Alicia Seaver is the Vice President of Memory Care Operations for EPOCH Senior Living and a Certified Memory Impairment Specialist. Every month, she addresses a specific issue related to memory and memory care. If you’re interested in hearing about a particular topic, please send a note to [email protected].
Q: How can I be a better caregiver to my loved one in the new year?
A: The end of the year is the time for all of us to reflect on the past 12 months and make plans for how to “better” ourselves in the coming year. For all the caregivers out there, I would first like to say: You’re amazing. You’re doing it right. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s okay.
However, I also know that people want to improve themselves because that brings joy to themselves and everyone around them. This is especially true for caregivers who want to make sure they’re doing the best for their loved one. So, in the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, here are my personal favorite goals that caregivers can follow to make the new year better, bolder and brighter than ever.
Find joy in the everyday. Caring for another person is a labor of love, but it’s also challenging. It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks and stressors, so take some time each day to think about the good in your life. Recognizing the happy and hard moments will lighten your spirits, bring laughter to your life, and increase joy for you and the one you care for.
Be kind to yourself. This is something that I tell many caregivers every day. We are our own worst critics, and we often talk to ourselves in ways we’d never think of talking to others. When you hear that inside voice putting yourself down, stop and take a deep breath. Refocus on everything you’re doing right, and tell yourself that you’re doing the very best you can. Know that you are only human and that you will make mistakes, but ultimately, it’s love that matters most.
Seek support (and accept it when offered). Too many caregivers attempt to be superheroes by taking on everything related to their loved one’s care. That’s a one-way ticket to burnout, which helps no one. It can be difficult but try to make it a priority to reach out to friends and family and ask them (in very specific ways) to help you out – whether that’s running an errand or having them watch your loved one for an hour or two. At the same time, when someone offers help, say yes! If they don’t know exactly what to do, have a list of specific tasks that would help you out – you’ll be surprised how many people will be willing to help you cross tasks off your list.
Cherish every moment. Time goes fast for all of us. When you have a loved one with dementia, you know that the moments to create meaningful memories are limited. As you’re taking time to take care of your loved one, make the time to enjoy, laugh, nurture and deepen the relationship with your loved one. The memories you make today will sustain you for a lifetime.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Bridges® by EPOCH communities have been developed from the ground up to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our residents and their families. Our team of remarkable people, the exceptional care and services we offer and the purposeful design of our buildings all combine to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible for our residents.
We understand the concern families feel about ensuring quality of life for loved ones. That’s why, at Bridges® by EPOCH, we offer a wellness-centered lifestyle that focuses on reinforcing individual strength, so residents enjoy heightened confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, we provide everything residents need to thrive and rediscover a life with purpose.
Bridges® communities are located in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, in the following towns: Norwalk, CT; Stamford, CT (coming soon); Trumbull, CT; Andover, MA; Hingham, MA; Lexington, MA; Mashpee, MA; Pembroke, MA; Sudbury, MA; Westford, MA; Westwood, MA; Nashua, NH.
Inspiration for Success
At our Bridges® by EPOCH communities, we work closely with families to gain necessary insight and deeper understanding into the lives of our residents upon admission. With this initial information, along with what our exceptional team members learn about our residents every day, we are best prepared to provide highly individualized programming for our residents.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.