Page 44 - MSN_373_FebruaryMarch

Caregiving
PAGE 44 MONTANA SENIOR NEWS • FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021

Homework Can Pay Off for Caregivers

Buy a piece
BY LISA m. PETSCHE of home fitness
equipment, such
Fall is a great time for implementing as a treadmill, or
change. There’s a fresh-start feeling and get some workout
renewed sense of purpose and produc- DVDs so you can
tivity that accompany the early part of exercise without
a new school year, ingrained in us from leaving home.
our youth and perhaps also from years of Do something
raising children. that provides you
As well, moderating temperatures typ- with meaning and
ically result in an increase in our energy at purpose outside of
this time of the year. the caregiving role,
HOmEWORK THAT PAYS OFF such as scrapbook-
As a family caregiver, although you may ing or researching
not have returned to school, doing some your family tree. It’s
homework in the coming weeks can pay off As a family caregiver, you can do some homework to improve your well-being important to nur-
in terms of improving your well-being and and that of the person you care for. © Chinnapong, Bigstock.com. ture your identity
that of the person you care for. apart from your role as a caregiver. Revive
EDUCATE AND COORDINATE members as appropriate, to ensure you have an old pastime or try something new.
Educate yourself about your relative’s a common understanding. USE HIRED HELP
medical conditions, and share the infor- Request a medication review by your If it’s physically difficult for you to
mation with him or her and other family relative’s primary physician or a geri- perform outdoor maintenance tasks, such
atrician, to check for drug interactions. as mowing the lawn, tending the garden,
Determine whether your relative still and raking leaves—or finding time is an
needs all of their prescriptions. issue—enlist the help of a reliable neighbor
Arrange for an experienced lawyer to assist (consider hiring a teenager from the block)
your relative in assigning powers of attorney or contract with a reputable yard mainte-
for personal care and property (finances) and nance service.
preparing a will. Or review such documents if If your relative can safely be left alone,
All the Comforts of Home and So Much More! they were done some time ago, to determine but you are anxious about the prospect,
Private Rooms and 1 Bedroom Suites • RN On-Call
Personalized Care • Home-Style Meals if they need updating. supply them with a portable phone, and
Laundry • Housekeeping • Medication Assistance SELF-CARE STRATEGIES get yourself a cell phone, so you can stay in
72 & 77 Lily Valley Circle, Billings • 406-245-0334 • 406-252-0747 It is well known that self-care can touch. An emergency response system may
improve caregiv- also help put your mind at ease.
ers’ effectiveness
and longevity in CONTINUED ON PAGE 45
Robin Cislo Fleek their role. Book an
Administrator/Owner appointment with

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Of ce: 406.453.0607 sician if you are health condition and
Fax: 406.761.2091 overdue for a med- think you’d bene t
Website: mtgemsinc.com ical check-up or
MT Gems EMAIL: [email protected] you’re experiencing from having care in
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Specialized Dementia Care Great Falls, MT 59405
health issues.

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Living Project

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