As we age, it can become more difficult to complete the activities of daily living, perform daily chores, drive, and maintain a home. A decline in cognitive or physical abilities can even make it dangerous for seniors to continue living alone with no assistance. 

An in-home caregiver can help ease the burden of daily chores and provide necessary transportation. However, there are other aspects of aging in place that a single caregiver may not be able to address. A lack of community, social engagement, recreational activities, and nutritious meals can contribute to seniors’ overall mortality and lower quality of life. 

Joining a senior living community can be the solution to many of the issues that aging alone in a private home presents. 

Are you an Arkansas senior considering a change in your living arrangements? Assisted living offers plenty of benefits. 

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care in Arkansas offers three locations, offering licensed Level I and Level II assisted living options. We also offer memory care for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia. 

Here are the biggest benefits of assisted living communities. 

Daily Assistance and Support

Level II assisted living facilities in Arkansas are equipped to offer a range of services to residents. 

These services typically include the following: 

• Three balanced meals per day
• Assistance with ADLs like bathing, dressing and personal care
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• 24-hour monitoring and security
• Some medical assistance, such as medication administration
• Social and recreational activities
• Transportation services

The biggest difference between living at home alone and joining an assisted living community is resident support. When you move to an assisted living community, you will complete an initial evaluation of your care needs. This allows the facility team to cater your care plan to your unique situation. 

For residents who don’t need medical monitoring or daily support, it’s still important to have laundry, housekeeping, meals and transportation services. In assisted living facilities, seniors are free from the taxing and often overwhelming burden of maintaining a home.

Built-in services empower seniors to focus on living well and enjoying life. 

Social Engagement

For seniors, social interaction is highly important to mental and physical health. Unfortunately, many seniors have lost loved ones or moved away from family members, leaving them mostly alone in their day-to-day lives. Others lack the resources necessary to regularly socialize, like transportation. 

Social isolation has been linked to a number of health problems, including dementia and strokes. Seniors who live alone are more likely to experience cognitive decline, depression and mood problems. 

Assisted living communities are just that: communities. Residents have regular opportunities to engage with one another through community events, clubs, outings and mealtimes. In addition to official community events and outings, assisted living facilities encourage social interaction through the layout of the community. Common areas and recreation areas throughout the facility encourage seniors to engage in social interaction throughout the day. 

Independent Living At Its Best

Many seniors fear losing their independence when they move to a senior community. Unlike a nursing home, however, assisted living communities emphasize seniors’ independence. 

Residents in assisted living facilities have their own private apartments they can decorate and furnish with their own belongings. Seniors in assisted living facilities are encouraged to have their own social lives and to take part in hobbies and activities that interest them. 

Arkansas Assisted Living at Brookfield Senior Living

Brookfield Senior Living offers three separate communities in Bella Vista, Hot Springs and Fort Smith. 

Our Hot Springs community is a Level II assisted living facility with a specialized memory care unit. Our Bella Vista and Fort Smith locations are Level I assisted living facilities. 

All of our facilities offer compassionate staff, welcoming common areas and amenities that make life enjoyable. We’re proud to offer daily and weekly activities, excursions and special events to enrich the lives of our residents. 

If you’re ready to explore Level I or Level II assisted living in Arkansas, contact Brookfield Senior Living today. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What steps can you take to protect yourself as you age?

Breast cancer, a disease in which the cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably, affects 268,600 women in the United States each year. Despite advances in detection and treatment, female breast cancer remains the 4th-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. 

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re examining some key information about the disease and its outcomes. 

Get Educated

Most people don’t realize that there are multiple kinds of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the most common types of breast cancer are: 

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ – This cancer is generally non-invasive or is in the pre-invasive stage when detected. Learn more today.  
• Lobular Carcinoma in Situ – While not technically a cancer, LCIS causes non-cancerous cells to grow in the milk-production glands of the breast. However, the cells do not grow past the glandular walls. Learn more today. 
• Invasive Breast Cancer – This cancer has spread into the other tissues of the breast. The most common types of invasive breast cancer are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma. Learn more today. 

About 80% of all diagnosed breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas. 

Know The Signs and Symptoms

Breast cancer typically causes few symptoms in its early stages. However, you should schedule a visit to your doctor if you notice any of the following warning signs: 

• New breast lumps or armpit lumps
• Changes in skin thickness or texture around the breast
• Indentations or dimpling on the breast
• Swelling

It’s important to note that breast pain is also associated with cancer. Visit your doctor if you are experiencing persistent breast pain. 

Know When to Get Screened

Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 50 and 69. However, women who are diagnosed later in life have a higher rate of mortality. 

Generally, yearly mammograms are recommended for women between the ages of 45 and 54. Women younger than 44 can also choose to get yearly mammograms if they want to. 

Women over the age of 55 should get mammograms every 2 years, but can receive yearly screenings if they choose to. Regular mammograms should continue as long as a woman is healthy and has a reasonable life expectancy. 

It’s important to note that the single most important determining factor for survival rates is early detection. Women who are diagnosed at the earliest stage of breast cancer have a 90% 5-year survival rate. 

Know the Risk Factors

There are some risk factors for breast cancer that all women should be aware of:

• Being obese
• Being older
• Family history of breast cancer
• Certain genetic mutations – BRCA 1 and BRCA2 are genetic mutations that have been linked to an increased risk for developing both breast and ovarian cancer

Fortunately, there are also some key lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. These changes include quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol and being more physically active. 

Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer treatment plans can range from surgery to hormonal therapy. 

Here are the most common therapies available to treat breast cancer:

• Surgery – A surgeon removes cancerous breast tissue. 
• Chemotherapy – A special array of drugs is used to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy – An intense beam of energy is used to target and kill cancer cells. 
• Targeted Therapy (Biologic Therapy) – Specific cancer cells are targeted during treatment without harming normal cells. 

Thanks to advances in research, medicine and science, breast cancer death rates declined by 39% between 1987 and 2015. 

Have more questions about senior health and wellness? Check Brookfield Senior Living’s blog for more great topics and information! 

How is a Level II assisted living facility in Arkansas different from a Level I? Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is proud to offer both Level I and Level II assisted living communities in Bella Vista, Hot Springs, and Fort Smith, Arkansas.  

When it’s time to choose a long-term care option for yourself or an aging loved one, the multiple categories of care can be overwhelming. 

If you’ve settled on facility-based senior care in Arkansas, it’s helpful to know the different levels of care you can expect at different facilities. Two of the most common levels of assisted living in Arkansas are Level I and Level II.

Here’s what families and residents should know about these different facility levels. 

What Is Level I Assisted Living in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, a Level I Assisted Living Facility (ALF) provides a number of care services to residents, including meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, resident activities and transportation services. 

Residents who are admitted to Level I ALF must be able to perform most Activities of Daily Living (ADLS) without assistance from a nurse or caregiver. ADLs include walking/transferring, using the bathroom, dressing, feeding oneself and maintaining bladder and bowel continence. While staff at Level I facilities cannot administer medications to residents, they can provide medication reminders to residents who need them. 

Most importantly, Level I facilities cannot admit or provide service to individuals who require a nursing home level of care. 

Nursing home level of care (NHLOC)  is defined as formal care requirements that would make an individual eligible for Medicaid funding through the Arkansas home and community-based services waiver. 

According to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Level I facilities cannot admit or provide service to individuals who:

• Need 24-hour nursing services (exceptions are made for individuals needing care from a certified home health agency for 60 days or less with one 30-day extension)
• Are bedridden
• Are not able to move independently 
• Present a danger to themselves or others
• Require medication to be administered by a staff member or caregiver

Every potential resident at an Arkansas assisted living facility is required to undergo a health needs assessment by a registered nurse. 

Some Level I ALFs are licensed to provide care in an Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit. However, facilities that offer these living quarters must meet special unit and staff requirements. 

What Is Level II Assisted Living in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, Level II ALFs can admit and provide service to individuals who require nursing home level care. However, they cannot admit residents who are bedridden, completely incontinent, or unable to ambulate (move around) independently. 

Similarly to Level I facilities, Level II ALFs cannot provide service to individuals who need 24-hour nursing care. However, Level II’s are permitted to administer medications to residents. 

Additionally, Level II facilities must maintain physically distinct wings for residents who receive a nursing home level of care and those who do not. 

They must also employ at least one registered nurse who must be available to other staff by phone or pager. Level II ALFs must also employ licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and personal care aides. 

Perhaps the most important distinction between Level I and Level II assisted living is a resident’s ability to have nursing care covered by Medicaid. 

Under Arkansas’s Medicaid 1915(C) home and community-based services waiver, eligible low income residents at Level II facilities can have a portion of their nursing care services covered. Medicaid does not cover cost-of-living fees in assisted living facilities. 

Senior Care at Brookfield Senior Living

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is dedicated to providing assisted living options for Arkansas seniors across multiple care levels. 

Our Level II assisted living community in Hot Springs is perfect for seniors who need a higher level of care. Our Level I communities in Bella Vista and Fort Smith can accommodate seniors who are mostly independent but may need some daily assistance. 

Are you searching for a reputable senior community in Arkansas? Explore our facilities or learn more by contacting Brookfield’s team today. 

Every single day, 10,000 people in the United States turn 65. Within the next 10 years, that daily number will rise to 12,000. What does this mean for unpaid family caregivers and their aging loved ones?

If you provide daily assistance to an aging or disabled loved one, you know how much love, patience and care goes into the job. You also know how physically and emotionally exhausting the job can be. 

Research shows that a huge portion of unpaid family caregivers experience high levels of stress and depression. These caregivers may also neglect their own physical health while providing care for others.

If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, depression or poor health as an unpaid family caregiver, it’s important to search for relief. 

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care of Arkansas is proud to provide compassionate respite care for seniors.  Here’s what you should know about respite care–and how it can help you and your loved one. 

Risk Factors for High Caregiver Stress

Respite care is ideal for unpaid caregivers who need a break from the day-to-day demands of caregiving. 

Are you concerned about your stress level as a caregiver? 

Here are some key risk factors for caregiver increased stress and anxiety:

• Being female
• Having less education
• Past episodes of depression
• Being socially isolated
• Suffering from chronic illness or disease
• Caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia
• Being financially unstable

Many caregivers feel as if they can’t ask for help when they feel overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that there are support systems and options available for you. 

Investing in respite care, even for a few days, can help you unwind, reset and get the rest you need. 

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care is short-term care for an elderly, disabled or sick individual that allows their primary caregiver to take a break. 

Respite care can take place in a facility or in your loved one’s home. It can be arranged for a few days or weeks, depending on your needs and the needs of your loved one.

How Can Respite Care Help?

Caregivers who are feeling stressed, anxious, exhausted or depressed often need time away. Respite care can allow them that time–to go on vacation, tend to other family matters or simply relax. 

It’s important to choose a respite care provider you can trust. If you know your loved one is in caring, capable hands while you take a break, you can get the most from your time away. 

Arkansas Respite Care at Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care communities of Arkansas are proud to offer respite programs at each of our locations. Our facilities offer a caring staff, assistance with personal care and activities of daily living, nutritious meals, and peaceful accommodations.  Brookfield Senior Living offers three Arkansas locations: Bella Vista, Hot Springs, and Fort Smith. Each of our facilities offers state-of-the-art amenities and compassionate team members. 

To arrange for respite care for your loved one, simply contact one of our facilities. Our team members will be glad to provide information and specifics on our respite care services. 

 

Exercise is beneficial for all of us. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, improves heart health, and can even boost memory and brain function. For seniors, exercise is more important than ever, since adults can lose up to 5% of their muscle mass each decade after age 30.

Strong muscles and good balance are essential to minimize falls and improve mobility in seniors. One key to maintaining muscle mass and good balance is regular exercise.

It can be hard to find the time or place to exercise during the wintertime. Seniors who are accustomed to exercising outside might find themselves cutting back or changing their exercise routines to avoid the cold.

Fortunately, summer offers longer, warmer days and more opportunities to get outside and get active.

To mark the start of summer, we’re compiling a list of summer fitness tips, specifically for seniors.

Plan Your Workouts for Morning or Evening

Summertime in Arkansas can be sweltering, averaging 91 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the summer season.

Mid-morning to early afternoon is generally the hottest part of the day, so plan your workouts for early morning, late afternoon or evening.

Why is it important to avoid mid-day outdoor exercise? Two reasons: heat and sun.

As we age, our skin naturally thins, making it more susceptible to sunburn and sun damage. Many seniors are also taking medications that make them extra sensitive to the sun. Avoid sun exposure from the hours of 10 AM to 4PM to reduce the likelihood of burns and sun damage.

Additionally, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are bigger concerns for seniors than for younger people. Many seniors suffer from medical conditions that alter regulation of body temperature. Others have trouble staying hydrated. Muscle cramping and fatigue are also bigger problems for seniors in hot weather.

To avoid heatstroke, choose less strenuous exercises. Walking, water aerobics and even yoga are low-impact exercises that aren’t likely to cause you to overheat.

Drink More Water

This is good advice for every time of year, but is especially important for seniors during summer.

Inadequate hydration in seniors is associated with a number of increased health risks. Seniors become dehydrated more quickly than younger people. They are also less likely to recognize the symptoms of dehydration when they occur.

It’s important to make sure you’re consuming enough water for your body weight each day.

A good rule of thumb for water consumption is for every 20 pounds of body weight, you should drink one cup of water.

A 150-pound person, for instance, should consume approximately 7.5 cups of water per day. This amount should increase if you’re engaging in activities that cause a loss of bodily fluids like sweating or spending time in the sun.

Find Indoors Spaces to Exercise

Many seniors don’t have regular access to a fitness center. Even if they do, many fitness centers don’t cater to the senior population and don’t offer classes or machines that fit seniors’ workout goals.

Fortunately, there are other great environments for indoor exercise during the summer.

Shopping malls are air conditioned and generally have flat, easy-to-walk-on flooring. If you want to add more cardio to your exercise routine, consider taking the stairs to the 2nd floor and back down again.

You can also take advantage of open space in your own home by purchasing light hand weights or a yoga mat. Seniors can find yoga routines especially for seniors by doing a quick search on YouTube. If weights are more your style, find some simple exercises that work for you. Increase your reps as you get more comfortable.

We hope these summer exercise tips help you embark on a fitness journey that will change your life for the better!

If you or your senior loved one wants to explore assisted living or memory care options in Hot Springs, Bella Vista or Fort Smith, AR, consider Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care.

We have three outstanding senior communities that offer amenities, beautiful living options and unsurpassed care.

Contact us today to learn more.

 

With winter finally over, we can look forward to warmer weather and longer days. It’s the perfect time to get out of the house, get some exercise and experience nature.

For seniors, wintertime can be tough. Going outside is often dangerous, especially in icy conditions. The cold weather can make your joints and bones sore, while the shorter days can make you feel unusually tired. The dawn of spring is the perfect time to shake off the rust and enjoy some of Arkansas’s beauty.

Here are are our 4 favorite springtime activities for seniors in Arkansas.

Visit Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Address: 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913

Admission (Adults 13 and up): $15.00

Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily

Visit garvangardens.org to learn more about planning your visit.

Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs is one of the most picturesque locations in the entire state of Arkansas.

As the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas, the gardens are immaculately maintained. Visitors can enjoy a canopy bridge, a model train garden, nature preserve, walking trails and more.

The Gardens are also accommodating to individuals with mobility issues. Motorized wheelchairs and regular wheelchairs are welcome.

Golf cart rides are also available for a fee.

Visit the Buckstaff Bath House

Buckstaff Baths

Photo Attribution: Mike Tilley [Creative Commons]

Address: 509 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR

Hours: Mon. – Sat.: 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Visit www.buckstaffbaths.com for more information on planning your visit.

The Buckstaff Baths on Central Avenue have been in continuous operation for over 100 years. You can enjoy a variety of massage and spa services, including a soak in one of the thermal mineral water baths. The water in the baths comes from a collection of springs flowing from Hot Springs Mountain and is cooled from a temperature of 143° F.

*The baths are not recommended for people with serious health issues like uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Visit Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park

Address: 369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901

Open Year Round

Fordhyce Bathhouse Visitor Center: Open Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Visit www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm for more information on planning your visit.

Since opening in 1832, the Hot Springs National Park has become known as the “American Spa.” The hot spring waters in the park were used by Native Americans for thousands of years. Today, the waters are used to provide relief from rheumatism and a host of other ailments.

Starting on April 1st, the Hot Spring National Park is open daily.  

Visit the Old Mill

The Old Mill in North Little Rock

Photo Attribution: Ernest Mettendorf [Creative Commons]

Address: 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116

Hours: Mon – Fri: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Visit www.friendsoftheoldmill.com for more information on planning your visit.

Despite its name, the Old Mill in North Little Rock isn’t actually that old. In 1931, a local developer was commissioned to create a replica of old-fashioned water-powered grist mill. The result was the Old Mill, which stands in T.R. Pugh Memorial Park in North Little Rock. Architect Frank Carmean designed the mill and sculptor Dionicio Rodriguez added concrete touches and surrounding sculptures.

In 1938, the Old Mill was used in the opening scenes of Gone With The Wind and is believed to be the only structure from the film that is still standing today.

Springtime is a great time to get outside and enjoy some of the attractions in Arkansas! Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care is proud to help our residents experience everything life has to offer.

Learn more about our highly-rated assisted living facilities by contacting us today.  

The cold weather is here–and with it comes snow, ice and harsh winds. Naturally, we spend more time indoors during the winter, which leads to an uptick in common illnesses like colds and the flu. These illnesses pose a greater health risk for seniors than younger adults because seniors often have compromised immune systems. Additionally, weather-related health issues can be more serious for seniors. Here are a few key ways for seniors to stay safe and healthy while it’s cold outside.

Dress For The Weather

As you’ve gotten older, you’ve probably noticed that you feel cold more easily. It isn’t all in your head: many seniors are on medications (like beta blockers) that can decrease heart rate and reduce circulation. Additionally, many seniors experience a thinning of the skin and a decrease in subcutaneous body fat–both of which help hold in body heat. So you really do feel cold much more easily at 70 than you did when you were 40. As a result of the decrease in subcutaneous fat that comes with age, seniors are more susceptible to life-threatening health conditions like hypothermia. It’s important to check the weather each day, and dress accordingly. If the temperature is below freezing, wear an extra layer–and protect your nose and mouth with a scarf. The ears may also be vulnerable to the biting cold so earmuffs are a must.

Watch Out For Asthma, COPD Triggers

Cold weather can cause an uptick in asthma attacks. Additionally, for seniors who struggle with COPD or other lung conditions, the cold weather can cause lung irritation, wheezing, and even life-threatening shortness of breath. It’s important to protect yourself from asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups during the winter. Cover your nose and mouth when going outside. If the temperature falls below freezing, it’s best to stay inside or keep your trips outside to a minimum.

Be Careful in Slippery Conditions

In most parts of the country, the arrival of winter means the possibility of snow, sleet and ice. Unfortunately, winter weather is notorious for causing serious falls that lead to injuries and hospitalization. This is especially true for seniors who have balance and mobility issues. Each year, nearly 3 million seniors are treated for fall-related injuries in the United States. Many of those falls are attributed to slippery or icy conditions during the wintertime. Here’s how you can protect yourself or an aging loved one from a fall due to winter weather conditions:

• • Make sure you or your loved one has the correct footwear for the occasion. Rubber-soled winter boots or shoes offer the best traction and grip in icy conditions. If you’re looking for shoes or boots that are ideal for slippery winter weather conditions, check out this helpful guide.

• • Make sure steps, handrails and supports leading into and out of exterior doors are in good shape and can support full body weight.

• • Make sure steps, sidewalks, patios, porches and driveways are shoveled and treated for icy conditions.

• • If there are no handrails for support on front or rear entrances, consider adding them. Even a single handrail can prevent a catastrophic fall.
  • Have a plan of action in place. If your loved one does fall, make sure he or she knows who to call and has the ability to call, even in an immobile state. A Senior Medical Alert system can help give you and your aging loved one peace of mind.

Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care in Arkansas is proud to provide a safe, secure living environment for all of our residents. Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about facilities.

Ah, the holidays. For many of us, it’s all about spending time with family and friends. Holiday traditions, gift-giving, and delicious foods are what make the season warm and bright. For many seniors, however, the holidays are a stressful time. Seniors in assisted living facilities or retirement communities may feel that they can’t enjoy holiday traditions anymore. Others feel isolated or lonely. Others–especially those with cognitive impairments–may find that the holidays disrupt highly important daily routines. If you have a senior loved one who lives in an assisted living facility, you can still create incredible holidays memories. Here are 3 ways to make your senior loved one’s holiday season magical.

Organize a Family Visit During a Holiday Event

The majority of assisted living facilities host special holiday events for their residents. These events can range from a visit from Santa to a holiday festival to a special meal. If you’d like to arrange a visit to your loved one’s facility, contact the center’s event planner or coordinator. Find out the date and time of their main holiday event or events. Coordinate with the facility on any special foods or presents you’d like to bring along with you. Get RSVPs from other family members you think your loved one would like to see.   Plan for photos and time to visit after the event ends so your loved one can have mementos of the occasion. You could even bring a camera, develop the film, purchase a lovely frame and present the framed photo at your loved one’s next birthday or special event.

Decorate Your Loved One’s Apartment or Living Space

For many seniors, the impetus for moving to assisted living is the difficulty of completing household tasks. This can include chores like cleaning, cooking and laundry. Mobility decline and illness can make physical tasks like hanging Christmas decorations or putting up a tree very challenging. Not being able to decorate may be heartbreaking for your senior loved one, especially if they always decorated at home. Make a special trip to your senior loved one’s assisted living community during the holiday season. Bring decorations, and help them decorate for the holidays. You can help them hang traditional decorations or purchase new ones that will symbolize the holidays in their new home.

Plan a Holiday Party for Your Loved One and Their Friends

Does your loved one have a close-knit group of friends at their community? Planning a group party is a lovely way to include everyone. Many seniors find that their social groups become the most important part of their lives in a senior community. Including their new friends in your holiday party is a great way to meet everyone and incorporate them into your loved one’s holiday memories. Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care in Arkansas is proud to host holiday events and gatherings for our residents every year. We always encourage our residents’ families to take part in the holidays with their loved ones. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our facility or to learn more about our services.

As a caregiver to an elderly or disabled individual, you’re no stranger to stress. Caregiving is a 24/7 job–and scheduled vacations are rare. Even though you’re happy to provide needed care for a loved one, you also need a break sometimes. And it’s vitally important that you take the time you need when you need it. As the aging population in America grows, caregiver burnout has become a huge problem. The Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care has seen firsthand the importance of respite care for caregivers. Here are 3 surprising reasons seeking respite care is among the most important things you can do for yourself as a caregiver.

1. Overworked Caregivers Are More Likely to Experience Depression

In data compiled and presented at caregiveraction.org, a study from the Assessment of Family Caregivers reported that 20% of employed female caregivers over the age of 50 report symptoms of depression. Only 8% of non-caregiving females over the age of 50 reported depression. If you’re balancing a full-time job with the demands of caregiving, you’re more likely to feel sad and anxious and to have trouble sleeping. You may also experience low energy levels and loss of appetite.

2. Caregiving Stress Can Impact a Caregiver’s Immune System

In another study from the National Alliance for Caregiving & Evercare, primary caregivers were shown to suffer from increased rates of physical ailments such as headaches and bodyaches. Caregivers were also shown to have diminished immune system responses and higher levels of stress hormones.

3. More Than Half of Employed Caregivers Work Full-Time In Addition to Caregiving Duties

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 56% of caregivers who have a job outside the home report working full-time. In fact, caregivers involved in the study reported working outside the home an average of 34.7 hours per week. These caregivers were then providing care for a loved one Many of these caregivers also reported providing care in high-burden situations. This could mean that they are providing care that encompasses ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) or round-the-clock monitoring.

How Can Respite Care Help?

Many caregivers are not familiar with the term “respite care.” Respite care  is a temporary caregiving plan for an aging or disabled individual while his or her primary caregiver takes time away to rest and recharge. Respite care has been shown to improve caregivers’ health and sense of well-being. It also contributes positively to the caregiver’s relationship with the person receiving their care. With regularly schedule breaks for respite care, caregivers feel more secure and experience less stress and anxiety. The Brookfield Senior Living and Memory Care facilities are proud to offer much-needed respite care programs at each of our locations. If you or someone you need has a need for respite care, contact our team today.

When we visit health care professionals, it’s typically in an effort to stay healthy and extend our lives. When it comes to hospice care, however, the goals aren’t the same. Hospice care is intended for individuals who don’t have long to live, and if you have a loved one in this situation, you may be trying to better understand this type of care and when it’s time to call hospice.

What Is Hospice Care?

The U.S. National Library of Medicine succinctly defines hospice care as “end-of-life care.” Hospice centers are staffed by a variety of professionals whose main job is to help a person remain comfortable during their final days. In addition to medical care, hospice care includes psychological and even spiritual care. Hospice professionals also provide support to the family of a dying loved one. Every hospice care plan is different, but the main goal is to maintain a certain quality of life. You may be hesitant about placing a family member in hospice care, but in certain situations, it’s the most merciful option available.

Illnesses that Lead to Hospice

Hospice is only meant for patients who are unlikely to recover with continued medical care. Because of this, any terminal illness or issue can result in a person needing hospice care. There are certain medical conditions, however, that lead to a disproportionate amount of hospice admissions. These are just a few:

• Kidney disease
• Heart failure
• AIDS
• Several forms of cancer
• Lesch-Nyhan syndrome

This list is far from exhaustive, but if your loved one is facing any serious disease, you may need to make a decision on when it’s time for hospice care.

The Right Time to Call Hospice

For a person to be eligible for hospice care, doctors must agree that the patient has six months or less to live. This doesn’t mean you need to send your loved one to hospice right away. If your family is still aggressively seeking curative treatment, for instance, now isn’t the right time. If treatment is no longer an option for your loved one, though, you’ll want to call a hospice care center as soon as possible. These centers are focused on helping patients maintain their dignity and remain comfortable during their last days. Because of this, seeking out hospice care as soon as a doctor provides the prognosis is typically the right move. If you have questions about hospice care or believe it’s time for a loved one to enter a community, contact Brookfield Senior Living today.

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Sources:

• https://medlineplus.gov/hospicecare.html
• http://comcarehealthnetwork.ca/care/