National Family Caregiver Month

Mayor Ted Schoonover visited the Red Oak Senior Center on Nov. 2, sharing in the meal time and signing a proclamation declaring November as National Family Caregiver Month. Communities all over Southwest Iowa joined in signing this proclamation, as well.

Caregivers play a vital role in helping seniors maintain their health and independence. Although caregiving is rewarding, it can often impact the health and well being of the caregiver.

Some tips to keep in mind, not only one month of the year, but each and every day are:

l Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right. Reward yourself with respite breaks often.

l Watch out for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help.

l When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.

l Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.

l There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.

l Caregiver’s often do a lot of lifting, pushing, and pulling. Be good to your back.

l Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.

l Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.

For more information for caregivers or how you can help a caregiver, call Southwest 8 Senior Services at 328-2540 or visit www.southwest8.org. You may also call the Red Oak Senior Center at 623-3497. Each Thursday from 1-3 p.m. a representative from Southwest 8 will be in the office.