Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale

Caregivers are well-acquainted with guilt, self-doubt, conflict, and exhaustion. Their days are characterized with highs and lows, dilemmas and predicaments, anxiety and resolve. It’s an emotional roller coaster that requires tremendous strength of character and devotion. It’s not all doom and gloom, but there is a reason we spend so much time talking about caregiver stress.   What is caregiver stress?  Caregiver stress is the physical and emotional strain that come with providing prolonged or continuous care for a loved-one.  It can lead to anxiety, depression, a compromised immune system, digestive issues, addiction or increased risk for chronic diseases.  To summarize, the effects of caregiver stress can be detrimental and far-reaching. We hope you'll find the seven caregiver tips below helpful considerations as you work to take care of your loved one and yourself.   1.  LEARN  about your loved one’s condition Being in the know will help to reduce stress and

"All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we're giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That's one of the things that connects us as neighbors--in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver. Fred Rogers Mr. Rogers taught us a great deal about what it means to be a good neighbor.   Please consider being a good neighbor to the seniors and elderly folks that reside in your neighborhood.   Too many seniors live out their golden years in need of attention and assistance.   Some seniors face deteriorating health, loneliness, boredom, isolation, fear, depression, malnutrition, and an array of other challenges.   Being a good neighbor can help.   The trick is to stay vigilant without being intrusive.   While you don’t want to be a pesky neighbor, you might find it necessary to offer to help instead of waiting on your elderly neighbor to ask for help.   It isn’t easy for anyone to ask for help and