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Caregivers Aurora IL: November is American Diabetes Month

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As November arrives, we look forward to Thanksgiving and being with family. However, we should not forget that November is also American Diabetes Month. It affects 26 million people in America, while another 79 million are at risk. These numbers are staggering. Most of us have a relative or know someone that suffers from this disease. So what exactly can we do about this epidemic?

The Stop Diabetes website offers different ways on how you can become involved. Donating money or joining local American Diabetes Month meetings are great options to help raise awareness. Also, local offices can put together special events to help raise money to support research and education. Don’t forget to ask your local hospital or assisted living center if you can volunteer by providing elder care.

Two important factors in the fight against diabetes are diet and exercise. By educating those who have the disease, you can help take a critical step in the right direction. It’s common knowledge that diets low in carbohydrates and processed sugars can help maintain insulin levels. However, research has found that vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based diets are effective in regulating diabetic symptoms. You must explain that exercise is as necessary as a proper diet. When you exercise regularly it increases muscle, lowers body fat, and increases the body’s receptiveness and utilization of insulin. Also, being active decreases blood pressure and the potential for heart disease. Caregivers who deal with senior care are better off teaching the elderly about nutrition since physical activity declines in old age. That is not to say that seniors can’t exercise.

Nearly a quarter of the population over 60 has been diagnosed with diabetes. Heart disease and stroke are prevalent risks of diabetes that increase with age. Seniors are often forgotten about because there is a notion that elder care can be difficult. When offering senior care, volunteers must be aware that the elderly are also susceptible to cognitive degeneration. Caregivers who help seniors in assisted living situations are truly special people. 

While the numbers of diabetics are enormous and only seem to be growing, through raising awareness, maintenance and education they will diminish with time. If those who suffer from diabetes can be educated about nutrition and exercise, then their health can be maintained. By raising awareness and educating the 79 million who are at risk, there will be no need for them be diagnosed with this unnecessary disease.

Caregivers at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Aurora.

Caregivers Aurora IL: Lung Cancer Awareness Month

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November is named Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This means that this month is dedicated to a national campaign to raise awareness about lung cancer. During the month of November, there will be rallies, fund-raising events and much more to promote awareness. This is extremely beneficial for people suffering from lung cancer and caregivers of those people. Senior care and elder care is also extremely vital for those suffering from lung cancer. 

During the month of November, people all around the world plan events in their communities. This is helpful to raise money to find cures for this disease and to ensure that senior care is provided to those who need it. Caregivers of people suffering from cancer are often at the heart of awareness. They see firsthand the effects of this disease and how hard it is for people and families to cope with. 

Lung cancer is a disease that develops in the longs and is normally separated by two categories. Non-small cell lung cancer makes up 85% of all lung cancer cases. This type grows slower than the other type, called small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer contains smaller cells, but they spread much quicker. When older people develop this type of cancer, it is important that they receive proper care. Elder care is available through many doctors and caregivers. Many families obtain senior care for their parents with this illness and many times they must utilize assisted living facilities for their elderly parents. 

Every case of lung cancer is different. For elderly people, it often involves waiting to hear what the test results say, and then waiting longer to find out the type of treatment they will receive. For people with severe cases, families often turn to assisted living. This gives a loved one the attention needed during times of chemotherapy, radiation or other treatments. It also provides the care needed during times of waiting. 

During the month of November, it is often easier to find out information about lung cancer, treatment options and how to cope with it. Look for events in your area, or initiate your own.

Caregivers at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Aurora.

Caregivers Aurora, IL: Let’s Talk

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It was a classic case of miscommunication. My sister-in-law — a.k.a. the mother of all caregivers, with six school-age kids and, at one time, three live-in elders — was under strict orders to call me at any hour she felt the need, for any reason. Her mother was on home hospice when the text arrived: “Can you talk?”

Eager to help, I texted back, for speed’s sake, a simple “Y.”

And then…she didn’t call!

I waited awhile before texting back again, “Are you okay?”

Actually she was all right, had just been wanting to update me, until she got my message — and that had made her a little miffed and hurt. She’d mis-read my “Y” as the word “Why?” As in, I was asking her why she needed to talk to me right then, as if I were screening her level of need. (No, no, I quickly clarified. My “Y” meant “Yes!”)

Fortunately, our communication is normally much smoother. (For one thing, I’m much better at spoken or written words than texted ones!)

Every caregiver needs a talking buddy. Talking allows you to offload stresses, large or small. Research shows that the simple act of giving voice to a concern, peeve, or issue takes its impact on your mind and body down a few notches. When you talk to someone else, you feel less alone. Sharing thoughts and feelings leaves you better equipped to manage them. Talk may be cheap, but it’s also invaluable.

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Home care counselors at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Aurora.