Not everyone can be a caregiver. It’s not something that you develop later in life. You either have it or you don’t. Certainly you can try it and see how it goes. But I have found that it really takes a special person to be able to give unconditionally to those in need.

There are many caregivers out there whose heart was originally in the right spot. However, if they do it for a “living” it can take its toll. After awhile, their “burnout” will show itself in the process of daily caregiving. Whether it shows in their attitude or work ethic, burned out caregivers are just not doing justice to the one they care for.

Think of it this way. If you were in your 80’s and you body was failing you, your mind was slipping, you had lost many loved ones — more often than not, you struggle just to get out of bed in the morning. Hope is gone and your just riding out your time. If that is the case, would you want someone showing up to care for you who clearly is just “putting in the time?” I think not. Our elders deserve better.

If we’re “lucky” we’ll get to experience the aging process. Wouldn’t it be better if someone were to show up to help you who just couldn’t wait to try to make a positive difference in your day? Someone who was there, not because it was a “job,” but someone who truly cared and found the deeper meaning in serving others.

After all, I believe we are all here to serve. It’s not about ego, it’s about finding our path and, in some form or fashion, making a difference in the world. Those caregivers who get that concept are truly angelic. Unfortunately, not everyone can qualify for such an endeavor.

My hat is off to those caregivers who truly care and give it their all when they’re serving someone in need. It’s a noble calling and they not only benefit their client, they reap tremendous personal rewards that are priceless.

So if you’re going to care for an individual, remember that you have an obligation to give it 100% while “on the job.” If it were you needing the care, you’d hope for the same. And take care of yourself. Like the banking world, you have to make deposits before you can take withdrawals.

Tom Barton

Owner, Barton Home Care

Dealing with dementia is all about the choices you make

There are at least two ways I can choose to feel when I go to visit my aunt, who is in the throes of the effects of dementia and residing in an Assisted Living Facility. I can be sad and depressed and on the verge of tears because it’s hard to recognize the person in front of me as my aunt. She was always very prim and proper with the same neat, short hairstyle forever and a very basic, plain style of dressing. The only flamboyancy I ever saw her express over the years was her purchase of a few convertible cars.

Another choice I have besides sadness is to look for a little humor in the person she has become. Gone is the neat hairstyle of the past, and in its place is a rather scary, unkempt Richard Lewis look. The plain, but color coordinated outfits have been replaced with some really bad clothing choices. The effects of dementia  causes her to ignore two closets filled with clothing and opts to wear basically the same thing every day—topped off with shoes with no socks. Her socks, and other items, disappear on a regular basis. The staff at the facility thinks she throws them out. Initially, I found myself getting upset about things that went missing. Now, I just replace them.

The effects of dementia is causing my aunt to steadily lose her vocabulary. I have learned it is best to ask questions that can be answered simply—yes or no if possible. She no longer turns the television in her room on, but recently while waiting to be called for an appointment in a doctor‘s office, she was watching the national news channel that was on. She expressed extreme dislike of the green Geiko Gecko character, and when she saw George W. Bush, she announced to everyone in the waiting room, “I know that guy.” I had to chuckle. There are blogs devoted to finding some humor in the daily lives of Alzheimer and Dementia patients. I find them to be an affirmation that there are choices we can make when dealing with dementia and our loved ones affected by the disease.

Gerri Tyber

Operations Manager, Barton Home Care

One thing that I have learned in life is that it’s full of surprises. Life has a way of keeping us on our toes. Surprises can come in the form of illnesses; one of the most common illnesses in today’s world is “Diabetes.” People think that if you have it you suddenly have limitations. It’s not that you can’t do certain things; it is just that you may have to better prepare yourself.

When going out for extended periods of time, you need to take your meter, your testing supplies, your medicine and maybe a snack bag with different foods should they be needed. Taking such measures can give you a sense of security. Imagine going into a convenience store while you are experiencing a low blood sugar level, and you have a need to consume sugar in order to bring your level up. You might be looked at like you are a shoplifter for eating the food while you are standing in the aisle. Or, on the other hand, if you have a high blood sugar, you might pass out or be confused. This could all justify the need for a medical alert bracelet to provide your vital information to anyone attempting to help you.

Many famous people with diabetes, including actors, politicians, and athletes, have lived “normal” lives with the disease. Diabetes, like many other medical conditions, may have other problems associated with it. You need regular checkups for your eyes and feet. Diabetics seem to heal slower when their glucose level is raised. By eating right, getting proper rest, exercising, drinking plenty of liquids, monitoring your sugar levels often and taking your medicine as prescribed, you can help yourself lead a more normal and free life. Sometimes this is a more difficult task for the elderly who have diabetes. They may need to count on assistance from family, friends or various other services to do the necessary things to keep them healthy.

Living with a person who is a diabetic can be challenging. When your emotions run from anger, sadness, depression, all the way to happiness, you may turn to food. The one thing that you might have turned to for comfort is now the very thing you need to control. Eating habits need to change. It becomes necessary to eat small meals all day long and to watch what you eat. To confuse matters, your doctor, family and friends may have suggestions for what you should be eating. You can get some control over your food if you make the right choices and there are many sources including books and websites to help you with those choices.

Anger and denial are common emotions encountered when one is diagnosed with diabetes. You are forced to become an expert on a disease that you previously knew little about. Personally, I have struggled to come to terms with this disease. It is almost like being in a club since both of my parents as well as some other family members have diabetes. At least we support each other in trying to cope with the disease. One of my uncles recently told me to take cinnamon pills to help lower my A1C average. (Your A1C is a blood test that reflects a three month average of your glucose levels). In six months, by following his suggestion, I have effectively lowered my level. The result is that I feel so much better.

Just remember this–in life many of us may have health problems. Thus, we might have to do things a little differently than planned. Having the freedom to live in this amazing world is worth all the effort.

Marcy Cox, BS Gerontology