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CARING IN DuPage
NOV 2019
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HOW BRIGHTSTAR APPRECIATES FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND PROVIDE THE REST THAT THEY NEED The Harvest Is Plenty, But The Workers Are Few
I don’t know if there’s enough space on the front of this newsletter to fully explore all the good that family caregivers do, the challenges they face, or the sacrifices they make. That’s probably why the entire month of November is National Family Caregiver Appreciation Month . A family caregiver is often someone who finds themselves taking care of an elderly loved one with disabilities as well as their own children. Taking care of two generations at once is no easy task, and we at BrightStar Care of Central DuPage want to celebrate their willingness to take on that challenge. We also want them to know that when caregiving takes its toll on the family caregiver, BrightStar can be there to help. Family caregiving is becoming more common in the U.S. While family members caring for their aging parents or relatives may be normal for some, in many places in the U.S. it can be countercultural. Americans are taught from a young age to be independent, productive members of society beholden to no one. But family caregivers have sacrificed that part of the American Dream to make sure their family is comfortable and taken care of. It’s not an easy job by any stretch. Many times, family caregivers live with the loved they are taking care of, sacrificing their own privacy and their own time. They sign themselves up to take care of their family 24/7. At BrightStar, part of the responsibility of our caregivers is to take care of clients who might not have any family, or who have family too far away to
care for them on a regular basis. However, another part of what we do is offer
respite to family caregivers. We understand the stress that can come with caring for family members, and we want the community to know that if they ever need someone to step in and be a caregiver for a weekend, a day, or even an hour, BrightStar can do that. No one can take on
the gargantuan challenge of caring for someone, still have their own lives, and never need a break. The in-home care professionals at BrightStar can help with providing respite services.
“MANY TIMES, FAMILY CAREGIVERS LIVE WITH THE FAMILY THEY ARE TAKING CARE OF, SACRIFICING THEIR OWN SPACE AND THEIR OWN TIME. THEY SIGN THEMSELVES UP TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR FAMILY 24/7.”
Everyone reading this knows who these families are, the ones who need a break from the long hours of caregiving they put in every day. If you interact with any of these families, please consider BrightStar care as a higher level of caregiving to which you can refer patients and clients. Give us a call at (630) 260-5300. We’re available 24/7 just like you and all the family caregivers at home.
—Leonard Sanchez Director of Business Development
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WHAT’S SWIRLING AROUND IN YOUR CUP? TEA TIME
Tea has been consumed for thousands of years and is the second-most popular drink in the world, with water being the first. It is the national drink of several nations, including China and India, and is an integral component of religious ceremonies the world over. Drinking tea has been known to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. In addition to these instant benefits, tea can also help improve a person's long-termhealth through regular consumption. Your Heart According to Harvard Health Institute, several studies show that those who regularly drink black and green tea are at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These types of tea contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are plant chemicals that help dilate arteries and reduce bad cholesterol. Studies also link tea consumption with improved vascular reactivity—howwell your blood vessels respond to stress. Your Brain Flavonoids don’t only fight heart disease; these chemicals can also reduce any vascular damage to the brain. The National University of Singapore has conducted studies that link reduced risks of dementia in the elderly with regular tea consumption. The results speak for themselves: “The longitudinal study involving 957 Chinese seniors aged 55 years or older has
3 TIPS FOR CARING FOR AGING VETERANS Watching Out for Those Who Watched Out for Us
Have You Heard the Good News?
Getting aging veterans the care they need is similar to caring for anyone. Each veteran is different, and everyone who has served our country deserves unique, specialized care. At BrightStar Care of Central DuPage, we’ve served 35 (and counting) veterans to date, and, in our experience, you should consider these three things if you’re looking for the best care for the aging veteran in your life. Some veterans may have traumatic brain injuries, others may be amputees, and many of themwill have different nutritional or dietary needs. For any injury veterans sustained during their service or any other physical ailment, come and inquire about how in-home care services like BrightStar Care can help. Physical Health Needs
conditions, contact the VA for both primary care and more intensive treatment options for battling mental illnesses.
1 Corinthians 2:11 — "For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." 2 Timothy 2:15 — "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 1 John 4:1 — "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Quality of Life Enhancements
We don’t want our veterans to just survive. We want them to thrive for years to come. If you are the primary caregiver for a veteran, asking them questions about their life, helping them keep a routine, and helping them find community can be invaluable for their continued health and happiness. At BrightStar Care of Central DuPage, we want those who have fought and sacrificed for our country to have the best care possible. If you know a veteran who is seeking in-home care options, tell them to first contact their local VA Hospital to see if they are eligible for health benefits. If so, they will then need to make an appointment with their Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) social worker, and request home health aide services. And if they're approved, be sure to recommend the services of BrightStar Care at Central DuPage.
Mental and Emotional Health Needs
Beyond physical care, many veterans suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. If the veteran in your life suffers from one of these
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found that regular consumption of tea lowers the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly by 50%, while APOE e4 gene carriers who are genetically at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may experience a reduction in cognitive impairment risk by as much as 86%.” Your Mood Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine, which stimulates several feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters help boost your mood and alertness. According to a study by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, tea even has the ability to ward off depression. The study took 22,817 participants with 4,743 cases of depression over 11 studies, and 13 reports found that individuals who drank three cups of tea a day decreased their depression risk by 37%.
Thank You for Trusting Us
TO HELP TAKE CARE OF YOUR LOVED ONES
BrightStar Care is the premiere private-duty home care agency in the United States, and every day BrightStar Care of Central DuPage strives to give our community access to the best in-home care services possible for their elderly loved ones. If you’ve never called on BrightStar Care to help you take care of your aging loved ones, check out the reasons members of the DuPage Community are grateful for our services.
Help Anytime, for However Long
So, the next time you want a warm beverage that will do your mind and body good, reach for some tea and bask in all the health benefits as you sip.
In a world where everyone has a busy schedule and the medical conditions of our elderly loved ones can be precarious, BrightStar created a 24-hour hotline at (630) 260-5300 for any questions you may have. BrightStar also has open office hours on Saturdays. At the same time, our highly qualified field staff members are available to help you care for your loved ones. Do you just need a caregiver to pop over to your house for an hour or so? Our field staff can do that. Do you have an aging loved one with a chronic condition that requires around-the-clock care? BrightStar offers 24-hour assistance for Alzheimer’s care, transitional and companion care, and many others. Each of BrightStar’s patients is different, so we don’t just offer cookie-cutter care to help them along. Our Nurse Case Manager develops a care plan to suit your loved one’s medical needs, schedule, and living environment. Then, our nursing staff will regularly check back in with patients and families to see how that care plan can be improved if need be. Not only will we develop a plan — we’ll give you the tools to help carry it out! Our registered nurses will assist you and your loved ones with health education and skill training, medication administration, vitals assessments, and more. However, while these skills can help you better care for your loved ones, they’re no replacement for the expertise of our in-home care teams. If you or a loved one have received care through BrightStar Care, we want to thank you for trusting us and giving us the opportunity to help you take care of your family. For more information on what BrightStar Care can do for you, visit our website at BrightStarCare.com/central-dupage-wheaton, or give us a call NOW at (630) 260-5300. Personalized Care and Education
THE BEST LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICH Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
INGREDIENTS
• 2 slices sourdough bread • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey • 3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce • 1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing • 2 tbsp leftover gravy • 1 tbsp butter, room temperature
Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.
DIRECTIONS
1. Coat inside of each bread slice with mustard and a slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other. 2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides. 3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve.
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PRSRT FIRST-CLASS MAIL USPOSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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CARING IN DUPAGE SUBSCRIPTION
INSIDE
Thoughts on National Family Caregiver Appreciation Month 1 Spilling the Tea on Tea 3 Tips for Caring for Aging Veterans 2 The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich What BrightStar Care Can Do for You! 3 How to Write a Novel 4
SO, YOU WANT TO WRITE A NOVEL If you know someone in need of home care or more e-learning materials, contact leonard.sanchez@brightstarcare.com.
Tips for National Novel Writing Month
If the number of participants in the internet-based writing project National Novel Writing Month is any indicator, thousands of people, perhaps even you, have a story to tell. But getting your ideas onto the page can sometimes feel like dragging a stubborn child to their first day of kindergarten. Even the best authors struggle, and you will, too. That being said, keeping these three overarching principles in mind may help. If you want to become a great writer, consider the novels on your shelves as guides. Every famous author was once in your shoes, and, eventually, their writing appealed to a publishing agent, who in turn got it printed and into your hands. To inspire your own writing, read different genres and search out story elements you enjoy. The breadth of a writer’s ability is often found in the range of authors they’ve read. Read
inspiration that never came? Here’s what you
need to know: Even if you’re the finest storyteller in the land, your first drafts are going to be very rough. Embrace bad writing as a necessary part of the process. To begin, just write something .
Revise
Writing gets you started, but revision gets you to the finish line. Once you get some pages written, scrutinize them. Change words, remove paragraphs, and be willing to raze entire chapters to the ground. Be a ruthless critic of your own work, over and over again. What remains in the ashes will be the elements you’re truly pleased with, and this remnant can become the foundation for a great story. No magic guide will get your novel finished, much less picked up by a publisher. But if you write (even if just for yourself), revise, and read every day, you may come to enjoy the process regardless of how long it takes to finish. That is a success worth striving for.
Actually Write
You may think this step is intuitive, but how often have you sat down in front of a computer, or with a pen and paper, waiting for
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