July 2023

Caregiver Declaration of Independence

Although individuals affected by various chronic conditions experience a gradual decrease in independence, there are several ways that caregivers can maintain their autonomy and keep a positive state of mind. To honor Independence Day on July 4, we are drawing on parts of the Declaration of Independence to help caregivers – life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness:

Life

A short break can go a long way: Instead of digging in for a difficult discussion or task with the person you’re caring for, try stepping away for 5 - or 25 - minutes. You can ensure their safety, play some of their favorite music, and go to a different room. You might find out that the conversation or activity goes more smoothly when you return.

Shift from trying to do everything right to focusing on priorities: Instead of always trying to fully achieve your own high expectations for caregiving, ask yourself if the tasks or challenges will be important in a month from now, or not. Then, change your focus to something that can provide some help in the moment.

Liberty

Act promptly if you notice a new issue: Attempting to cope by denying a problem may make things a little easier in the short term, but it can delay the diagnosis or treatment of a progressing condition. While it can be anxiety-provoking to schedule an appointment with a medical professional, it will be helpful to know the right next steps.
Engage in tough conversations about medical, financial, and legal choices: Instead of avoiding the uncomfortable conversations about medical, financial and legal decision, take time for these important discussions. Have these talks with the person receiving care sooner rather than later, so that you can honor their personal preferences and give yourself peace of mind.

Pursuit of Happiness

Reach out for help to reduce isolation: Millions of caregivers spend most of their days with limited personal time or social interaction. In order to overcome the isolation of caregiving, seek out home health care services, adult day care facilities, respite care, and support groups.

Make interactions more pleasant through validation : People living with a medical condition sometimes experience a different reality than we do. Try taking five minutes to ask the person you care for about what they are experiencing by asking them open-ended questions. You can adjust your focus to see things their way, rather than putting significant effort into convincing them to see it from your perspective.

Resources

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Announcements

New Radio Program - Aging Well Together - Thursdays at 2pm

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Options Counseling - Is it for you - Elderly Hispanic couple

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Handyperson Recommendations

Have you hired a fair, helpful, and trustworthy handyperson? We are compiling a list of individuals who assist with home repair work in our community. If you had a positive experience with a particular person or company and would recommend them to a neighbor, please share!
Complete our online recommendation form or call the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) to submit your recommendation.

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Advanced Directives - Contact the Aging Helpline

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FREE Nutrition Supplements

If you have NC Medicaid, you may be eligible to receive free oral nutrition supplements, like Boost or Ensure. Contact the Aging Helpline for more information at 919-968-2087.

Upcoming Programs

Caregiver Education Series: Caring for Someone with Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain can come from a variety of different conditions or injuries and creates a unique group of caregiving needs. Join Kendall McMillan, MSW, LCSW and Marie Dagger, OTR/L to learn about helping your loved one manage chronic pain, and how to find support for yourself in this journey. For more information or to register, contact Kendall McMillan (919-245-4278, K Mcmillan@orangecountync.gov)

Friday, August 4 at 10:30am at the Seymour Center and via Zoom

Dementia - Let's Talk About It

Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for a conversation around topics related to dementia education, living with cognitive change, and being a dementia caregiver. We will provide 15-30 minutes of education at the start of the hour, and the remaining time will be spent in conversation, Q&A, and resource-sharing around the day’s topic. Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) for more information and registration.

Tuesday, July 18 at 10:00am: Anxiety & Dementia, via Zoom

Support Groups

Support groups are a space to meet with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities. We have resumed in-person meetings and have added a new Zoom only group.

Chapel Hill Support Group
- Contact Kendall McMillan to join - K Mcmillan@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4278.
- 2nd & 4th Fridays: July 14 & 28 at 10:30am at Seymour
Hillsborough Support Group
- Contact Keisha Andrew to join - kandrews@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2022.
- 2nd Thursdays: July 13 at 1pm at Passmore
Zoom Only Support Group
- Contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido to join - KLoperfido@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4253
- 1st & 3rd Tuesdays: July 18 at 12:30pm via Zoom
- July 4 meeting cancelled
Hybrid Support Group for Mandarin Speakers
- Contact Hong Zhou to join - hzhou@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4275.
- 2nd Thursdays: July 13 at 1pm at Seymour and via Zoom
Charles House CORE Support Group
- Contact Paul Klever to join - paul@charleshouse.org
- 3rd Wednesdays: July 19 at 12pm via Zoom

Chapel Hill Parkinson's Support Group

There will be no support groups in July; meetings will resume in August. Contact Maggie Ivancic for more information and to RSVP - mivancic@neurology.unc.edu.

Tuesday, August 1 at 1:30pm, via Zoom

Chapel Hill PSP & CBD Support Group

Support group for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration. There will be no support groups in July; meetings will resume in August. Contact Maggie Ivancic for more information and to RSVP - mivancic@neurology.unc.edu.