Please share with others who may have an interest in the services of Elderhaus and Mindset. 
March 2018
Time Marches On
For caregivers the passage of time may highlight our loved ones’ decline and our fears for the future. We question our ability to keep going, but caregivers are resilient. Renewing our commitment to practice the self-care that replenishes us can help us find moments of joy within the difficult hours of care-giving. It’s a balancing act to care for ourselves while we are giving care to our loved ones.
Caregivers can always give detailed accounts of their loved ones lives, but may not pay attention to how they themselves are doing. Losing ourselves in caring for others is common for caregivers. Boundaries become blurred and we lose our identities. We forget who we were before we became a caregiver. We focus on our loved one and neglect ourselves. It’s time to turn the focus on ourselves for a bit and practice self-care.

Caregivers Aren't Perfect
How can we be angry when our loved one is so sick? We ask ourselves “ How can I be so selfish?” or “ Why don’t I have any patience?” CaregiverStress.com offers 5 tips for the less than perfect caregiver: 1. Forgive yourself and give yourself credit for the times you showed great patience. 2. Think like a toddler and remember that although adults deserve dignity and respect they may be acting like a toddler, so consider how you might respond to a toddler i.e. redirect, give hugs. 3. Get something to eat because low glucose levels can impair ability to cope. 4. Punch a pillow and physically vent your anger. Excuse yourself and scream into or punch a pillow 5. Take time off and remember you can’t draw from an empty well. Caring for others requires that we care for ourselves as well.                     
Caregiver First Aid

Anti-Anxiety Countdown  
When your brain is racing and anxiety is raging: Try 5-4-3-2-1 to slow down and come back to the moment. Make a mental list using the five senses.
Name 5 things you see;
4 things you hear;
3 things you smell;
2 things you can touch;
1 you can taste.

This short exercise can bring caregivers back to the moment and break into the worry cycle.
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You Are Not Alone
Elderhaus Caregiver Groups

Life Transitions Group :
Every Monday 1-3 p.m.(open)
Wednesday 9- 11 a.m. (currently full but we do have a waitlist)
Location: Elderhaus

FTD Caregivers :
Second Tuesday 2:30-4 p.m. Location: Elderhaus
March 2018
Keep it Simple. How Important is It? Breathe!

Reach Out and Call Someone
970-498-7750  
Larimer County Office on Aging (LCOA)
For all caregiver needs, the LCOA is the very first call to make. In the unlikely event that they can’t help you directly, they will know who can. They offer caregiver support through education, classes, respite grants, support groups and care consultations. For help in balancing self-care and caregiving they offer the class Powerful Tools for Caregivers. It is offered at various times and places in the community. Call the LCOA to register and get the help you need. Don’t be the caregiver who says “I didn’t know about that program and I wish I had.”
                               
2 Hours for Myself.              
970-472-9630
Volunteers of America Caring Companion
This free VOA program will match your loved one with a companion who will spend two hours a week with them, so you can claim this time for yourself. Companions are carefully matched to your loved one so that the interaction is positive. Take advantage of this program and add it to your list of self-care.
Elderhaus is an adult day program empowering adults with special needs and their caregivers by providing safe, therapeutic activities, care and support.

   Call Danita or Joanne for more information. 970-221-0406
Elderhaus Adult Day Program, Inc.,
6813 S. College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80525 
970-221-0406