Denver Catholic

SENIORS I 13 DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER I AUGUST 28, 2013 How to keep your cool during the dog days of summer Buy convenience foods that reduce preparation time: packaged salads, The mild temperatures and increased shredded cheese and boneless chicken daylight of summer can positively affect breasts, for example. people's mood and allow new opportuOrder takeout once a week. nities for enjoyment. On the flip side, summer sun, heat and Housekeeping smog can be harmful to older adults, esConcentrate cleaning and tidying pecially those whose health is already efforts on the rooms that are used the fragile. If you're a caregiver, you must be most. extra vigilant as temperatures soar. Do full loads of laundry whenever posPerhaps, like the relative you care for, sible. Ensure everyone in the household you have health conditions or take med- has enough basic clothing to last for a ications that increase your sensitivity to week. Buy clothing that can be machine the sun or heat. In any case, if you're not washed and dried and resists wrinkles. a fan of balmy weather, you may find yourself feeling not only physically un- Yard maintenance For gardening, stick to low-maintecomfortable but also irritable, especially nance flowers & shrubs. Use mulch to during heat waves. To add to some caregivers' stress, not discourage weed growth. Get a mulching lawn mower so you all community supports operate during the summer months. For example, care- don't have to bag grass. Or hire a neighgiver support groups typically take a hia- borhood youth to cut the grass. tus during July and August. Financial management So how do you keep your cool emoArrange with the bank for direct detionally during the dog days of summer? posit of pension and other checks and Read on for a variety of suggestions. automatic withdrawal of regular bills. HOTO PROVIDED If you have a computer, sign up for General tips ood Establish and stick to priorities, and Internet banking so you can pay bills, o need curb perfectionism. Not everything transfer money and check balances from needs to be done to a high standard. Set home. a time limit for chores if necessary. Shopping and errands Be flexible about plans and expectaShop through mail order catalogs, ustions. Take things one day at a time. ing the telephone or Internet. Ask other family members to help out For gift giving occasions, purchase and be specific about what is needed. gift cards; many kinds are available onPay for help if you can afford it—for line, as well as on display at department example, a dog walker, housecleaning stores and drug stores. service, handyman or grounds keeping Take advantage of stores and other service. services that offer home delivery. Get a computer. Internet access can Research mobile services in your area, help you stay connected to loved ones, such as hairdressing, dog grooming and keep up with local and world news and automobile servicing. gather information about medical conCoordinate errands and avoid peak ditions and community resources. You use times of the day, week or month can also connect with other caregivers when visiting stores, banks, government through Internet message boards and offices and other establishments. Also chat rooms. avoid rush hour traffic. If you don't have central air conditionIf your relative can safely be left alone ing, get a window air conditioner or oscilbut either of you is anxious about the lating fan for the room(s) you use most. prospect, supply him or her with a portable phone and get yourself a cell Meal preparation Collect recipes for one-dish meals, phone so you can stay in touch. A persuch as stir fries and main course salads. sonal emergency response system may Cook double batches of recipes and also help put your mind at ease. freeze half for later use. Care for your relative Keep a supply of heat-and-serve enFind out about community support trees in the freezer. services, including respite care options, BY LISA M. PETSCHE Elderly From Page 12 provides free in-home nursing care for the low-income elderly and chronically ill. The agency is also available to offer references and guide families and seniors seeking advice. "If we don't provide the service, I'll find someone who does," Cox said. Families may also find what they need from local churches or volunteer groups. In the process of caring and finding help for an elderly family member, patience is key, Koch said. "To some people it may seem like a burden, but you should make the most of the situation," he said. "On good days make the most of caring for the elderly. If they're having a bad day, don't dwell on it. You have to understand what they're going through." companionship for seniors in the Denver-metro area needing assistance with things from bathing to transportation, to paying bills and cooking a meal. "Our entire goal is to keep them as independent as possible, to make people happy," said Koch, who owns the service with his wife, Amanda. He said they are also available to provide tips and point people to resources if they are not able to provide care. Insurance becomes a consideration in finding care, Cox said. Medicare may only cover qualifying care such as rehabilitation needs and a nursing home, she said. That's when agencies like the DominNissa LaPoint: 303-715-3138; nissa. ican Sisters Home Health Agency may lapoint@archden.org; www.twitter.com/ y, Page 13be of service. This Catholic nonprofit DCRegisterNissa people in your life. Set aside some quiet time each day; it nurtures your spirituality and helps to keep you grounded. Find an outlet for expressing your thoughts and feelings, such as talking with a friend or keeping a journal. Care for yourself Seek help from your primary physiLook after your health: eat nutritious cian or a counselor if you continually meals, get adequate rest, exercise and feel sad, angry or overwhelmed. schedule regular medical checkups. Never forget that you can only take Do something you enjoy every day: good care of your relative if you take read, listen to music or take up a hobby. good care of yourself. Cultivate a healthy sense of humor. Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social Read the comics, watch a TV sitcom or worker and a freelance writer who sperent funny movies. Stay connected to the important cializes in elder care. and take advantage of them. Information can be obtained from your local office on aging. If finances permit, hire a personal support worker or companion for your relative so you can get out more often. See why Lakeview stands out. Lakeview Senior Living is an affordable luxury independent community with care options. • Locallyownedandoperated • Longevityofmanagement team and staff • Newestcommunityin Lakewood • Exceptionaldiningprogram Our residents are our best referral sources! Actual Spectrum Residents Limited time offer $500 Waitlist Deposit Special 303-872-7538 7390 West Eastman Place Lakewood, CO 80227 LakeviewSeniorLiving.com A SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITY LV Cath Register 8 28 13 Independent Retirement Living with Care Options

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