November 2020

In case you missed us on ABC 21's INsight Thursday, November 26th visit our website or check out some of the information below on Caregiving During the Holidays:

Stress During the Holidays

We all know the holidays are stressful but they can be even more challenging for caregivers and their care recipients. Environmental changes, decorations such as: flashing lights and Christmas music, heavier traffic and congested retail stores disrupt our every day routines. With a loss of coping skills, this makes it difficult for the care recipient to adjust. Work and family gatherings can cause anxiety for both the care recipient and the caregiver - learn ways to help cope and deal with the stress.

Care Recipients Coping with the Holidays Be extra sensitive to symptoms or behaviors that indicate your loved one is reacting to stress Be aware of your reactions – often if you are more stressed, your loved one may react also, sometimes “mirroring” your actions Let your loved one know you value them Spend holidays living in the moment and making memories Involve your loved one in holiday preparation

Caregiver Holiday Preparation Make a holiday to-do list or calendar ASK for help! Learn to say “No” – adjust expectations – give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably manage Learn to say “YES" - avoid isolating yourself and your loved one Don’t aim for perfection, be flexible! Maintain your health – don’t skip out on medications or appointments, exercise, and eat and drink to sustain energy as opposed to overindulging Find a de-stressing mechanism Plan ahead and focus on what is important

SUPPORT RESOURCES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

FAMILY

Family can be a great source of support; however, every family is different. Be prepared as possible which means preparing your care recipient for the visit - show them pictures and have video calls with guests beforehand if necessary. Be honest and clear with your family about your energy level as well as any concerns you have for the visit.

Aging & In-Home Services offers caregiver support groups and guided discussions each month. Due to COVID-19, all groups and discussions are currently being held virtually. Meetings currently are held the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month. To see the full schedule, click here. If you would like to RSVP, please contact Todd Hunnicutt at 260.745.1200 x307

SUPPORT GROUPS/GUIDED DISCUSSIONS

BRI CARE CONSULTATION PROGRAM

Offered by AIHS in partnership with the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, the Care Consultation Program is a telephone-based information and coaching program for older adults with health challenges and their family or friends who may be caregivers. The program provides ongoing support and helps find practical solutions to meet your needs, adjust to changes, or plan for the future.

NEED ASSISTANCE? JUST CALL US! 260.469.3036

 45th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony  SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, MAY 14th

Featured Speaker: Kimberly Williams-Paisley AIHS is excited to welcome Kimberly Williams-Paisley to our 45th Annual Meeting to share her caregiving experience. Her experience, shared in her New York Times bestselling book Where the Light Gets In, highlights the impact of her mother’s diagnosis of dementia and explores how she and her family coped with the illness, care and the emotional then physical loss of her mother Linda.

For Sponsorship, Ticket and Table purchases please contact Megan Clouse [email protected] or 260-745-1200 ext. 275.

Last year's Featured Speaker & Caregiver, Mike Farrell, shared with us some of his own caregiving tips as we head into this Holiday Season. Click the button below to see his message on our Facebook Page! MIKE FARRELL CAREGIVING TIPS

Thank You! AIHS was presented a $5,000 donation from the Fort Wayne Medical Society for our Meals on Wheels Program. Co-Presidents Liz Hathaway and Vivian Tran & FW Medicine Quarterly Editor Betty Canavati presented the check to AVP Community Resources Kate Wiggins and Nutrition Director Jon Nix last Friday at our Grab n' Go!

PACE - Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

The renovation at 2927 Lake Avenue is complete & furniture has been delivered! Check out the building on Facebook.