even sparkly makeup helped this client feel ready for celebrating the holidays.

Another caregiver sang carols and held a lonely hand. Although the client wasn’t able to respond, those gifts surely made a difference.

Gift giving does not have to be expensive, tiresome or obligatory. The gift of time does not require quantity — just focused attention during the minutes shared. The gift of a smile costs nothing, but can reconnect the humanity often lost in caregiving. A shared treat, movie or outing — simple things that are sidelined by life and caregiving — are gifts to be given, received and enjoyed immediately. Whatever you chose to share with a person needing care, remember that the greatest gift you can give is your presence.

THE CAREGIVER FOUNDATION (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
926 3rd St., Pearl City, HI 96782
808-625-3782 | info@thecaregiverfoundation.org
thecaregiverfoundation.org

Every year at this time, The Caregiver Foundation witnesses and acknowledge the “extras” caregivers provide for individuals who would otherwise not benefit from any holiday spirit. Cleo, a caregiver for a 100-year-old bed-ridden client with dementia, brought in a dazzling Christmas tree. Lights danced in our client’s eyes; a smile in remembrance of holidays past…
A Caregiver’s Mantra

Many professional caregivers have deeply rooted memories that inspired them to pursue a career in a field — such as assisted living. My first experience with dementia, caregiving and compassion involved my own grandparents, my Lolo and Lola.

At age 11, I witnessed how lovingly my grandfather cared for and protected my grandmother, who was forgetting things. When someone made an unkind remark toward my Lola regarding her dementia, my Lolo responded very admirably. With few words, he simply excused us from the room.

“Why are some people so mean?” I asked my Lolo. He said that when I run across people in the world who aren’t nice, I should forgive them and be nice to them anyway.

“Be kind to unkind people. They need it the most. It’s the right thing to do.”

Although it was a difficult concept for me to grasp at the time, today, these simple, timeless sentiments serve as my touchstone as I navigate the daily challenges of caregiving.

Show kindness in the face of adversity. Show compassion and understanding without judgement. “It’s the right thing to do.”

“Not throwing stones is the first step in treating others with compassion. The second step is to try to catch the stones thrown by others.”
— Dale G. Renlund

ROSELANI PLACE (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
88 South Papa Ave., Kahului, Maui, HI 96732
808-871-7720 | Toll Free: 800-554-9853
info@roselaniplace.com | roselaniplace.com

Many professional caregivers have deeply rooted memories that inspired them to pursue a career in a field — such as assisted living. My first experience with dementia, caregiving and compassion involved my own grandparents, my Lolo and Lola.
Gardening & People With Dementia

According to a 2021 research review on the impact of gardening in dementia treatment, exposure gardening activities has shown many benefits for the dementia population. Some of these benefits include reduction in depression and aggressive behaviors, an increase in engagement, improved mood and an increased sense of purpose.

Studies have shown that the act of being in nature reduces the levels of cortisol and saliva amylase — both biomarkers for stress in the body — further supporting gardening’s positive impact on health.

And though it can’t cure dementia or reverse the effects of aging, gardening is an activity that provides tangible results. Plants grow and fruits can be harvested.

Tasks can be completed, and a sense of accomplishment often comes with time spent weeding or seeing a flower bloom. For many kūpuna it has the added benefit of bringing back memories of past gardens tended.

Gardening activities can include simple tasks like watering and weeding to simply wandering through the pastoral setting and enjoying peaceful moments. Though more
research needs to be done on its effect, the consensus is that the life of a kupuna can continue to blossom through gardening.

MANOA COTTAGE KAIMUKI
748 Olokele Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816
808-800-4089 | info@manoacottage.com
manoacottage.com

According to a 2021 research review on the impact of gardening in dementia treatment, exposure gardening activities has shown many benefits for the dementia population. Some of these benefits include reduction in depression and aggressive behaviors, an increase in engagement, improved mood and an increased sense of purpose.
Perspectives on Aging

The average life span has increased more in the past century than in all the years humans previously existed. As approximately 10,000 baby boomers (those born between 1944 and 1964) are turning 65 every day, it would appear that we will have a large influx of aging people over the next couple decades who may need services appropriate for “old people.” But is 65 really old?

There are multiple factors that determine if one is considered old. In other words, the high number of years someone has been on this Earth does not necessarily define them as being old. Twenty years ago, a 65-year-old may have looked and acted different than the 65-year-old of today. In today’s world of medical technology, health products and smarter lifestyles, it may be hard to identify and categorize our ku¯ puna. With advances in healthcare and the pursuit of healthy lifestyles, it is possible that today’s 65-year-old looks and feels younger — more like a 45-year-old.

After gaining years of experience working and caring for the elderly, I can imagine many ways to describe what “aging” means. Aging looks different depending on your perspective.

Here is a rather dour perspective from the population in question regarding getting older based on a study conducted by Human Development Specialist Nina Chen: “Getting older means more years to add to your life, less active, less hair, more medicine, more wrinkles, arthritis and more forgetful. When people get older, they lose their dignity and independence. Being old means not being able to do anything.”

Positive outlooks documented in the study included: “Being old means more experiences and having privileges, for instance, senior discounts, senior centers, affordable housing for seniors and senior support groups. Getting older means getting wiser. Older people are just like a walking library. They have true stories — not fiction.”

Individual self-worth and dignity are important factors as we age. For older individuals, this means living life to the fullest each day and doing what you want to do. Lifestyle choices and changes can enhance the way we age. Below are some changes that may improve how we age:

• Stop smoking to allow more oxygen into your body’s cells.
• Stop drinking alcohol to keep your tissues in a healthy state.
• Exercise consistently to maintain mobility.
• Eat healthy foods to give your body the fuel it needs to regenerate cells.
• Drink more water so toxins absorbed from the environment will be flushed out.
• Stay out of the sun to avoid skin damage.
• Make and keep friends to stay engaged and thriving in society.
• And keep in mind that retirement leads to less stress. The age of retirement for full Social Security benefits is now 70.

Don’t have regrets about what you haven’t experienced. Get out there and seize the day!

ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu HI 96814
808-739-2811 | attentionplus.com
AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For class information and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.

The average life span has increased more in the past century than in all the years humans previously existed. As approximately 10,000 baby boomers (those born between 1944 and 1964) are turning 65 every day, it would appear that we will have a large influx of aging people over the next couple decades who may…
How To Choose an Assisted Living Facility or Nursing Home

Finding the right place for Mom or Dad is both an art and a science. You have to do your research and trust your gut.

Assisted living facilities are widely available to help take care of older adults who need help with bathing, dressing or other daily activities. When that is no longer enough, a nursing home can provide 24/7 healthcare. Either way, it is important to research facilities to determine which one seems to give the best care.

COST

Before deciding on a live-in facility, make sure that is the option you want to pursue. Include the older adult when considering other care options. A major factor can be cost. In 2020, the Genworth Cost of Care Survey documented median annual costs for five options. (These numbers are not reflective of higher costs in more expensive areas.)

• Nursing home (private room) $105,852
• Nursing home (semi-private room) $93,072
• Assisted living $51,600
• Home health aide (full time) $54,912
• Adult day care $19,236

Check if your parent has long-term care insurance. Generally, it will cover assisted living, but most health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not. It may not cover the full cost of care, either. Read the policy carefully. Medicaid may be an option for those with limited assets or your state may offer some other assistance. Contact Hawai‘i’s Medicaid agency through medicaid.gov to find out more.

Veterans may be able to get help through the Aid and Attendance benefit (va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound). Check with Hawai‘i’s VA pension management center at benefits.va.gov/stpaul. Learn about VA pension benefits at va.gov/pension.

SIZE

Facilities may have just a few patients, or house more than a hundred residents. Each has benefits and drawbacks. A small group home can have a great staff-to-patient ratio where caregivers know every person’s preferences well. They are often located in neighborhoods.

WHERE TO GET A LIST OF FACILITIES

Trying to determine what your options are can be daunting. Here are options you can check out to locate facilities in your area:

• Area Agency on Aging: usaging.org
• Yellow Pages website: yellowpages.com
• Aging Services Directory: leadingage.org/find-member
• Find Senior Housing: directory.alfa.org
• Ask neighbors, friends, doctors and other professionals for recommendations.

SERVICES

Larger facilities can offer more amenities such as libraries, music rooms, gyms, and swimming pools. They are sometimes set up to care for residents who start off in independent living and then transition to assisted living and/or memory care units that specialize in people with advanced dementia. They may also provide transport to stores or to obtain health care. Some may have doctors who make house calls and an in-house hair and nail salon.

Basic services usually include housekeeping, laundry, medication management support, wellness programs and meals. Some facilities may even offer specialized care for those with health conditions.

Consider your mother or father and what activities she or he may be interested in doing. Does the facility offer gardening, art programs, musical outlets, church services or reading material? What about activities for those with impaired sight or hearing? Is assistance available for those who need help eating? Is hospice care available?

Also, check to make sure that the facility will provide additional help to your parent as their needs increase over time.

THE FACILITY

AARP has developed a comprehensive, printable checklist of what to look for in a care facility:(assets.aarp.org/external_sites/caregiving/checklists/checklist_assistedLiving.html). Here is a modified list of the basics to ask about and verify when you visit:

• Cleanliness
• An emergency generator or alternative power source in case of an outage
• Enough common areas, such as living rooms
• A floor plan that is logical and easy to follow
• Rooms adequate for your loved one’s needs
• Rooms/bathrooms with handrails, call buttons
• Safety locks on doors and windows
• Security and fire safety systems
• Services such as banking, a beauty salon, a café
• Well-lit stairs, hallways with well-marked exits

You will want to visit prospective facilities several times before making a final decision. Visit on the weekend when it is likely to be busier. Join Mom/Dad for meals to see if they like the food. Do residents in the dining room appear happy?

TIPS FROM A CAREGIVER

A former caregiver recommends finding out the average salary of the certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and comparing it to other places you are considering. The higher the salary, the happier the help and the better care the residents receive. Ask how many residents are they usually caring for on a shift and if they like working for the facility. You may have to talk to CNAs without any supervisors around to get honest answers.

THE CONTRACT

Don’t sign anything without taking it home and giving the contract a close review. You can hire an elder law attorney (naela.org) to review it. Have other family members go over the document, as well. Check for an arbitration clause
(consumerreports.org/elder-care/putting-the-assisted-living-facility-contract-under-a-microscope), which requires you to give up your right to sue.

Do your research, visit, ask questions and make your decision based on the answers and your gut feeling. Do residents and staff seem happy? Does it smell good? What does your parent think? Can you afford it? The answers will help you find the best facility for your loved one.

CSA (Society of Certified Senior Advisors)
We support specialist in aging dedicated to improving lives of older adults.
1-800-653-1875 | csa.us
Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors, July 17, 2022

Finding the right place for Mom or Dad is both an art and a science. You have to do your research and trust your gut. Assisted living facilities are widely available to help take care of older adults who need help with bathing, dressing or other daily activities. When that is no longer enough, a…
Does Dad Need More Help?

How do family members prepare for the day their senior needs more help — the kind of help that requires loved ones to re-prioritize their lives? If only there were a date set aside for this change in everyone’s life. Planning on change at this level has never been easy because a plan may not be in place. A sudden fall or illness could change everything and it could happen anytime.

Our seniors can have active lives up until the day they don’t. So family members may have to change directions suddenly. This may involve taking time off work and moving other commitments to the back burner. But there are some signs that show us our senior may be needing a bit more help. Here are a few to look out for:

 AGE: The older your senior is, the closer they will be to needing help, especially if they are slowing down physically.
 MEMORY: Forgetfulness could be a sign of illness affecting the brain or other systems and it generates worry for family members who leave their senior alone for long periods of time.
 DRIVING: If your senior is not driving anymore because it is not “safe” due to visual problems, mobility issues or cognitive concerns, this may be a sign that other tasks may not be as easy for them, as well.
 WEIGHT LOSS OR DEHYDRATION: These are real concerns that indicate they are not eating or drinking enough. Frequent urinary tract infections may indicate not enough fluid intake or poor personal hygiene in the bathroom.
 UNPAID BILLS/UNOPENED MAIL: Our seniors like to have control over their finances until there comes a day when they stop opening their mail. This is a clue they are either forgetting or its not a priority for them anymore.
 FREQUENT PHONE CALLS WHILE FAMILY IS AT WORK: If family members are receiving frequent calls during the day from their senior, it may mean things are about to change. This can indicate loneliness, forgetting that they just called or anxiety about something they cannot control.
 FALLS: This could be the “last straw,” especially if there is an injury. Family members may have to find outside help to monitor their senior for safe mobility while they are away at work.

Just like planning ahead for disasters, planning for the day your senior needs help should be a priority. Life can be busy and noticing some of the scenarios listed above should be on your radar. Of course, your senior will deny they need help and may say something like, “I don’t want you to worry about me. I can take care of myself.” If you feel that twinge in your gut telling you that what you are seeing is not consistent with what they are saying, don’t ignore it! Now may be the time to move into a different role for your senior or ask for help.

ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu HI 96814
808-739-2811 | attentionplus.com
AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For class information and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.

How do family members prepare for the day their senior needs more help — the kind of help that requires loved ones to re-prioritize their lives? If only there were a date set aside for this change in everyone’s life. Planning on change at this level has never been easy because a plan may not…
Talk Story: A Favorite Senior Pastime

Talk story is a special and cherished activity among seniors at Roselani Place. Our activities director conducts a talk story twice a month and I also offer them from time to time. Talking story with our residents allows us to not only engage with them, but also encourages them to reminisce about the good old days, and learn more about one another.

Talk story — sharing history, ideas, opinions and the events of the day with others — is one of the great oral traditions in Hawai‘i. Ancient Hawaiians were known to be great storytellers. Formal storytelling would usually take place in the chief’s court, where renowned orators would perform. Talk story continues to culturally sustain us and keeps us connected with others.

Talking story in today’s world entails getting together with old friends or new acquaintances to socialize. Small talk and pleasantries naturally develop into in-depth conversations in which treasures of the past are recalled and revealed. Through talk story, we can discover and share where we grew up, where we are from, what school we attended, who we know and who we are related to. The reservoir of topics is endless.

And when I talk story with our residents, I realize just how memorable talk story can be.

ROSELANI PLACE (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
88 South Papa Ave., Kahului, Maui, HI 96732
808-871-7720 | Toll Free: 800-554-9853
info@roselaniplace.com | www.roselaniplace.com

Talk story is a special and cherished activity among seniors at Roselani Place. Our activities director conducts a talk story twice a month and I also offer them from time to time. Talking story with our residents allows us to not only engage with them, but also encourages them to reminisce about the good old…
Caregivers Must Ask Others for Help

When it’s a family caregiver’s sole responsibility to manage the care of a loved one, there will come a time when stress will get to a level where the caregiver becomes unable to perform self-care or continue to provide for their loved one. Getting others involved to help the caregiver will bring much-needed relief. Family caregivers can feel emotionally and physically drained with the constant tasks that come up, sometimes unexpectedly. Here are some examples of unexpected events:

FALLS: A loved one may be fragile enough to experience a fall that may result in some devastating outcomes, including head trauma, a broken hip or another broken bone. This would involve a trip to the emergency room and a call to the doctor to report the fall.

SKIN TEARS: Open skin is a magnet for infections, which will only serve to complicate care. Skin tears need proper attention.

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS: UTIs are hard to recognize when caregivers are busy. A sudden change in behavior, more confusion than usual or hallucinations are among the first signs. Often, our kūpuna do not have strong immune systems that signal the presence of a UTI with a fever or other typical sign of infection.

These challenges are common when caring for an elderly loved one and family caregivers need to be prepared to manage them and also allow others to step in to help as needed. Communicating the plan to others will make these problems seem less traumatic. Consider these recommendations for involving others when providing primary care for a loved one in need.

• Allow family members/friends to manage others that may be dependent as well, such as children, grandchildren or siblings.

• Seek out healthcare agencies that can provide respite and take over the family caregiver’s tasks a few times a week for a number of hours, or even a full day.

• Ask friends to run errands, such as picking up prescriptions, food and supplies, etc.

• Keep family members informed of all situations so they know when the tasks will increase as the loved one needs more advanced care. Plans can be altered to include other family members and friends.

• Just because family lives far away does not mean they cannot contribute. Ask for funds to pay for services and supplies.

• Consider support groups, including those online, to prevent feeling isolated. You may learn some new ways to feel more at peace.

• Find something to be grateful for every day. Meditate on these before starting your caretaking day, so you have a centered heart.

As the family caregiver takes on more tasks for their loved one, a wider circle of support should be available to routinely step in to provide ongoing respite. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It will give both the caregiver and the loved one a better quality of life.

ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com
AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For class information and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.

When it’s a family caregiver’s sole responsibility to manage the care of a loved one, there will come a time when stress will get to a level where the caregiver becomes unable to perform self-care or continue to provide for their loved one. Getting others involved to help the caregiver will bring much-needed relief.
Gimme A Break! Care for Caregivers

The woman in line in front of me was tending to her father who apparently suffered from dementia. Suddenly, she completely lost it and was yelling at him. I thought she was going to hit him! He looked frightened, dazed and confused. When I tried to console the woman, she yelled back at me, ‘YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M GOING THROUGH!’”

It may be easy to find fault with this woman, who “came unglued” and mistreated her father. But there is a reason for this behavior. First, think about this moment in her caregiver’s journey: “You don’t know what I’m going through.”

What is caregiver burnout?

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. Burnout can occur when caregivers don’t get the help or respite they need, or if they try to do more than they are able. Caregivers often are so busy caring for others that they tend to neglect their own emotional, physical and spiritual health, leading to fatigue, stress, anger, anxiety, depression and burnout.

What can I do to prevent burnout?

One way to prevent caregiver burnout is to take advantage of respite care services. Gimme A Break (GAB) does know what you are going through. GAB provides the support needed when a caregiver has had enough! The nonprofit cares for caregivers by giving them an emotional and physical break, as well as resources for continued well-being — all at no cost.

GAB provide respite in various ways:

■ Support Sessions. Support sessions connect you with a community of caregivers to better assess and serve your needs. The weekly sessions offer education, shared knowledge and professional guest speakers.
■ Resources — Trusted Partners. GAB continues to provide “breaks” in the form of resources from its trusted partners that give you worry-free assistance with all things caregiving.
■ Physical “Break.” GAB provides respite — a physical “break” from your caregiving duties.As part of GAB’s community of caregivers, you will never feel alone or isolated again.

NOTE: Taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It’s an absolute necessity for caregivers.

GIMME A BREAK (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
46-056 Kamehameha Hwy., Ste. F-09, Kaneohe, HI 96744
808-754-3787 | www.gab808.com
Every caregiver deserves our support. Your contribution will give them the break that they need. To give time: https://gab808.com/be-a-giver-of-time
To give funds: https://gab808.com/be-a-giver-of-money To join their Gimme a Dollar $1,000,000 Campaign: https://gab808.com/dollar

The woman in line in front of me was tending to her father who apparently suffered from dementia. Suddenly, she completely lost it and was yelling at him. I thought she was going to hit him! He looked frightened, dazed and confused. When I tried to console the woman, she yelled back at me, ‘YOU…