April Newsletter

April showers bring May flowers, and even on the hardest days, strength is blooming—one small step at a time.  To all the caregivers, your kindness blooms in ways you may not always see.

Caregiving: A Labor of Love, but Not Without Its Challenges

Caregiving is one of the most demanding and selfless jobs you can have. You give your whole self to care for others, often putting your own health and happiness on the back burner. It's not easy, and it’s important to acknowledge the toll it can take on your well-being.

Did you know that 40-70% of caregivers report experiencing depressive symptoms? (Source: Alzheimer’s Association). In addition, the constant stress can lead to chronic health issues like hypertension, heart disease, and sleep disorders (Source: NIH).

As a caregiver, it's crucial to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved one. You deserve support, understanding, and time for self-care.

Stress Tamers

• Deep Breathing: Practice slow, deep breaths to calm your mind.

• Stretching: Do gentle stretches to release tension in your body.

• Take a Walk: A short walk outside to clear your mind.

• Listen to Music: Play relaxing or favorite music to uplift your mood.

• Guided Meditation: Use an app or YouTube for a quick meditation.

• Aromatherapy: Light a scented candle or use essential oils like lavender.

• Mindful Coloring: Grab a coloring book or use an app to focus on coloring.

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then release muscles starting from your toes.

• Journaling: Write down your thoughts to release built-up stress.

• Laughing: Watch a funny video or think of a joke to boost your mood.

• Sit quietly: Be present, sense the world around you. 

• Soak in a tub: Take a bath or a shower.

• Remember the good times: Do some scrapbooking, look through pictures.

• Drink something warm: Tea, coffee, or cocoa.

• Play a favorite brain game: Crossword, word search.

• Sit in the sun: Do nothing but feel the warmth.

Some Products that I like

RED silicone placement- This can be helpful as a non-skid surface and for increasing visual acuity.  It can be used at mealtimes and/or while taking medications.  There are also silicone mats with built in bowls and plates.  When people living with dementia eat from a red plate, they intake 25% more food.   “The Red Plate Study” 

A Sensory Pillow– I like this one because it is not childish.  It provides sensory stimulation and the opportunity for fidgeting.

A Shampoo Cap– Sometimes it's hard to convince your loved one to wash their hair.  These easy shampoo caps can be warmed in the microwave, and you can provide your loved one with a wonderful head massage.  These can help in a pinch!

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”

-Maya Angelou

What's Happening

Exciting Announcement: "Happy Brain, Happy Life: Steps to Strengthen Your Brain and Enhance Your Life"

I am thrilled to introduce an upcoming class designed to help you unlock your brain's full potential. In this class you’ll discover practical strategies to boost memory, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function. It’s all about giving you the tools to live a healthier, more vibrant life!

Stay tuned for more details, including the date and time—I can’t wait to help you take the next step toward a stronger, happier brain!

I hope you've enjoyed the April newsletter but if you didn't and would like to be taken off of my email list please reply and let me know   This is NOT a replacement for healthcare.  This is not considered healthcare advice.  Please consult your loved one's healthcare providers for best practices and recommendations for your situation.