A caregiver is an individual that dedicates their time and energy to helping others during transitional or tough times in their lives. A caregiver could possibly care for individuals of all ages, but most caregivers are providing care for elderly individuals that may have illnesses, ailments or challenges that prevents them from being fully independent. A caregiver will come into the home of their client and provide several services that includes:

• Personal Care, such as assistance with bathing, using the restroom, personal hygiene and getting dressed.
• Light housekeeping services range anywhere from doing laundry and taking out the trash to organizing clutter or maintaining a clean home.
• Meal preparation, which is very important for the client, as the caregiver will make sure the client is receiving the proper nutrition and meals that he or she needs in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Medication reminders is one of the most important aspects of a caregiving service, as it will ensure that the client is taking the appropriate dosage of medicine at the appropriate time.
• Companionship is an aspect of caregiving that is often overlooked, but it is perhaps one of the most important service an in-home caregiver can provide. Being there for the individual to support them and to simply spend time with them can boost their self-confidence and their mood, which can improve their overall well-being.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Become a Caregiver

Becoming a caregiver is one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of some people’s lives. As they devote their time to helping others, they are truly making a difference in the world and they impact lives in many ways. Although there are several reasons why becoming a caregiver is beneficial and a wise career choice, we have narrowed it down to five top reasons why you should become a caregiver.

• Working in a home environment has many benefits, especially if the person thrives outside of a traditional workplace environment. Working in someone else’s home allows the person to continue to work hard and do what they love, but in a more casual setting that can give them the ability to thrive in a setting they truly enjoy.
• When you become a caregiver, you take on the responsibility of interacting with several people during your tenure at the agency you work for. This is perhaps one of the best reasons to become a caregiver, as you get to meet tons of new people that you can connect with on a different level than regular socializing. For example, when you meet an individual because you are caring for them or their loved one, you are likely to bond much more than if you met them in line at the supermarket or on the street. There is a special bond between a caregiver and their clients, as well as the client’s support system, which would make any social-butterfly happy! Becoming a caregiver gives you an opportunity to meet new people each time you are assigned to a new client. Sometimes you may be with the same client for several months, whereas other times you may help several different people each week. Becoming a caregiver gives you the ability to socialize with others, while still doing your job!
• Similar to meeting new people, one of the benefits of becoming a caregiver is simply enjoying the company of the client in which you serve. Unlike other jobs where you may never come face to face with your client or consumer, caregiving not only allows you to meet them but also spend time with them. If you are an individual that enjoys spending time with people and enjoys being around others during your workday, caregiving is the right job for you! As aforementioned, being a caregiver gives you the ability to bond on a different level with the client and family in which you serve. After you bond with the client or their loved ones, you have the pleasure of being around them for your whole workday. Being around others in a workplace setting can make outgoing or extroverted individuals very happy! Are you introverted and unsure if caregiving is right for you? Becoming a caregiver can actually help individuals come out of their shell and give them a comfortable and safe environment for them to socialize in!
• When you become a caregiver, you likely will never have the same type of day twice. This means that you will continuously be learning new things, new techniques and new practices to the caregiving industry. You will continue to develop your skills over time, especially if your home care agency puts an emphasis on caregiver training. This job is perfect for someone who enjoys learning new things while on the job and enjoys a workplace environment that will keep them on their toes!
• When you become a caregiver, you are likely providing a service that people need and you are truly making a huge impact in people’s lives. Becoming a caregiver is hard work and you have to dedicate your time and energy to ensuring that your client is happy and healthy. However, at the end of the day you are giving the client’s and their families a gift that is irreplaceable and priceless: peace of mind and happiness. Becoming a caregiver is the right occupation for individuals who look to make a difference in the lives of their client’s or consumers. Becoming a caregiver is more than just a job for most people, it is their way of giving back to the world and their way of being a genuine source of help for people that need it the most. Not only will that make a difference in their community, but it will boost the caregiver’s self-esteem knowing that he or she made a difference and that they are doing something that is beneficial for others.

There are several reasons why becoming a caregiver is perhaps one of the best choices that an individual can make for both their personal and their professional goals. Becoming a caregiver will not only enrich the life and livelihood of the individual who has become a caregiver, but it will give them purpose and meaning in their lives as they move forward in their careers. Apply to become a caregiver today and make a difference in someone’s life!

Self-care is an important aspect of life that reduces anxiety, improves overall mood and enables an individual to take care of themselves spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. Self-care is often equated with doing something that soothes the soul and the mind, as it is more than likely something that will the individual feels lifts their spirits and put them in a happy mindset. For caregivers, self-care is even more important because they spend countless hours each day taking care of others and their overall well-being sometimes gets pushed to the side. Caregivers are hardworking, kind and genuine people that put all their time and energy into caring for others, that they often forget to care for themselves and others forget to check in on their wellbeing.

Caregivers also are more prone to increased anxiety and depression, as their job may require them to give all of their physical, mental and emotional energy to their patients. Caregiving is not an easy job; it requires the individual to not only be there physically for their client but emotionally as well. It can be very draining to have to always be ‘on’ while working with constant physical challenges and providing constant companionship to their clients. At the end of the day, caregivers likely feel exhausted and they may start to experience the feeling of caregiver burnout and fatigue. This may be due to long hours on the job, the passing of a client, increased anxiety when away from their client that they are invested in or simply because they are fatigued. This is an indication that the caregiver may feel overworked, tired and in need of self-care!

Self-care comes in many different forms, as it is entirely individualized and customizable from person to person. Self-care may look different to different people, as they may need alternative things in that moment to brighten their day and improve their overall mood. Although self-care activities and their customizations may vary from person to person, there are several core self-care actions a caregiver can take in order to have a happy mind, body and soul. These activities include:

• Taking time to pick out and prepare a well-balanced meal that will help support an overall healthy and sustainable diet for caregivers. Taking the time to prepare meals that will serve as fuel for their mind will not only allow them to get through their day with energy, it will put them in a healthier mindset as they nourish their bodies with fuel that they need to maintain energy levels and optimal health.
• Getting a massage has several benefits, as it has been proven that professional massages can help reduce anxiety and stress. Taking time to unwind and simply get a massage will give them space to have an hour or so to themselves, full of relaxing techniques to not only loosen the body, but the mind. Additionally, messages that includes aromatherapy can give caregivers an enhanced experience that can relieve stress, anxiety, tension and headaches. Caregivers often spend hours working on their feet, which can cause them to have back-problems and pain in their joints or muscles. Not only will a massage have positive impacts on the mind, but physically massages have been proven to loosen muscles and alleviate pain in the back, neck, shoulders, etc.
• Taking time to meditate has several benefits, as it gives the caregiver time to connect their breath to their body, thus relaxing the mind and soul. Meditation takes time and practice and may not be a caregivers choice of self-care from the beginning, but when done properly, meditation can improve cognitive functions and relieve stress for caregivers.
• Taking anywhere between 30 minutes and one hour to exercise can be one of the most successful forms of self-care for caregivers. Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety, stress and depression, as well as boost people’s overall mood and spirits. Taking the time to simply connect with their own body and get in touch with their strength and resistance will not only give caregivers a chance to push themselves physically, especially when they enjoy the exercise they do, but also give their mind a break from thinking about caregiving related issues.
• Getting fresh air, outside of exercise can help reduce depression and feelings of burn out, as well as reducing tiredness in often overworked individuals.
• Find an activity that soothes the soul, the mind and the body. For some caregivers, this may be through practicing yoga for 30 minutes at the end of a long day. For others, it may be spending time baking in their kitchen, as they can feel that is therapeutic and allows them to relax. For others that may be painting, drawing or coloring, as arts projects may give them time to relax their mind and unwind at the end of the day. Self-care is incredibly individualized and will highly depend on what the caregiver enjoys and the type of self-care they feel will benefit them the most. These various activities include:
  • Taking a bath
  • Getting a pedicure and/or foot massage
  • Reading a book
  • Writing
  • Cooking
  • Reconnecting with old friends and family members
  • Spend time with pets

Whether it is through connecting with loved ones, practicing yoga or tai chi or simply reading a book, self-care is so important for caregivers to unwind and relax at the end of their days. Being a caregiver is difficult and often chaotic work, leaving them susceptible to feeling empty, anxious, depressed or stressed at the end of the day. Self-care is one of the best ways to ensure that caregivers are healthy and will continue to flourish in their day to day routine. We encourage caregivers to actively seek out opportunities for self-care: don’t be afraid to take care of the most important person in your life – you!

More than 2.5 million elderly adults suffer from a drug (or alcohol) problem in the United States.  This statistic is staggering and shocking across the board, as we likely have a health crisis on our hands with elderly individuals abusing prescription and recreational drugs unlike ever before. This is an ongoing problem that many people may not be aware is happening, as most people assume drug addiction and abuse happens in teens and younger adults.

Why are Seniors Prone to Substance Abuse?

 
A common misconception of drug abuse is that all people who are misusing drugs are likely in the ‘partying’ phase of their life or using drugs to enhance those experiences in their life. People often think that drug addiction is exclusive to young adults abusing street grade drugs to have a good time or to escape reality. What people seem to forget is that there is a whole generation and group of people that are more vulnerable to becoming addicted to drugs and their addiction is likely started by perfectly legal prescriptions that are given to them by medical professionals. Of course, we are talking about seniors, who are over the age of 50.

As our bodies get older, they may become more susceptible to diseases, illnesses and sickness that may require prescription drugs to treat. These drugs can range from blood pressure medicine to pain killers to anti-nausea medication; the options are endless for those who may be suffering from life altering ailments due to their older age. An unfortunate fact is that addiction in the elderly population is incredibly common and it likely stems from the miscommunication between doctors, the elderly patient of the doctor and the patient’s family or support system. Mismanagement of medications can also contribute to the growing addiction problem, as seniors may mix medications they shouldn’t and eventually become dependent on the mixture of medicine that they have concocted in their bodies.

Additionally, it is important to remember that this is a very fragile time in their lives, as seniors are more than likely facing changes in their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual life daily. As we become older, it is natural to face more challenges and changes that leave us feeling lost, scared or anxious. Seniors may be the most susceptible to this, as they may have recently experienced an increased level of changes through out their life. Such changes and deviations from their norm include:

• Retirement from a career that they feel gave them purpose and drive for several years.
• Loss of a pet that they feel was a large part of their family.
• Loss of a loved one that is around their age or may have the same illness that they have. This is especially true in seniors that are experiencing death amongst their group of friends or peers, as this seems to hit hard emotionally in most elderly individuals.
• Feeling that he or she is losing their independence and, thus, may end up losing their home and the life that they have built for themselves.

These life altering events could be triggers for individuals to start feeling depressed, sad, anxious or lost. This could trigger their substance abuse, as they turn towards the medication that they have, or illicit drugs that they find elsewhere, to cope with the pain of change and the idea of life shifting from what they once knew to a new norm.

If an elderly individual does not have a support system around them that will help them keep track of their medications, he or she is left prone to abusing their medications, as they may be unable to keep track of their medication schedule and maintaining a healthy balance between medications. Hiring a professional caregiving to specialize in medication management and reminders ensures that an elderly individual has the proper attention that he or she needs in order to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle, while a caregiver oversees the medication that they are taking on a daily or weekly basis. Although a caregiver through a non-medical home care company cannot physically give their clients the medications that he or she is prescribed, some of the services that a caregiver can provide in regard to medication management includes:

• Ensuring that the medication is taken at the appropriate time, in the right dosage.
• Ensuring that the medication is in a locked and safe place when the elderly individual does not need to have access to it.
• Managing any pill boxes that sort out the medication to clearly lay out the daily intake.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in Seniors?

 

When a senior abuses drugs (or uses alcohol with prescription medication) he or she may start to present symptoms that their family unit simply cannot ignore. Although some of these symptoms may be chalked up to old age or a direct result of their health problems, it should be taken very seriously if these signs and symptoms are ever present in elderly individuals. Symptoms of substance abuse can be hidden very well or for a long period of time, especially in seniors that may not see their friends or family very often. Signs and symptoms of drug abuse in seniors includes:

• Memory loss, confusion and disorientation are clear signs of substance abuse that may be overlooked, as they are also a sign of an individual getting older. These symptoms indicate cognitive impairment, which is a red-flag warning sign that the individual is experience cognitive decline due to substance abuse.
• Loss of money, especially if it is in a savings account, with no explanation.
• Social isolation outside of their normal personality that has recently picked up or has recently become noticeable to others. For example, if an elderly individual would only socialize with others once or twice a week, but then completely cut off social interaction with others all together, that could be a red flag.
• Asking doctors for their prescriptions to be filled early.
• Poor hygiene, including looking disheveled or appearing messy. This could stem from dirty hair, wearing the same clothing multiple days in a row or simply not bathing.
• Dizziness or feeling uneasy when they stand.
• Increased tolerance to medications that they once responded well to.
• Increased anger, mood swings, depression or anxiety.
• Increased complaints about chronic pains and aches, especially if they are new ones that have never been addressed previously.
• Defensiveness towards anyone who questions their habits using the substances, especially if people question if he or she has a drug problem or a problem with dependency.
• Keeping medications by their side at all times or moving their medication stash frequently so no one can access it.

If these signs and symptoms are present in an elderly individual, it is advised that a medical professional is contacted right away, as there are serious side effects of substance abuse for seniors. Since their health is not as sharp as it once was, seniors are unable to process a high volume of prescription drugs as they once could. They could experience rapid deterioration of their organs and could lead to heart attack, stroke or even death. Senior citizens are more prone to experiencing fatal side effects from substance abuse issues than any other age group due to their already declining health. It is imperative that any sign of substance abuse is brought to the attention of their medical professionals so that they can receive the treatment and help he or she needs.

Substance abuse can cause mental, emotional and physical problems for elderly individuals. Misuse and mishandling of medications can bring serious and irreparable damage to a senior’s body, mind and soul. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, please seek help immediately by bringing this up to a medical professional. You do not have to fight this alone.

A transition is best defined as a time of change, where the changes impact an individual’s routine and their day to day functions.

For an individual that has developmental disabilities, a transition may be more challenging for them to adjust to, as their disability likely heightens their resistance to change. Transitions can mean any sort of change in their daily routine, whether that is when they are going from school to home or simply from play time to bedtime. Transitions actually happen multiple times a day for children with or without developmental disabilities, but the concept of change is harder to grasp for those with those challenges. Change is inevitable and it happens often, but that does not mean that it is easy for all parties involved.

What is a Transition and How Does it Impact Your Child?

Transitions will impact children differently and their reactions to changes will prompt different behavioral responses based on the child’s disability and their coping mechanisms. As aforementioned, transitions happen every day inside and outside the home. However, when a child with developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities is old enough to attend school, transitions become more common and their responses to changes can intensify. A school environment for some children can soothe their responses to transitions, especially if they are in a special education class that eases them into the changes when they move from one activity to another. However, if the child is not in a special education class and they are not being guided through the transition, they can react with sudden outbursts of inappropriate behavior, physical aggression or emotional distress.

When a child with developmental disabilities starts to feel anxious or angry around the time of their transitions, he or she may start to act out and redirect their feelings into unhealthy behaviors. The Center on Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning defines this type of behavior as “challenging behavior” because the child with the disability is often difficult to handle during this time, and it can be very challenging to calm them down. Such behaviors include:

• Tantrums that include screaming, crying and overall defiance against authority.
• Self-harm including scratching themselves, throwing themselves against the wall and/or floor, etc.
• Shutting down emotionally and/or physically, which often means the child will simply sit or lay on the ground and refuse to move, as they feel the anxiety of the transition is too great to carry on with their daily activities.
• Aggressive physical behavior including hitting others, destroying anything in their path and screaming at others with the sole intent to hurt their feelings.

As previously mentioned, the responses to transitions may vary from child to child, as each person will have a different physical, emotional or verbal reaction to the changes that they are experiencing. The important thing to know is how your child reacts to certain situations that they may find themselves in. Although you will not be there during the school day to help them with their behavior, you can predict behavior and try to mitigate any issues by teaching them about transitions and giving them appropriate coping mechanisms during this time.

How Can You Help Your Child with Transitions in School?

As a parent, you likely are always looking for ways to protect your child and to ensure that they have the tools and skills necessary to succeed. As you know, when you have a child with developmental disabilities, those tools and skills may look different than those for children without disabilities. One of the easiest ways to help your child with transitions in school is to discuss what transitions are, what they can expect during this time of change and even practice transitioning between activities! There are several ways to assist your child with their transitions such as:

• Talk with your child about what transitions are, how they may feel regarding the situation and what they should do in that situation.
• Take it one step further than talking and act it out! By simply reenacting a transition, such as moving from lunchtime to a classroom or from classroom to naptime, you can set your child up for success by allowing them to practice how they will feel during the real life situation.
• Practice transitions that may not be a part of the school day, but rather a part of their everyday life. As we mentioned, during the school day, your child may experience changes from going from one activity to another. Emulating transitions in their everyday life can get them used to the process of going through changes and give them an opportunity to react positively and practice positive behaviors. If your child has a chore that they carry out daily or weekly, try transitioning them to their chore from another activity that they are doing for them to experience change. Another great way to practice transitions in the home is to go from playtime to bedtime, giving them a chance to unwind and find a way to control their emotions appropriately.
• Give them the tools they need to succeed when they are feeling overwhelmed. Working with an Occupational Therapist will allow you to familiarize yourself with coping mechanisms for your child and what works for them to redirect their aggressive energy. Does your child hit others when they are anxious or frustrated? Do they often throw tantrums? Have the OT work with your child on breathing techniques and how they can calm themselves down when they start to feel the triggers that they may associate with transition periods in a school day.
• Speaking with the teacher is a must when setting your child with disabilities up for success in their school day transitions. Simply taking the time to call your child’s teacher, or better yet meet with them in person, gives you the opportunity to discuss your child’s needs with them and how to handle certain situations. No one knows your child better than you do – so who is better to advocate for them to the outside world?

As you work with your child to become more familiarized with transitions, we encourage you to utilize the tips we have listed above. Your child will be challenged daily in their school environments and during their time in school. Although it can be tough to work with them on perfecting their responses to transitions, with the right approach it can be done!

Bullying is commonly defined as aggressive behavior and/or words between two or more people, often unprovoked or unwanted in its nature.
 
When an individual is picking on another child or children, they are considered the bully in the situation. When a child is the victim of bullying, he or she has become the target for other children to pick on them or make fun of them. Bullying can range from physical, verbal or social. The different types of bullying are as follows:

• Verbal bullying is when the bully says mean, hurtful or degrading things to their victims. This can range from name calling to threats being made against their well-being.
• Physical bullying is when the bully physically injures their victim and hurts them, often causing bodily harm. This type of bullying ranges from hitting, scratching and punching to breaking someone’s possessions such as their eyeglasses.
• Social bullying happens when the bully’s sole intention is to harm their victim’s social life and cause them embarrassment in a public or social setting, excluding them or making rude comments in front of a larger group of people with the sole intent to cause harm.

Bullying can take on several different forms, but often happens in the school yard or in a school environment, as that is the time where the bully is around their victim the longest. It has been stated that a bully will find their victim in the schoolyard, but the bullying may start to happen outside of school such as on the Internet or during after school activities.

Why are Children with Disabilities Targeted?

 
When children with disabilities are put into a school environment, they are more likely to be picked on and victims of bullying due to the differences they have from the other children. For children with disabilities, they may not have been fully aware of the extent of their differences until they were exposed to different types of children in the school yard, leaving them vulnerable and shocked that they stand out from among the rest. For example, for a child with a mild form of Autism, he or she may enjoy sitting and reading books rather than playing at recess. For them, this may have never caused an issue in the past, but in their new environment of a school yard, they suddenly stand out like a sore thumb.

Children with disabilities are put at a higher risk for bullying because they are different from their peers. When children are faced with people of a different race, origin or even different personalities, they may not know how to respond. In the eyes of the bully, an individual with disabilities is ‘weird’ and is not fitting in with the other children in the classroom. This causes them to pick on the child with disabilities because he or she is different from the others.

How to Detect Bullying in Children

 
Unfortunately, bullying is incredibly common in the modern day school environments, as reports have stated roughly 20% of students from ages 12-18 has experienced bullying and roughly 19% of students in high school has experienced bullying on school property in the past calendar year (12 months). Although that is a staggering and sobering statistic, that does not mean that it has to be a widely accepted part of school yard culture. Children and their parents alike should never turn a blind eye from the problem, as it is best faced head on and early in the issue. Knowing the signs of a bullied child can allow a child’s support system to offer them care and support when dealing with bullies.

There are several different signs that can point to a child being bullied, most of which are easily detected by their loved ones and especially their parents. Depending on the type of bullying the individual is facing, they may be exerting different signs that they are falling victim to a bully at school or in their neighborhood. These warning signs of bullying not only can trigger their loved ones to take action, but it is important to recognize that they impact the child’s daily life as they are dealing with the issue of bullying. Common warning signs of a child being bullied includes:

• Trouble sleeping or bad dreams through out the nighttime.
• Grades slipping or bad reports coming home from the teachers in their school.
• Unexplained or mysterious injuries such as cuts, bruises, scratches and tender parts of their body that hurt to the touch.
• Anxious behavior, especially right before they are supposed to go to school.
• Afraid of socialization with their peers or meeting new people.
• Shift in their mood, including increased anger or depression or moodiness.

Each of these warnings’ signs of bullying impact their daily life and can fester into long term effects of being bullied. The more a child with developmental disabilities is bullied throughout their time in school, especially in their pivotal years as a growing child, the more it will impact them in negative ways in the long run. There are several long term side effects and issues that victims of bullying may experience. These long-term effects include:

• Higher risk of suicidal tendencies
• Higher risk of depression
• Higher risk of anxiety
• Higher risk of social disorders
• Struggles in an academic environment
• Trouble dealing with intimate and personal relationships/friendships
• Low self-esteem
• Low confidence and self-worth

Unfortunately, bullying can bring about several psychological issues that can stay with a child in the long run. For those with developmental disabilities, bullying may haunt them and scar them more, as they may not fully understand why they are being bullied and why they are such easy targets for the bully. Not only will the child with developmental disabilities face the long-term side effects but they may also suffer from short term setbacks as well, especially when it comes to their education. These hindrances include:

• Decrease in their grades
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of interest in their social activities
• Dropping out of school all together.

It is important to note that children with developmental disabilities are more susceptible to being bullied and to be a target for children their age, as they often stand out amongst the crowd. In order to prevent these children from feeling the psychological long-term effects from bullying, it is important for parents and educators to keep their eyes and ears open so that they can catch any signs of bullying in it’s earliest forms. Bullying does not have to be the norm for children with disabilities and they can break free of the cycle and grow into successful young adults, branching away from their past experiences in the school yard.