Leisure Care is sponsoring a virtual seminar series to address a variety of aging and caregiving issues. In the first presentation of the week, the seminar focused on how caregivers, namely adult children of seniors, can set healthy boundaries, prioritize self-care, and generally help their loved ones age well.
As many adult children prepare to go home for the holidays, some for the first time in over a year, they may be seeing unexpected changes in parents. Aging and caregiving experts Dr. Jane Tornatore and Lisa Mayfield shared their experiences and advice on aging well. They were joined by a wide range of caregivers who are caring for loved ones with a wide range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The seminar covered critical caregiving topics, including signs that your loved one may need assistance. These signs may include seeing stacks of mail, a refrigerator with expired or no food, struggling with holiday meal preparation or organizing gifts, impaired driving, and a lack of activity in previously beloved traditions and events. From there, the seminar gave practical tips for talking to loved ones about your concerns and tips to make the conversation less threatening, providing new language to use with an aging loved one.
The seminar provided simple and effective stress-relieving techniques for those already in caregiving situations, including movement and breathing exercises. Dr. Tornatore then shared how caregivers can prioritize their own sphere of influence, taking control over what they can actually control and then letting go of the things they cannot. The presenters shared how small daily decisions committing to self-care can significantly impact over time. By prioritizing self-care, caregivers often find themselves more patient, kinder, and more relaxed, benefitting not only themselves but also their loved ones.
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The seminar closed with recommendations for handling grief that can begin much earlier than many caregivers realize. From book recommendations to support groups and giving language to feelings, the presenters gave practical advice for coping with grief in a healthy way.
Watch the full seminar here:
Leisure Care communities are committed to helping residents live better than ever. If you are concerned about your loved one and have questions about helping them age well, or are a caregiver looking for tangible support, our communities are here to help. Contact your local Leisure Care community today to schedule your tour.
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