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Peace of Mind Post
NOVEMBER 2022
Thinking About Becoming a Family Caregiver? A Few Things You Should Consider
jobs. I understand how difficult it is to balance all of these roles, and I commend you for your hard work and dedication to these tasks. But you must consider your health in all of this — if
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about caregiving? Most people picture someone assisting an older adult or aging parent with everyday tasks, such as getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing, cooking meals, or tidying up the home. While caregivers can do all of these things, they take on more responsibilities than you might think. In fact, caregiving can take many forms. For example, my father had a full knee replacement surgery last month. While he could still cook, bathe, and care for himself, he couldn’t care for the animals on his farm. He didn’t need traditional hands-on caregiving, but someone who could tend to the land, feed the animals, and ensure everything ran smoothly. If you decide to be someone’s caregiver, you must consider the additional responsibilities your loved one has because you will also need to assist them within those roles. It’s inspiring to see children take on the additional responsibility of caregiving and adding it to their collection of hats and roles they already fulfill. However, being a caregiver is a marathon ... not a sprint. You should ensure you’re prepared to provide care for an extended period of time so you can assist them with any of their needs. Another item to consider is balancing your work, family, and caregiving life. When looking at each role’s responsibilities, it may feel like you have three full-time
Caregiving looks different for everyone. For me, it includes taking care of animals, including Cowboy (dog) and Betty (donkey).
you’re not properly managing your own health, how can you care for others? Unfortunately, caregiver burnout is real, and it can take a toll. I want you to know that while caregiving is a huge responsibility, you don’t have to go through it alone. The amount of times I’ve talked to caregivers who were at their wits’ end is heartbreaking. People say they often struggle to make ends meet while still fulfilling all of their responsibilities, but there are resources to help. Some programs will even send paid caregivers to your home so you can focus on your other roles and find some relief when you feel you’re stretched too thin. However, you can look into becoming a paid caregiver yourself. I can help you create a written agreement between you and the individual you are caring for to ensure everyone’s needs are met. This document will allow you to focus solely on caring for your aging relative and ensure you receive enough money to cover your monthly
expenses and other necessities. Finding an even balance, without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, can provide the best care for you and your loved ones. Caregiving is not an easy task, and I admire everyone who decides to take on this responsibility. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to call me. I will be more than happy to assist you during this time. If you want more information on effective communication strategies, how to deal with the stress of caregiving, and the resources available to you, go to TrinityElderLaw.com/470-2 to receive your FREE copy of my book “You’re Not Alone: Living as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver.”
Happy Family Caregivers Month!
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Why Do I Constantly Think About This?
YOUR ESTATE PLAN CAN HELP How to Prepare for an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, created to combat the lack of information readily available about this common condition. The goal is not only to inform people about Alzheimer’s, but also about the resources available to families. One of the best ways to prepare for an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is estate planning. Here are two places to start your plan. Choose your powers of attorney. While you might not want to think about a time when you can’t make decisions for yourself, it’s vital that you take steps to ensure your wishes are followed. The first step is to assign financial and medical powers of attorney to trusted individuals in your estate plan. They will be in charge of making financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to speak for yourself. If you fail to appoint them and fall ill or incapacitated, the court will assign guardianship over you. The individual they choose may not be someone you want to make those decisions on your behalf. Create a will and living trust. You want to create or update your will and living trust as soon as possible after receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. A will allows you to explain how you want your assets and estate distributed after you
HOW TO MANAGE INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS Many people deal with unwelcome, intrusive thoughts every day. We’ve all experienced unwanted images or notions racing through our minds, and it can be difficult to concentrate on what we need to be doing. These thoughts can also trigger feelings of anxiety, worry, and shame. But know you’re not alone — some estimate that 6 million Americans are affected, so many can empathize with what you’re going through. Here is some good advice about intrusive thoughts and how to manage them in a healthy way. What are intrusive thoughts? Intrusive thoughts are unwanted ideas that occur without warning at any time, often triggered by stress or anxiety, or even short-term biological factors, like hormone shifts. They can come in many forms, and people often worry about what they mean, so naturally, they try to control or stop the ideas altogether. But trying to prohibit these thoughts can make them more persistent. What can you do? Instead of pushing these thoughts out of your mind, acknowledge that they are intrusive concepts and allow them to linger. Understand they will pass, but prepare yourself for other unwanted thoughts. Most importantly, push through and continue to complete your tasks and errands when the thoughts occur. If you try to control, suppress, question, act, or engage with intrusive thoughts, you’ll likely be even more fixated on them. You’ll feel more in control if you allow them to pass through your brain instead of trying to avoid and ignore them. Intrusive thoughts can feel distressing, but allowing them to freely enter and exit your mind will provide you with ease — even if it doesn’t seem that way. However, if intrusive ideas persist and continually impair your ability to work or do things you enjoy, seek information from a mental health professional. You’re never alone in your struggles, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients
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3 cups peeled and chopped tart apples
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1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups cranberries
3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
1/3 cup butter, cold
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. 3. Grease an 8-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. 4. In a small bowl, mix flour and the remaining brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the fruit. 5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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‘TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING! 3 Places to Give Back This Holiday As we approach the holiday season, now is the perfect time to give back to your community and those in need. There are several charities, fundraisers, and food drives you can contribute to this month — and here are a few of our favorites.
Seneca Valley Cross Country Turkey Chase Nov. 24–25 Graham Park 260 Graham Park Drive RunSignup.com/race/pa/cranberytwp/svccturkeytrot
pass away. You can appoint who will manage your estate and any funeral or burial arrangements you wish to have.
Every year, people participate in a Thanksgiving race to raise money for various charities and research. This year, you and your family can participate in the Seneca Valley Cross Country Turkey Chase 5K run/walk or the mile kids’ fun run.
Besides a will, a living trust can help you manage your money and property while you’re still living. This can provide instructions to your trustee on how to pay your bills as well as how to sell your property (such as cars, homes, jewelry, and bonds). While it’s difficult to think of a future where you may suffer from Alzheimer’s, it’s crucial that you plan anyway. If you don’t, you’re not only putting your estate at risk but also your family and yourself. If you have any questions about estate planning for an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, please contact your friends at Trinity Elder Law. We are happy to assist you during this time.
To join the race, adults must pay the $40 race fee. If your child is 10 years old or younger and wants to race in the fun run, there is a $30 fee. Registration ends on Nov. 19 at midnight, so sign up today! Society of St. Vincent de Paul 1501 Reedsdale Street Suite 3003 SVDPPitt.org Founded in 1833, this nonprofit organization aims to serve those in the community. Every year, volunteers and employees help more than 100,00 people by providing clothing, housing, utility assistance, food, medical care, and transportation.
Puzzle Time!
If you want to help, you can donate clothing, shoes, home goods, furniture, books, school supplies, small appliances, and more. You can also contribute funds to help the organization provide groceries, rent, and health care needs to others in your community. Go to their website for more information and additional ways to get involved.
Don’t Stop Dreamin’ 612 North Main Street DontStopDreamin.org
As you age, you may feel like you’re losing your independence or like you weren’t able to complete your bucket list and goals. But Don’t Stop Dreamin’ has been fulfilling dreams for seniors since 2005 and continues to impact seniors’ lives every day. Seniors have been able to attend sporting events, relax at spas, gamble at casinos, and even ride horses and motorcycles. But none of these dreams would be possible without your contributions. Go to their website to learn more about how you can help.
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340 N. Main St., Suite 103 Butler, PA 16001 724.256.8850 www.TrinityElderLaw.com
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INSIDE This Issue
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It’s Family Caregivers Month!
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A Healthy Way to Manage Intrusive Thoughts
It’s Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Apple Cranberry Crisp
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‘Tis the Season of Giving!
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Calico Cat Saves Owner From Would- Be Burglars
Cats tend to be active at night, and Bandit is no exception. She’s been known to roam the living room and explore the kitchen cabinets while Everitt sleeps soundly. He quickly realized it was something else when she came into his room and tried to pull his comforters off and clawed at his arms. Bandit’s behavior was unusual, so Everitt knew something was wrong. “She had never done that before,” Everitt said. “I went, ‘What in the world is wrong with you?’” Bandit’s persistence eventually pulled him from bed, and after throwing his robe on, he went to investigate. When he finally got into the kitchen, he noticed two figures — one with a crowbar and one with what looked like a handgun — trying to break into his back door. By the time Everitt returned from retrieving his own handgun, the intruders were gone. Thankfully, it didn’t turn into a confrontational situation, and Everitt gave credit to the 20-pound cat that he adopted from a Humane Society. If it hadn’t been for Bandit’s alertness, it could’ve been a completely different story. “I want to let people know that you save a life when you adopt from a pet shelter or rescue one,” Everitt said, “but the tides could be turned. You never know when you save an animal if they’re going to save you.”
Guard Cat Mode Activated Feline Defender Prevents Robbery
BY DIALING 911
We’ve heard of guard dogs, but have you ever heard of a guard cat? Well, Bandit the calico cat somehow knew exactly what to do when she spied intruders at her owner’s back door! Some may call it instinct, some may call it luck, but to Fred Everitt, she’s a hero. Everitt, a 68-year-old retired oral surgeon, was sound asleep in his Mississippi home on Sunday, July 24, when Bandit started letting out deep meows sometime between 2:30–3 a.m. Everitt assumed Bandit had seen another cat or other animal outside.
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