Looking forward to the holidays? We are too. But like you, we know that holiday travel can also be stressful, especially as we get older. Seniors like us need to plan carefully to prevent too much travel stress that way the holidays remain a happy and joyful time to look forward to!

1. Don’t travel with anything you don’t need – keeping your luggage as light as possible will avoid extra baggage charges and be easier to manage. Ship gifts ahead of time rather than travelling with them

2. Remember it will be busy – leave extra time, it’s likely you’ll encounter crowds, such as long lines when checking in at the airport

3. Keep costs low – by researching your travel options you can keep costs low. Don’t book the first flight you find, find the best price, and if staying in a hotel, find the best deal!

4. Travel with a companion – travelling can be less stressful if you go with a friend or family member, so try to avoid travelling alone

5. Double and triple check your packing – make sure you travel with all of the essentials, especially your medications, so check what you’ve packed before you travel

Via: About.com

November is National Family Caregiver’s Month and this year it was officially recognized in a Proclamation issued by US President Barak Obama. Family caregivers do so much for those that they love, but they also make a contribution to society as a whole, offering better lifestyles for the senior generations that have made such huge contributions of their own. Here are some excerpts from Barak Obama’s Proclamation recognizing family caregivers.

The true strength of the American family finds its roots in an unwavering commitment to care for one another. In difficult times, Americans come together to ensure our loved ones are comfortable and safe. Whether caring for a parent, relative, or child, our Nation’s caregivers selflessly devote their time and energy to the well-being of those they look after. During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the individuals providing essential services to family members who could not otherwise look after themselves.

Every day, family caregivers assist loved ones with tasks ranging from personal care and homemaking, to transportation and financial assistance. As the foundation of America’s long-term care system, these individuals give millions of Americans the peace of mind and security that only family can provide.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to pay tribute and support those who are caring for their family members, friends, and neighbors in need of assistance.

Via: The Family Caregiver

Around the house, seniors should keep in mind a few safety tips to guarantee a pleasant winter. Once leaving home, other measures should be followed for a senior’s overall well-being in the cold.

• Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be working—If your home or your senior’s home is not equipped with the detectors, install them on every floor. If your home is fully equipped, winter is a good time to change the batteries.

• Buy a fire extinguisher—Every senior’s residence should have a working fire extinguisher, and every senior should know how to use it.

• Space heaters can take your space up in flames—Space heaters are notoriously dangerous. Every senior should keep themselves and any items at least three feet from the heater.

• Think about your feet before leaving home—Seniors should always wear sturdy shoes with a good sole when winter weather looms outside to avoid breaking a hip.

• Grab on to something—A senior’s hands should always be attached to available handrails or have your cane or walker when moving about in winter conditions.

• Do not out do yourself with the snow shovel—Rather than risk a back or heart injury, hire a neighbor to shovel the walk or do it yourself with the help of modern technology shovels like the wovel, a shovel on wheels.

Via: MSNBC

If you’ve recognized that an important senior in your life needs help at home, it’s no easy job to find someone that you trust to help ensure that their needs are met. Reputable home care companies are, however, out there; and if you cover all your bases and follow these tips, you’ll be able to find the best option that works for their lifestyle.

1. Know what’s out there – to choose the best option, explore them all. Even if you have home care in mind, visiting a nursing home will only help to reassure you of your decision

2. Ask the opinion of others – the best feedback you will receive on home care places you’re exploring is from other trusted friends and family members who have been through the process

3. Interview someone at the service – before you even meet with a caregiver, interview someone in charge at the home care service about what they provide, and what their specific policies are

4. Ask about licensing – the home care service should have appropriate licenses as required by their jurisdiction; ask about this, and also find out if the home caregivers have any specific level of training

5. Be straight forward – to make sure that that important senior in your life receives adequate care, don’t sugar coat what you’re dealing with. If your loved one is difficult with certain tasks or activities, let them know so they can reassure you by talking about how they’d address these circumstances

Via: Family Caregiver Alliance

Caring for an elderly or ill family member is an enormous responsibility. Not only does it cost a lot of money, but it also has severe emotional effects on the caregiver. There is a current petition for the development of a stamp that will acknowledge the sacrifices made by caregivers. The stamp will offer awareness to the general public. The idea is to inform people of the great load that comes along with being a caregiver. Some of the major issues for caregivers include the following:

• An estimated out of pocket expense of $5,531 per year which include travel and transportation, medical care co-payments, food and household goods

• These additional expenses result in the cutting of leisure activities, personal savings, vacations and putting off home improvements

• More than a third of caregivers use their own savings to provide for their loved one

• Almost half of current caregivers have had to quit their job in order to keep up with caregiving responsibilities

• The annual estimated expense is much higher for long-distance caregivers

• These expenses increase levels of stress and can have an effect on the over-all health of the caregiver

• The financial burden that comes along with being a caregiver can have serious emotional effects

Sources:

caregiving.org

stanford.wellsphere.com

Did you know that November is National Family Caregiver month? Well, it is, and it signifies a time to say “thank you” for everything that the caregiver in your life does for you. If you’re a senior who receives care from a family member, you might appreciate their companionship, but everything that they do for your becomes part of a regular routine and it’s hard to remember to appreciate them and everything that they sacrifice to help you have a happy healthy life in older adulthood.

It’s not unusual for seniors, like many of you out there to gripe and groan about how family members are sticking their nose into your business in older adulthood; and you might not always appreciate the presence of your family caregiver, especially when it feels like they’re taking over your life. But, try and remember what they’re offering you. With their help, you’re able to remain in your own home and lead a lifestyle of your choosing.

This November, stop and recognize everything that your family caregiver does for you and say “thanks”.

Via: FamilyCaregiving101