Caring for a loved one at any age strains even the most resilient people.
COVID-19 added additional anxiety on the heads of households that often feel the most stress. But who is supporting them? Care for the Caregiver is designed to bring light to help caregivers take steps to preserve their own health and well-being. |
The ‘Ultimate Caregivers’ need help with sewing Doctors, nurses and dietary staff are some of the ultimate caregivers working to ensure patients receive the best possible care. They need sewers to make specialized items like scrub caps. Despite self-imposed protective separation from their own families, front-line caregivers soldier-on in professional roles. They need public support in unexpected ways. Help a Caregiver: Sew a Mask Many caregivers look after kids, older adults, or disabled dependents. Most caregivers are not yet required to wear a mask in the home. However,when they shop or take their loved one to an appointment, a mask may be required for safety in public. Pull out your sewing machine. Not a sewer? Patterns offer non-sew options, as well. Your brief visit to drop off your DIY mask for a caregiver will add emotional support. Caring for Seniors: A Time for Lifelong Learning Seniors, by their own life experiences, can offer caregivers insights to the past in unique ways. While caring for a senior may be tedious and tiring there are ways that the lives of both the caregiver and care receiver can benefit. Encourage writing a journal or family stories. Caregiver you rest, phone a friend, take a break. Homemade Baby Food – Simplified More parents now recognize the nutritional and economic benefits of homemade baby food. The guidelines are care-giver friendly. Tips for Caregivers who Feed Pre-schoolers During COVID-19, parents have become full time caregivers on duty 24-7, doing paid work from home while simultaneously caring for their own preschoolers. Daycares and schools remain closed. Life is hectic. Time is at a premium, yet good nutrition is top of mind. Tips from Home Economist, Megan Flatt, P.H.Ec. who works at a Montessori School may help. Pivot to Positive Word Power Did you know that a single negative word can increase fear and stress in the brain, while positive words promote brain function? Using positive words improves people’s mood both at home and at work. Discover more in Lucia Weiler’s article titled Pivot to Positive Word Power |
Help support Caregivers of children with special needs with food kindness. During the COVID emergency show your neighbours food kindness especially those caring for children with brain-based disorders like FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders). Just show up to show that you understand what it is like for them to support their children. Invite a Caregiver to ‘Do Lunch’ Caregivers are often isolated with a decreasing lack of support over time. Caring for a loved one becomes a full-time job. Caregivers can quickly lose touch with their own friends, needs and former lifestyle. They need emotional support and interaction with people outside the home and small surprises that you can offer. But how can that happen when that person is unable to leave their post? Why not drop off lunch to them and give them a call or video chat after you arrive home? Give Half your Casserole to a Caregiver! Casseroles make a whole meal and follow Canada’s Food Guide plate model. This Cabbage Roll Casserole makes light work of enjoying cabbage rolls without the rolling part. It was part of a Church project to capture family favourites actually from Irish roots dating back to 1866. Keep Your Food Costs Under Control COVID-19 has rocked our shopping comfort. Reports of rising food prices add stress to all, especially caregivers. Take some time to be reminded of the many ways to cut food costs for you and your family. Caregivers Need Adequate Sleep Family caregivers are essential workers offering a layer of support second-to-none; yet it is common for caregivers to lack adequate rest. We all require proper sleep to recharge our bodies and minds to give us stamina and patience to complete the work assigned to us. There is increasing evidence linking the importance of sleep to mental and physical wellness. |
What does protein look like for a senior? Egg shaped? Seniors are recommended to have a protein source at every meal. Eggs can offer a simple mealtime solution, as you care for a senior or yourself or are just being kind, helping to bring a meal to a senior in your neighbourhood. Eggs include anything from an egg salad sandwich to deviled eggs to pickled eggs. Round out your meal gift with thinly sliced vegetables and friuit. A Care Package for the Caregiver: baking from the heart Open your heart and apply your baking skills to a caregiver friend. Make and deliver hot biscuits to a diligent caregiver. The aroma of cinnamon biscuits fresh from the oven provides comfort food any time of day - a perfect excuse to take a break and sit with a cup of tea. A Caregiver Grows Your Food Do you ever think of farmers as caregivers? They are! Farmers grow and raise food for millions of people and protect hectares (and acres) of productive land. No other caregiver has greater responsibility. Farmers are passionate about the quality of food they produce. Get a Grip on your Grocery Bill Grocery shopping is presenting families and caregivers new challenges. We are shopping less often, noting a rise in food prices and helping family and friends with their orders. Perhaps you are ordering online with curb pick-up or making in-store choices for others? Empower yourself to balance nutritional needs with cost savings. Easy Meals for Caregivers Keep meals simple. A caregiver’s time is at a premium. Click Read More for tips and a steamed fish with couscous recipe! |
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