Senior Health: What is Causing Your Elderly Loved One’s Sleep Issues?

Posted in Senior Health, Sleep Care |

July 13, 2021

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Senior Health: Has your elderly loved one mentioned that they can’t fall asleep easily at night?

Maybe they lay in bed thinking about a bunch of things. Your elderly loved one might be experiencing sleep issues after they fall asleep, too. These issues might include a range of problems. You should learn about the things that commonly cause sleep issues in the elderly. This would be a great place to start in helping your loved one sleep better for good senior health.

 

Senior Care in Daleville AL: Senior Care

Senior Care in Daleville AL: Senior Care

Medication Side Effects

There are many medications that elderly people often need to take. Some elderly people are on 5 or more medications. There more medications your elderly loved one is taking – prescribed and over the counter – increase the chances of them having sleep issues. If your elderly loved one’s sleep issues are moderate to severe and they believe medications are the problem, this should be discussed with their doctor. It is important for you and home care providers to remind your loved one to never stop taking medications with the approval of their doctor.

Sleep Apnea

Another reason for sleep issues in the elderly is sleep apnea. Your elderly loved one may not think they have sleep apnea because they didn’t have it when they were younger. However, people’s bodies change as they get older. This is a condition that can develop over time. If your elderly loved one snores a lot or has trouble sleeping, you may want to see if their doctor will perform a sleep study. This is the way that sleep apnea gets diagnosed. If sleep apnea is the problem, your elderly loved one might be prescribed a CPAP machine to help them sleep better.

Nocturia

Many elderly people experience nocturia. This is when they have to get up in the night to go pee. If you or a senior care provider notices that your loved one is constantly getting up at night to use the bathroom, this could be the problem. If they only get up at night to pee every once in a while, this isn’t likely the cause. However, you should still schedule your elderly loved one an appointment to discuss this with their doctor. There are different treatments for nocturia. If your elderly loved one has this condition, once the proper treatment is found, they should be able to sleep better at night.

Senior Health: Conclusion

These are some of the things that commonly cause sleep issues in the elderly. Not being able to sleep well can affect people in many ways. Just think about the times when you don’t get enough sleep. It is important to help your elderly loved ones find the reason for their sleep issues, so the proper solutions can be implemented and she will enjoy better senior health.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Daleville, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

 

Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/

Dehydration: Top Tips to Help Prevent Dehydration in the Elderly

Posted in Dehydration, Senior Health |

May 20, 2021

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Dehydration: One of the main causes of elderly hospital visits during the summer is dehydration.

When caring for your elderly loved ones, it is important to make sure they stay hydrated. This does not mean they have to be drinking water all throughout the day. While water is a great choice, your elderly loved one can also eat things that have high water content. This includes peppers, watermelon, and other foods. Keep reading here to find out some of the top tips to help your elderly loved one prevent dehydration this summer.

 

Senior Care in Enterprise AL: DehydrationSenior Care in Enterprise AL: Dehydration

Senior Care in Enterprise AL: Dehydration

 

Always Have Water On-Hand

One of the ways that your elderly loved one can stay hydrated is to always have water on hand. The best way for them to do this is to have a water bottle they can fill up wherever they go. You can get them one of those water bottles that stay cold for a long time. If your elderly loved one doesn’t like their water cold, you can get them a normal water bottle. You and their senior care providers can give reminders to keep the water bottle full.

 

Lime or Lemon

Does your elderly loved one get tired of drinking plain water? Maybe they don’t really like drinking water in the first place. One of the things your elderly loved one can do is to add lime or lemon to their water. This can add some flavor. You could also get your elderly loved one a water bottle that has a fruit-infusion tube in it. Then, your elderly loved one can put blueberries or other fruit in the bottle. This can make their water taste even better and help to keep them from dehydration.

 

Hunger and Water

Does your elderly loved done eat every time they feel hungry? Did you know that sometimes, when a person feels hungry, they aren’t actually hungry? They are thirsty. If your elderly loved one is feeling hungry, but they have already eaten their previous meal, they should try drinking a bottle of water instead. This could fulfill their hunger and help them stay hydrated at the same time.

 

Tracking Water

Does your elderly loved one have a difficult time staying hydrated? Maybe they forget to drink water or can’t remember how much they drank. If this is the case, there are a couple of things that can be done. You can get your elderly loved one a 64-ounce water bottle that has numbers on the side. This way, they can fill it with the water they need throughout the day and drink it often. You or senior care providers can also make a note of how much water your elderly loved one is drinking. If they aren’t drinking enough, you can encourage them to drink more water to ward off dehydration.

 

Conclusion

These are some of the top things that can help to prevent dehydration in your elderly loved one. Hopefully, with these tips, your elderly loved one can stay hydrated and feel better this summer.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Enterprise, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

 

Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html

Foot Care: Four Ways for Your Senior to Take Care of Her Feet

Posted in Foot Care, Senior Health |

May 5, 2021

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Your senior’s foot care health is a lot more important to her overall health than she might realize.

Often medical problems start out in the feet, so it’s vital to pay attention to these hardworking parts of the body. Here are a few ideas that can help your elderly family member to take the best care possible of her feet.

 

Elderly Care in Abbeville AL: Foot Care

Elderly Care in Abbeville AL: Foot Care

 

Avoid Walking Around with Bare Feet

Walking around barefoot might be your senior’s preference, but as she gets older it’s a bad idea. First, being barefoot can be a tripping hazard. It’s also important for your senior to realize that her feet are changing as she ages. They don’t have the same thickness of padding that they used to have, so walking around barefoot can create pain that she could avoid simply by wearing shoes and keeping ahead of her foot care needs.

 

Inspect Feet Daily

Make sure that your senior is washing and drying her feet daily. This is also a great time for her to carefully inspect her feet for any signs of trouble. Sores that she didn’t realize were there, peeling skin, or color changes can all be a sign of something bigger going on. Also, as your senior touches her feet, it’s important for her to notice if she feels that touch on her foot or not. Neuropathy, numbness, and other issues mean that there’s more happening with her health.

 

Watch How Toenails Are Trimmed

Toenails can be a big problem for your senior if she isn’t careful. Cutting toenails in a curve around the edge of her toe can contribute very quickly to painful ingrown toenails that can quickly become infected. The best way to trim toenails is to cut them straight across and carefully file any rough edges.

 

Foot Care: Talk to Her Doctor Right Away about Foot Pain

If your elderly family member is experiencing any changes to her feet, injuries, or foot pain at all, she needs to mention it to her doctor. Getting her doctor’s take on what is happening can help her to spot big issues well before they become severe. Injuries that your senior is convinced she can still walk on may be far more serious than she realizes.

Some aging adults find that it’s a lot more difficult to care for their feet as they grow older than it used to be. Elder care providers can help with foot care and other personal care tasks that help your senior to continue to be as safe and as healthy as possible.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elderly Care in Abbeville, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

Senior Health: How to Help a Senior Recover from Surgery

Posted in Senior Health, Surgery Recovery |

April 2, 2021

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Senior Health: Recovering from surgery is a big deal.

Your senior’s body has been through a traumatic event, even if it was a necessary surgery for her to have. Being prepared in advance for her to come home and to have her needs met is easier to do when you think through what she might need and want while she’s recovering.

 

 

Homecare in Daleville AL: Surgery Recovery

Homecare in Daleville AL: Surgery Recovery

Make Sure Her House Is Ready for Her to Come Home

It’s a good idea to make sure that your senior’s home is ready for her to come back. If she’s got a two-story home, she might need to temporarily relocate to the first floor while she recovers. Make sure that you check for any obstacles and that she’s got somewhere comfortable to rest. You might need to rearrange some things in order to make her home as safe as possible.

 

Run Errands and Prep Meals Before She Comes Home

If there are any prescriptions or durable medical equipment that your senior might need, see if you’ll be able to run those errands before your senior comes home. That helps to ensure that you’re not doing those things while your senior waits in the car or at home. Also, try to prepare some of her favorite meals and snacks in advance, so that it’s easier for both of you to help her to eat.

 

Think Ahead about What She’ll Need

You can’t possibly account for every single possibility but try to think ahead a little bit about what your senior might need. Is she going to have follow-up appointments or physical therapy? How will she get to those appointments? Will, she need help with mobility, bathing, and other tasks? If so, hiring elderly care providers is probably an excellent way to make sure that she’s got what she needs, when she needs it, for her senior health to be great.

 

Senior Health: Sometimes You Just Need to Be Supportive Emotionally

Don’t forget to support your senior emotionally as much as you can. Surgeries can take a mental and emotional toll on everyone involved. Your senior may need you to just be a shoulder and an ear for a little while. That’s something that is a lot easier to do than some of the other things she might need as she recovers.

Talk to your senior’s doctor about what all she should expect from recovery and your senior’s health. It’s always best to have as few surprises as possible when it comes to something like surgery.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Daleville, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

What Causes Pericarditis?

Posted in Caregiver in Headland AL, Homecare in Headland AL, Senior Health |

January 8, 2019

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Pericarditis is a heart condition that occurs when the sac that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium, becomes inflamed. The inflammation may cause chest pain as well as other symptoms. It can be acute, with symptoms coming on suddenly, or chronic, coming on gradually and lasting for a long time. Many times, pericarditis is mild and does not require treatment. However, it can be more severe and require medication or even surgery.

 

Homecare in Headland AL: What Causes Pericarditis?

Homecare in Headland AL: What Causes Pericarditis?

 

About Pericarditis

The pericardium is comprised of a few layers. Pericarditis occurs when the layers become swollen. The swelling of the layers leaves less room for movement between them, so they may rub together. When they do, the person may experience sharp chest pain. The pain can be so severe that the person may think they are having a heart attack.

 

Pericarditis Causes

Many times, doctors aren’t able to find the cause of pericarditis. They may refer to the condition as idiopathic (having an unknown cause) pericarditis. They may also call it viral pericarditis, assuming that it is caused by a virus attacking the body. However, pericarditis can also occur because of other conditions.

Some other possible causes of pericarditis are:

 

Heart Attack or Surgery: The layers of the pericardium can become irritated because of damage to the heart caused by a heart attack. Having heart surgery may also cause the pericardium to become inflamed.

Inflammatory Disorders: Conditions that cause systemic inflammation, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, may also cause inflammation in the pericardium.

Medications: Rarely, certain medications may cause pericarditis as a side effect.

Trauma: If the chest or heart have been injured, such as in a car accident, pericarditis may occur.

Other Conditions: Some other medical conditions can cause pericarditis, too, including cancer, AIDS, kidney failure, and tuberculosis.

 

Pericarditis Symptoms

Not everyone with pericarditis will experience the same symptoms. Some possible symptoms are:

  • Sharp chest pain that occurs in the center of the chest or off to the left side. The pain is often worse when the person breathes in.
  • Trouble breathing while laying down or reclining.
  • Heart palpitations.
  • A low fever.
  • Feeling weak, tired, or ill.
  • Coughing.
  • Swelling in the abdomen or legs.

If your aging relative develops pericarditis, elderly care can help them while they recover. An elderly care provider can remind the older adult to take medications prescribed to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying cause. An elderly care provider can also allow the senior to rest while they manage household chores, such as cleaning, doing dishes, and preparing meals. Elderly care providers can also monitor the older adult for changes in symptoms that may indicate a need for additional medical care.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Headland, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

Sources

http://www.heart.org/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

https://www.webmd.com/

Simple Holiday Celebrations for Seniors with Dementia

Posted in Caregiver in Hartford AL, Dementia, Senior Health |

December 24, 2018

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The winter holidays are filled with laughter, music, delicious smells and festivities for young and old. However, for many elderly adults with dementia, it can mean confusion, anxiety, and stress. If your aging loved one has dementia, you may not be clear on what to do to help them enjoy the holidays. Many family caregivers struggle with this exact dilemma this time of year, and unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. It all depends on your elderly loved one and your unique situation.

 

Caregiver in Hartford AL: Dementia and Holidays

Caregiver in Hartford AL: Dementia and Holidays

 

Plan Ahead for Holiday Celebrations

Torn between your desire to recreate special holiday memories and knowing that anything out of the routine is often a trigger, how can you know what to do to help your elderly loved one? First, evaluate your aging loved one’s abilities and reactions in past situations. Then, try to avoid any known triggers as you make holiday plans. You can also use family members, friends, and senior care providers to assist you with your elderly relative around the holidays.

 

Simple is Best for Seniors with Dementia

As you make plans for the holidays, you may be feeling stressed about getting everything done and creating a fun-filled celebration for your aging loved one. However, simple events are best for those with dementia because too much stimulation can lead to anxiety, worry, and irritability. You can bring holiday cheer to their lives without introducing hardships for yourself and them. Incorporate meaningful holiday traditions into their existing routines for the best results.

 

Here are a few ideas for creating simple holiday celebrations for seniors with dementia:

-Encourage your aging loved one to sign holiday cards and send them out. As they receive cards, from others, display them where they can be seen.

-Don’t go overboard with holiday decorations. Instead, choose a few beloved pieces and put them around the home to evoke fond memories without changing too much of the atmosphere.

-Invite favorite smells of the holidays with scented wax or diffusers for aromatherapy. Popular holiday scents include cloves, cinnamon, gingerbread, sugar cookie, and apple spice.

-Bake holiday cookies using your aging loved one’s favorite recipe and perhaps make a plate to share with their senior care provider or a familiar neighbor.

-Invite grandchildren to visit and do a simple holiday craft together. Most seniors like to interact with young children and will enjoy interacting together.

-Plan a small holiday gathering with a few close family members and the senior care provider. Hold it during the time of day when your elderly relative is usually at their best. Keep it short and simple, with plenty of holiday cheer.

-Host a holiday sing-a-long with a few good friends or family members. Many seniors with dementia like to listen to music and sing songs that are special to them.

 

No matter what you do to bring the holiday spirit to your aging loved one’s life, you can’t do it alone. Ask family members, senior care providers and friends for help in creating simple and effective holiday celebrations for your aging relative with dementia.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Hartford, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

Exercise and Diet Are Important for Healthy Joints

Posted in Elderly Care in Ozark AL, Exercise, Senior Health |

October 16, 2018

| by

Arthritis is one of the key health conditions that affect senior citizens.
Decades of use and the aging process affect joint health. It can lead to pain and swelling if arthritis sets in. In turn, the pain may impact mobility and make it harder to get up and walk around.

Elderly Care in Ozark AL: Healthy Joints

Elderly Care in Ozark AL: Healthy Joints

 

 

How Does Age Affect Joint Health?

Healthy joints include cartilage and tissue called synovium that helps keep a joint lubricated. Aging reduces the amount of synovial fluid and cartilage can degrade. The bone may rub together and mineral deposits may start building on bones causing painful restricted motions. This is arthritis.

 

The Solution is Diet and Exercise

In an attempt to keep joints healthy, seniors need to watch their diet and get plenty of exercise. Exercise keeps muscles strong. It also helps with bone strength. These factors work together to help joints stay healthy for a longer amount of time.

Aerobic exercise is one of the most recommended when it comes to keeping joints from swelling. Options range from the dance exercise Zumba to bicycling. The aerobic exercise of choice needs to work the muscles and the cardiovascular system.

Diet is equally important. You want to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the impact on your joints. Whole grains like quinoa are a better choice than processed grains like white rice. Fresh fruits and vegetables are better than canned vegetables or fruit. Lean proteins and seafood are better than beef or processed meats.

While whole grains, fresh produce, and lean proteins are important, you shouldn’t overlook foods high in calcium and vitamin D. They can help keep bones strong. Low-fat milk and yogurt, some fortified fruit juices, and breakfast cereals are all easy ways to get enough calcium and vitamin D.

Tips for Making Sure Exercise is on Your Mom and Dad’s Daily To-Do List

When your parent is older, exercise may not seem as vital. Make sure your parent gets up and goes for a walk, a bike ride, or joins a fitness class. If joint pain is present, swimming is a great exercise that is easy on the joints. Elderly care services can help your parent stay on track with exercise goals by providing rides to gyms, pools, or fitness classes.

Caregivers can also help your parent get enough exercise at home. With a caregiver on hand to join your mom or dad for daily walks, exercise goals are easily met. Learn more about companionship and other elderly care services by calling an agency.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elderly Care in Ozark, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

August is Happiness Happens Month –How Elderly Care Can Add Happiness to Life

Posted in Elder Care in Eufaula AL, Elderly Care in Eufaula AL, Happiness, Home Care Services in Eufaula AL, Senior Health |

August 7, 2018

| by

Everyone wants to be happy, right? That includes both senior citizens and their family caregivers. Unfortunately, sometimes the ailments that come with getting older can get a person down.

 

Home Care Services in Eufaula AL: Senior Happiness

Home Care Services in Eufaula AL: Senior Happiness

Seniors may find themselves stuck in the house because their medical conditions make it hard for them to get out. Or, they may suffer from chronic pain that makes it hard to focus on things that make them happy.

As for family caregivers, as much as they love the older adults they help to care for, being a caregiver is time-consuming and often difficult work. At times, it can seem like there’s little reason for older adults or their caregivers to be happy. But, here’s the thing, you and your loved one can lead happier lives just by bringing in the help of an elderly care provider. Wondering how an elderly care provider can make both you and your aging relative happier? Here are some ways they can help.

Reducing Stress for Older Adults

Older adults may experience stress because they worry about being ill and unable to care for themselves, they’re unable to keep up with household tasks, or because they worry about falling. An elderly care provider can relieve some of that stress by being a reliable source of aid. Elderly care providers can assist with everything from medication reminders, to cooking, to cleaning the house. They can also help older adults who are at risk for falling to move safely around the house.

Freeing Up Time for Caregivers

Caregivers often find themselves struggling to keep up with their jobs, family life, friends, and all of the responsibilities that come with being a family caregiver to an older adult. Elderly care can take on some of the caregiving tasks and fill in slots on the older adult’s care calendar, giving family caregivers more time for themselves.

Offering Support and Companionship

Some older adults find it difficult to get out of the house to see friends and family members. In addition, their circle of friends begins to shrink as old friends pass away or move to be with family. This can leave seniors feeling lonely and disconnected from the rest of the world. An elderly care provider can be a friendly companion who stops by regularly to visit and help with whatever is needed. Elderly care providers can simply sit and chat with the older adult. Or, they can play board games, cards, or do a craft with the senior.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Eufaula, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

FAQs About Arthritis in Aging Adults

Posted in Arthritis, Home Care in Ozark AL, Home Health Care in Ozark AL, Senior Care in Ozark AL, Senior Health |

July 16, 2018

| by

Affecting millions of elderly adults across the United States, arthritis is one of the most common diseases around. Characterized by stiff and painful joints, arthritis is definitely a condition that most people are familiar with. If you are a family caregiver that looks after an aging relative with arthritis, you should learn everything you can about the condition so that you can help them manage it effectively.

 

Home Health Care in Ozark AL: Arthritis in Aging Adults

Home Health Care in Ozark AL: Arthritis in Aging Adults

 

Here are some frequently asked questions about arthritis in aging adults that can help you become more familiar about the disease and some of the most effective management strategies:

 

Q: What exactly is arthritis?

A: Arthritis describes more than 100 different joint-related conditions. Arthritis relates to stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints, the cushioned areas where bones come together. Arthritis ranges from mild to severe and generally progresses over many years.

 

Q: What causes arthritis?

A: There is no known cause of arthritis, although there are many risk factors that may increase the likelihood that someone would develop it. Risk factors include age, obesity, genetic and family history, previous injury to bones and joints and bone abnormalities. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for arthritis.

 

Q: How does arthritis affect aging adults?

A: Arthritis usually starts out mild with light pain and swelling. It may affect an elderly person’s ability to do some basic tasks, such as open cans or write. As the disease progresses, aging adults may be limited physically in what they can do, such as clean the house, prepare meals, drive and get dressed. Many families hire senior care providers to help their relatives with arthritis accomplish daily tasks.

 

Q: How is arthritis treated?

A: Seniors should talk about a treatment plan with their doctor. They usually recommend anti-inflammatory medicine, pain relievers and any other drugs that may help with the symptoms. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise can also help an elderly person’s body live with arthritis.

 

Q: What can seniors do to minimize the symptoms?

A: Seniors can maintain a proper weight and exercise. Experts agree that those are some of the best things that can be done to minimize the impact of arthritis. Massage, physical therapy, heat treatments and even acupuncture may also help elderly adults live better with arthritis.

 

Q: How can family caregivers help?

A: Managing arthritis isn’t easy and family caregivers can play a big part in minimizing the effects of arthritis in their elderly loved ones. Besides being on hand to help them with day to day tasks, family caregivers can ensure they have proper senior care providers in place when they are needed. Keeping up with regular doctor appointments is critical in keeping arthritis under control.

 

Q: Can seniors still have a good quality of life with arthritis?

A: Yes, aging adults can still live the kind of life they’ve always wanted with arthritis. Many people find the balance of senior care assistance, medicine, exercise, diet, and more to enjoy aging in their own home and doing what they want, despite their arthritis.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Ozark, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

What Do You Need to Remember about Being a Caregiver?

Posted in Caregiver in Enterprise AL, Home Care in Enterprise AL, Senior Care in Enterprise AL, Senior Health |

June 19, 2018

| by

There might seem to be a lot of rules about being a caregiver, but they’re more guidelines for helping yourself and your elderly family member to have the best experience possible.

 

Home Care in Enterprise AL: Caregiver Efficiency

Home Care in Enterprise AL: Caregiver Efficiency

 

Accepting Your Role as a Caregiver Is Powerful

Being a caregiver is a big responsibility. It may also be one that you were thrust into without much warning or without being asked. That can leave you feeling resentful, even if you’re trying your best to be a good caregiver. Learning to accept this role, from the heart and truly, can be a turning point for you. It’s a chance to make a real choice.

 

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good Sleep

There are a lot of situations that feel entirely impossible until you’ve slept on it. When you’re a caregiver, you very often aren’t giving yourself the time and the space you need in order to get the sleep that you need. Try getting a good night of sleep for just one night and see what happens.

 

Give Yourself Grace

You’re going to mess up. If you go ahead and get that out of the way at the very beginning, it can be easier to accept later. There is no such thing as a perfect caregiver and if you’re shooting for perfection, you’re going to be very disappointed. Give yourself the same grace that you would give to someone else.

 

Remember There Are Professionals Who Can Help

You don’t have to do everything alone. If your senior’s home is not set up in a way that is functional for her, there are professional organizers who specialize in elderly concerns. If you’re overwhelmed with an ever-growing task list, then home care providers can lighten that load. There are always professional helpers available if you look for them.

 

Practice Forgiveness

Caregiving is not for the faint of heart. Chances are very good that you have a long relationship with your care recipient and that things weren’t always rosy. Do what you can to forgive, when it makes sense to do so. You’re going to need the grace of that forgiveness to help with some of the harder times along your caregiving journey.

If you’re still having trouble with the overwhelming aspects of being a caregiver, it might be time to reach out to a counselor or a therapist who can help. There’s no shame in this and you can learn how to accept your responsibilities as a caregiver much more readily.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in Enterprise, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.