For Families Archives

How long has it been since you’ve had a decent sleep? Are you too busy? Too stressed? Drank coffee a little too late?

For those of us in the caregiving industry, sleep often falls by the wayside due to the vast array of caregiving tasks.

Insomnia sets in, and it often becomes a vicious cycle. Caregivers who have depression and anxiety are more likely to suffer from sleep disruptions, and those who experience sleep deprivation may have severe distress. Because of this, it is salient for us to take care of ourselves while caring for our seniors!

Here are some tips for you to help manage your insomnia and have a good night’s sleep:

Limit caffeine intake – We know that caffeine helps us stay more awake and less tired, but try to avoid coffee and tea past noon (LOL—I know, right?!). Too much caffeine doesn’t make you more awake, it gives you headaches!
Quiet your body and mind – Close your eyes. Focus on relaxing yourself rather than the environment around you. Start at your toes and keep breathing deeply, relaxing each muscle group for 3-6 seconds. You can also listen to calming music, for example, rain sounds or hearing the waves crash on the shore.
Try 4-4-4 breathing exercises – Inhale through your nose for a count 4. Hold your breath for a count of 4. Exhale completely through your mouth for a count of 4. Repeat it several times until you feel drowsy.

We sincerely hope that stress and insomnia stay away from you all. And us too (we wrote this at 3am).

REFERENCES:
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/managing-insomnia-caregivers
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/sleep-q-a-answering-caregiver-questions-about-insomnia/
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/10-tips-for-a-good-nights-sleep/
https://www.healthline.com/health/caffeine-effects-on-body#Central-nervous-system

Do you ever feel guilty that you’re not doing enough for the seniors you need to care for? Maybe (and by maybe, we mean definitely), you also feel that there aren’t enough hours in the day? Yeah, us too.

The Guilt

We’re in the caregiving industry; we try our best to take care of our seniors. However, sometimes, it just doesn’t work out the way we want it to. Unfortunately, sometimes, the seniors we care for may get worse, and we attribute that to things we coulda shoulda woulda done.

Just so you know, you’re doing amazing.

Letting Go of Said Guilt

Just so you also know, guilt is an insidious feeling that can make you even more stressed! It’s time to release it. Here’s how:

First, recognize the guilt. It’s common for caregivers to feel guilt. Acknowledge it and send it some love. It’s just here to remind you that you’re a good person.
Next, accept that we have imperfections. All people make mistakes, even professionals. Recognize your strengths instead of fully focusing on your weaknesses. Not good at handling emotional issues? That’s ok! You probably excel at the physical aspects of caregiving!
After acceptance, understand that you are making the best decision for the seniors you care for. You are skilled, experienced and professional! Trust yourself as much as the seniors and their family members trust you, and remember, you are doing the best you can with the resources you have.
And finally, and maybe most importantly, reach out for support. Don’t be hesitant to seek out caregiver support resources to address your feelings of guilt. Caregivers need care as well.

Remember that you have many positive accomplishments! Think about all the incredible achievements that you have done and all the barriers you have overcome. You’re fantabulous :)!

REFERENCES:
https://caregiver.com/articles/dealing-caregiver-guilt/#:~:text=Talk%20to%20a%20professional%20if,and%20the%20help%20is%20available
https://dailycaring.com/7-ways-of-dealing-with-caregiver-guilt-that-improve-health/
https://caregiver.com/downloads/228/download/50100764_web.jpg?cb=f0b7f624f03ab72e18180c3870ade2ed

You knew where you stood with Ralph Shute because he would either meet you with a smile or call you a moron.

Above all else, he was a kind man with a purpose. Those who have met him, remember not only his generosity, but also moments that make you chuckle and shake your head.

If you couldn’t find him, he was probably at work. And rightfully so, as he had 11 children. With five girls and six boys, the man had many to provide for.

So where can you find Ralph?

Ralph would be gone before the kids woke up and home after bedtime—six days a week. He was a hardworking man who took pride in his work, working as a longshoreman for 45 years in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was dedicated to his family, and his wife, Mary, who held it down at home.

On his day off, you would often find him working on the house, asking for “help”, although most times, he would end up just doing it himself. You would somehow find yourself holding a board steady for him, helpless, only for him to come and push you out of the way. He was a perfectionist and would marvel at the imperfections of his construction. “Hey! Come look at this—look at how f***ing crooked that is!”

Every summer, he would often take his family to the cottage and stay there for a month or so, commuting two hours to work each way. He loved taking the kids water-skiing, boating, and apple picking, despite catching the odd rotten apple in the thigh after getting caught in the crossfire of a rotten apple fight.

He spends his remaining years at the cottage, lakeside, with his wife Mary, tinkering around the cottage.

A man with a quiet interior and a depth that he kept to himself, Ralph Shute was no moron.

Music has become an increasingly popular therapeutic method in long-term care communities. But do you actually know the power of music? Do you know that music has a significant effect on seniors? Let’s dive deep into the music world.

What is Music Therapy

According to the Canadian Association of Music Therapists, “Music therapy is a discipline in which Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being.”

Knowing this, music therapists can use music to address human needs in the following domains: cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual.

Fun Facts about Music

Do you have any fun facts about music? We do.

To start, music helps seniors recall old memories. Why? Because strong emotions are often associated with music, and music can support seniors in retrieving these memories. When was the last time you listened to a song and it took you down memory lane?

Furthermore, when seniors receive one-on-one personal care, music may facilitate their cooperation with caregivers. Research at the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that listening to seniors’ favourite music while receiving care may help reduce care-resistant behaviours.

Finally, music not only helps elders resist loneliness, boredom and isolation, but also alleviates feelings of sorrow and abandonment. Therefore, music can provide additional companionship, especially for seniors with dementia or sensory issues.

So get out your blue suede shoes and put on a little Elvis. Besides person-centred care and communication, music can also play a prominent role in a resident’s day!

REFERENCES:
https://www.musictherapy.ca/about-camt-music-therapy/about-music-therapy/
https://musicheals.ca/music_therapy/long-term-care-music-therapy/
https://www.thehamletsatpenticton.com/benefits-of-music-therapy-for-seniors/
https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2016/11/15/3-simple-ways-to-manage-challenging-behaviours-associated-with-dementia
Konno R., Kang H.S., Makimoto K. (2014). A best-evidence review of intervention studies for minimizing resistance-to-care behaviours for older adults with dementia in nursing homes. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 70(10), 2167-2180. doi: 10.1111/jan.12432

We’re in the long-term care and hospice care industry because we care about our seniors, however, do we, as care staff and caregivers, care enough about ourselves too?

Pros and Cons of Caregiving

Caregiving is rewarding, but also stressful. It is truly satisfying to provide assistance to another person in need, although at the same time, the emotional and physical stress of caregiving is prevalent, especially when caring for a loved one.

According to Lawton and his colleagues in the Journal of Gerontology (1991), caregivers may experience prolonged physical and emotional pain, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial for leaders to recognize pain when they see it, and help caregivers receive the mental health support they need to maintain their health and wellness.

Stress Looks Different On Everyone

What does pain and stress look like? Well, it’s different for everyone.

Some may constantly feel worried, depressed and overwhelmed, and therefore miss work or “check out” during the day. With others, you may see a loss of interest in activities they used to love, or notable weight gain or weight loss. Some people may be sleeping too much or too little but still feel exhausted during the day, while others will experience headaches or other physical pain that was not evident in the past. Of course one of the most common signs that someone is in pain or under a lot of stress is how easily they are to become annoyed or angry.

How do you respond to stress?

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Mental Health needs to be a topic of discussion. Let’s start the conversation, and battle depression and anxiety in the workplace together. Together, we can provide resources for all, and help each other get the mental health treatment and support we deserve. Together, we are strong.

SOURCES:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784
https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/faq/health-effects
Lawton, M.P., Moss, M., Kleban, M.H., Glicksman, A., & Rovine, M. (1991). A two-factor model of caregiving appraisal and psychological well-being. Journal of Gerontology, 46, 181-189. doi:10.1093/geronj/46.4.P181

Attention all care staff, caregivers and CareStory followers! You really care about residents’ wellness, and you have checked blood pressure nearly thousands of times for seniors…but how long has it been since you checked your own?

Studies at BMC Public Health have found that the prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher among caregivers than non-caregivers. Even some small adjustments can make a huge difference in your blood pressure readings. Here are some tips for you:

Drink Wine! — Just kidding. That’s not recommended, but it does pair nicely with a bubble bath on stressful days.
Shed a Couple of Pounds! — We promote body positivity here, however, studies at Harvard Health Publishing show that the most effective way to reduce elevated blood pressure is to lose weight.
Go with a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet. — Choose food that is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fibre and protein. Also, choose ingredients low in saturated fat and sodium
Exercise. — Aim for a half-hour exercise daily. It could be running, biking, dancing, or any activities you love.
Limit Alcohol Intake (so much for #1). — Drinking too much, too often, can increase blood pressure. Try to drink in moderation by limiting your intake to 1 drink or less per day.
Meditation. — Research at Harvard Health Publishing also found that stress hormones can constrict your blood vessels. Over time, stress can lead to chronic hypertension. Meditation techniques help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure.

We need you! So please take care of yourselves.

REFERENCES:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/6-simple-tips-to-reduce-your-blood-pressure
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/dash-diet/art-20048456
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3303565/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4340290/#:~:text=Results,27.6%25%2C%20respectively

Today, CareStory would like to take you into the senior story world and tell you the story of John Drake.

In Portland, Jamaica, you might know John Drake. So who is John Drake? John is a very well-respected businessman and visionary. In fact, he built the Drake legacy from the ground up.

Community Contributor

Passionate for law and politics, John had a lot to say. Because of these passions, John is deeply involved in his community, and he is also an active member of the church.

Moreover, John was very popular and a busy man, working, inspiring the community, and hosting social events. He spent time as a Justice of the Peace and enjoyed being a member of the Freemason Lodge.

Besides these activities, John also had a large appetite for life. He loved going to the horse races at Caymanas and watching cricket matches at Sabina Park.

Successful Investor and Provider

Everybody knew John as a hardworking man and a great provider. He invested in businesses and real estate and his driving force was to support his family.

John owned a number of businesses, such as a hardware store, bar, restaurant, etc. The 52-acre farm is his prized investment. There, you would see cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, rabbits, ducks, geese, along with gardens, an abundance of fruit trees, and a farmhouse filled with love.

Inside, he raised five children with his wife Cynthia, who he loved and respected dearly. John met Cynthia in church, and married her in 1953 with just a single gold band. They made commitments to each other, and they were partners in every sense of the word.

John was known for his kindness and giving nature, along with his firm hand. Johnny Walker was his signature drink, and he could make a mean Rum Punch.

John spends his remaining years in Portland with his wife Cynthia. Currently, he is still active in the community and taking care of others. If you’re from Portland, you know the name Drake. And if you know the name Drake, you know a good man.

Long Term Care Staff Study - Part 1 - PSW

Introduction

Long-term care is in a state of crisis, but you may have known that already. Nothing new. Before COVID-19 made its mark on the world and the industry, the tragedies within long-term care finally fell under scrutiny. At least here in Ontario. Due to the actions of a few bad actors, now tried and convicted, and the resulting investigation, the relatively new Ministry of Long Term Care (MLTC) issued the request for an investigation into the staffing situation within the industry. In the span of 6 months, despite the 1st wave of COVID-19, a 50-page document was produced. We have taken the numbers and compared them to the source where ambiguous and condensed them into a visual guide. In this 1st part, we will be looking at the state of Personal Support Workers (PSWs). Part 2 will explore the state of Nurses as outlined in this study into long-term care in Ontario.

Staff Distribution

At first glance, the above data may seem promising, but it’s far from the truth. One staff member per resident may seem like a dream come true, everyone has one, and there are a few to spare. Where’s the problem? Why is everybody screaming that we need more PSWs? They make up 58% of the hired staff of a home?

Mental health and chronic conditions can’t wait 12-16 hours until a caregiver is back on shift. It can’t wait over the weekend or when a caregiver has to take time off. With less than half (PSWs, Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses) working full time, you can be sure that 1 staff to 1 resident becomes 1 staff to 2 residents if we talk about 1 shift a day.

Despite being more than 1 hired staff per resident, despite there being more than 1 trained PSW in Ontario per resident in long-term care, residents still receive on average 2.3 hours of attention from a PSW in a 24h time period. This is on par because, when talking about long-term care PSW, it employs only half of all the PSWs in the province. Clearly, not the 1 to 1 days we are hoping for.

Long Term Care Staff Study - PSW Demographics

Demographics Unpacked

Although anecdotal, regarding demographics, many of the homes we work with also tell us that the first language of close to half of their caregivers is not English. This is not to say they lack fluency, but an indicator of them being 1st generation immigrants; this in part can be correlated with age and sex distribution. Healthcare and Education being female-dominated industries, both preferred choices of new immigrants who may lack the transferable work or educational experience, or Canadian accreditation may come at a higher cost than that of transition.

Long Term Care Staff Study - PSW Enrolment Programs

Enrollment

Although an attractive job for newcomers, and a position in high demand, there is not enough incentive to become a PSW. At the time of writing, we did not receive a number for the available enrollment positions across the province, but the long-term care study describes it as “consistent.” Across the years, a visible drop of students is visible from 8000 in 2016 to 6500 in 2019. Of note, the same document also mentions the industry losing on average 9000 PSWs/year as of 2011.

Long Term Care Staff Study - PSW Depletion

Drop out, burn out.

Caregiver job satisfaction is the leading cause of burnout and them fleeing the industry. The lack of attractive wages does not help the situation either.

Understandably, staffing can be the largest cost of a home. Hiring more people may mean that everyone gets fewer hours or a smaller hourly pay. It’s not fair.

Without a top-down reform, attractive salaries, and industry recognition, there are few options to go with. Among them is to invest in technologies that can better the lives of caregivers. Enhancing communication for everyone will result in a better environment to work in and better care outcomes. We’ve actually written about strategies a home can adopt to avoid staff burnout. Free online resources and working with as opposed to ‘around’ or ‘against’ the families is a great first step. You can read it here.

Download the infographic from here.

Lastly, if you wish to read the full study the infographic is based on, you can do so here.

Part 2 – Nurses coming in 2 weeks.

First off, if you did not know that the https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/ exists… now you do, and you’re welcome. Furthermore the acronym has happened Intersex and Allies. Thus the current version is LGBTQIA+, double welcome.

Quick LGBT History.

So why is this important, you may ask. And it’s a fair question to ask. It’s 2021, most of us probably have that gay friend or relative and we know that they are ok people. We say this as we live in cities with active communities and neighborhoods. But it was not always like this. When it comes to long-term care, those who are now at the age where a nursing home or assisted living facility is something to consider still have fresh in their mind the events that lead to Pride from the 60s. Here I’m talking about the Stonewall riots, arguably the most significant event in the liberation movement across North America. The LGBT youngsters of the time, those struggling with their identity, or those born shortly after having memories of anti-gay legislation, violent discrimination, and the bloody clashes that happened in the summer of 1969.

Exactly one year after the riots, the first Pride event was hosted. With the aim to commemorate the events and show the community’s solidarity against oppression.

Aging

Yes, as fabulous as some of us may be, we still age. Often times with a dire need for additional care. And as mentioned above, the 2020 urbanite who has LGBTQI+ in their network may disregard one’s sexual preference and treat them like any other person. You know, like the intent behind the whole liberation movement. But now, think those aforementioned activists and rebels who were on the front line in 1969. The participants of the various initiatives shortly after. All these people harbor a strong distrust of government institutions, such as law and healthcare. Furthermore, legal recognition of same-sex couples is a recent development. They have been discriminated against by these systems for decades. Adoption laws did not recognize same-sex couples.

There is only one sad conclusion to be drawn. The aging LGBT community often ends being comprised of isolated, lonely, childless, and potentially impoverished individuals. The loneliness epidemic, which we wrote about in the past, is stronger felt by the aging LGBTQs.

Care

With the above in place, there is little to no support network for these individuals. This in turn makes care more challenging in some circumstances. Be it the embedded mistrust of the system, or the caregiver’s personal biases or expectations from LGBTQI+ individuals. Whatever the case, it remains important for the service provider/caregiver to educate themselves on the best practices to interact with individuals coming in with different backgrounds, histories, and trauma. When it comes to the LGBTQI+ there are plenty of resources on the internet to facilitate the institutional or individual’s educational process. On this topic, another great resource is The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center, specifically this practical guide.

The extra mile

If you’re reading this and know of people who are living relatively isolated lives be it at home or retirement homes, there are 2 ways you can improve their long-term well-being. The Advance Care Plan, and caregiver education.

The Advance Care Plan

This is the millennia of TikTok, YOLO, and Carpe Diem. But to Live Laugh Love long time, we need to take care of our future selves with some of the decisions we make today. The idea of an advance care plan is nothing new, it is something that gets missed. It simply implies writing down how we want to be cared for when and if we are no longer able to take care of ourselves. How do you want to be called? What are some of your favorite routines, music, shows? …when should they pull the plug?

We all die. Most of us will need some form of care before we get there. We should have a say on how that care is provided. And for members of a historically discriminated against group, such a plan will hold accountable those slower to change and ensure one’s wishes will be respected.

Caregiver Education

We’re getting there. Organizations such as the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario have dedicated interest groups to help bring awareness. But when it comes to personalized care, it’s also important to have some of the details of that Advance Care Plan or the input from the guardian/primary_caregiver at hand. Technology, such as CareStory, but not only, can help facilitate this. Consider what solutions would best help you, your home, your residents, your co-workers or your friends have a higher satisfaction when engaged in the care process.

Conclusion

Pride is a show of solidarity that was born out of a violent clash between the LGBT Comunity and the Police in New York in the 60s.
LGBTQ adults have experienced historic, systemic, discrimination. They are wary of trusting institutionalized care.
LGBTQ older adults are more likely to be alone and impoverished.
Awareness groups and professional organizations are making efforts to make the system more accessible and inclusive.
LGBTQIA+ individuals should consider the importance and creation of an Advance Care Plan.
Communicating care preferences directly or through proxy via technology such as CareStory will improve the quality of care one receives.

Guest Writer Laura Steuer

You say you’re lonely. You work from home, see only a few people at a time, go online to connect. Now, just imagine you’ve been confined for 6 months to your room – no, not your house, your room. You are elderly, or ill, and COVID restrictions in your nursing home have meant that everything has changed. So no group meals, no social activities, no friends and family allowed to visit (or perhaps, worse, you don’t have any friends or family at all).

Loneliness and social isolation have been clearly linked to impaired mental and physical health, even a reduction in lifespan. For instance, social scientists know this; senior caregiversknow this, and familiesknow this. Here is a link to an online search for “lonelinessepidemic” – you’ll find an unsettlingly immense number of articles.

COVID solutions for our country – not simple or quick. Loneliness solutions for our elderly – immediate and easy ways to make a difference:

Friendly Voices phone buddies

A program dedicated to seniors living in care facilities. Friendly Voices provides weekly phone companionship and conversation by trained, compassionate volunteers. Thus, each senior is matched with his/her own volunteer phone buddy to maintain consistency and ongoing personal connection. HIPAA compliant; multi-lingual volunteers; completely free. Staff or family can easily sign up their loved ones for a phone buddy through our website.

“We listen if the senior wants to talk. We talk if the senior wants to listen.”

Friendship Line, Institute on Aging

The Friendship Line is a crisis intervention hotline as well as a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls. Founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore, Director of IOA’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention. On top of that, the organization is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology. Because of this, Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services.

AARP Community Connections phone calls

AARP Friendly Voice program exists to help those living in isolation. To elaborate, it provides people with a phone line where they can request a callback from one of the trained, caring, volunteers standing by ready to chat, listen, or just say hello.

Phone-a-Friend

This Indiana-based, student-started, United Way featured, started as a COVID support system for the elderly in the state. During the initial phases of the pandemic in the state, they were also offering to help seniors with tasks if there were volunteers in the local community. However, the scope of the service has extended beyond the initial county into the nearby states. As of writing, tasks are no longer a service they provide due to COVID concerns and local restrictions. On the other hand, they started a monthly book club to offer communality in the discussion between seniors and volunteers.

Calls of Care

Created in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic Calls of Care is a non-profit foundation. A mother and two daughters with the mission of organizing and creating a connection between college and high school students to senior living provider residents via phone calls. In addition to it’s activity in it’s home state of California, Calls of Care is active all across the East coast as well. You can view participating high schools, colleges, and universities here.

Forget Me Not phone calls

The Forget Me Not-Friendly Phone Call Program is an intergenerational non-profit organization based in San Jose. Established in 2019, it aims to connect compassionate high school volunteers to the local aging community. It does this by forming stronger social bonds and long-lasting friendships through weekly telephone calls.

Virtual Companions

Virtual Companions is a non-profit working to foster acts of kindness and meaningful companionships between generations through conversation, community, and the arts. They are working to combat loneliness and ageism by fostering genuine connections. To do this, they empower socially isolated individuals to connect, create, and collaborate. It does all this through four outreach pillars: virtual concerts, cards and crafts, pen-pals, and phone pals. Virtual Companions brings joy through music, service, and the arts to those who need it most.

Meals on Wheels phone buddies

This service is part of the larger Senior Life Resources non-profit based in Richland Washington. Meals on Wheels provides nutritional support to the elderly within the tri-city area. The onset of COVID prompted a shift to connect the isolated seniors being served by the program. Seniors have the possibility to opt-in; with the drivers or other willing volunteers.

A Friendly Voice phone line

Started by the Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) and supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, this Canadian initiative in the province of Ontario helps isolated seniors. Dedicated to the aging and isolated rural residents of Ontario, ROSSS offers a hotline for older adults (55+) to reach out to if they feel lonely and need someone to talk to.

Catholic Community Services phone buddies – King County

With its roots in the Cristian teachings, the CCS offers support to all those individuals, children, families, and communities struggling with poverty and the effects of intolerance and racism. As of 2016, the scope of their aid to the elderly in the region has extended to a phone buddy system. Of note, as of writing, the support for seniors has been limited to transportation services only for medical purposes or grocery shopping on the seniors’ behalf, with the hope that these services will be extended back to regular operations once the COVID-19 has been dealt with.

Are you are looking to bring joy into someone’s life? Do you have some time to spare? Consider joining a phone buddy program and see if it works for you. However, if you are currently working in a nursing home, retirement home, or long-term care home? These organizations may be able to help you with those ~30% of residents who may not have someone to talk to anymore. And lastly, if you are working within this environment or have loved ones away in a care facility see how CareStory helps families, caregivers, and home operators work together to better the lives of residents.

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