Caregivers, how do you know if you need help?

Caregivers do a lot for others. Because there is so much on their plate, many caregivers don’t spend time taking care of themselves. For example, they are less likely than others to get preventive health services, like annual checkups, and to practice regular self-care. As a result, they tend to have a higher risk of physical and mental health issues, sleep problems, and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure. They are even at an increased risk of premature death.

It’s not always obvious when a person needs help. Watch out for these signs of caregiver stress:

• Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or anxious

• Becoming easily angered or impatient

• Feeling lonely or disconnected from others

• Having trouble sleeping or not getting enough sleep

• Feeling sad or hopeless, or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

• Having frequent headaches, pain, or other physical problems

• Not having enough time to exercise or prepare healthy food for yourself

• Skipping showers or other personal care tasks such as brushing your teeth

• Misusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications

Don’t wait until you are completely overwhelmed. Learn what your own warning signs are and take steps to minimize sources of stress where possible. Source: nia.nih.gov

For more information about caregiver service and supports, contact Generations at 1-800-742-9002.

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT IS OCTOBER 15 - DECEMBER 7

Generations is now taking appointments for SHIP (State Health Insurance Plan) counseling to assist you in choosing your best option for your Medicare prescription drug plan. The best plan for you could change from year to year depending on your health, medications, etc. Do not assume that the plan that you have always had is the best for you. Let us help you take a look at all of your options, and then YOU decide which plan that you want to go with. This is a FREE service. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our SHIP counselors, contact Linda Yochum at 812-888-4854. *PLEASE, NO WALK-INS*

BUILD-A-BASKET SEASON IS IN FULL SWING: This holiday season, Generations is sponsoring its 15th annual Build-A-Basket project to help provide for the basic needs of Generations’ clients while bringing them some holiday cheer. Generations serves older adults in Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Knox, Martin and Pike counties. These individuals are on fixed incomes and often cannot afford the everyday necessities that many of us take for granted. This project is open to schools, churches, businesses and individuals. Just purchase a laundry basket or tote and fill it with items such as dish soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc. Many individuals also decorate their baskets to make them more festive. A list of suggested basket items, as well as list of drop-off sites is available on the Generations’ website at GenerationsNetwork.org and on the Generations’ Facebook page. Baskets must be completed and dropped off no later than December 20. Basket registration is not required this year. Generations’ staff and volunteers will deliver the gift baskets. For questions, please contact Alma Kramer at 812-888-4527, toll-free at 1-800-742-9002, or by e-mail at akramer@vinu.edu.

GENERATIONS MAGAZINE

Our magazine is geared toward adults in pre-retirement and retirement years and promotes active aging and preventive health. It is published three times a year and is free to subscribers. All we need is your name and address. If you would like to receive future copies of the magazine, contact Brenda Hancock at 812-888-5146 or bhancock@vinu.edu.

Generations, Area 13 Agency on Aging & Disability, is a program of Vincennes University’s Community Services Division. Our agency connects individuals and caregivers to community resources and options for long-term care and in-home services. For more information, call 1-800-742-9002 or 812-888-5880 or visit our website at www.generationsnetwork.org