Month: October 2019

Caring For an Elderly Parent

Many middle-aged Americans find themselves caring for an elderly adult, usually a parent. It is a labor of love, but it is work. So much effort goes into caring for an elderly parent most people find they need help at some point.

Specialized Care for Them

Sometimes injuries dictate when it is time for a specialized facility. Chronic medical conditions may prevent the elderly from taking care of their own medical and hygiene needs; such cases are usually obvious. However, sometimes the change is less abrupt and the line is blurred such as with many dementia cases. If your aging parent lives with you changes may be so gradual you barely notice them, so keep a written record that can serve as an objective measure. If your parent has trouble recognizing you, remember where he or she is, or finding the words to communicate basic ideas, it may be time for memory care denver. Recurring falls, decreasing mobility or increasing isolation may indicate a need for assisted living.

General Care for You

You may spend so much time and energy meeting the needs of an elder adult that you neglect your own needs. You cannot give what you don’t have, so be sure you care for yourself as well as you care for others. Keep yourself physically healthy with good nutrition, quality sleep and regular exercise. Keep yourself mentally healthy by nurturing social connections, sustaining a positive attitude and maintaining your sense of humor. Remember that you need breaks from the daily care activities you perform for your parent, so reach out to family members and friends to see if they can spell you for a bit. A short vacation can recharge your batteries and allow you to return home refreshed and re-energized. If no one is available to help, reach out to community services and support organizations. Programs like adult day care can afford you a few hours of respite each week and give your parent mental stimulation at the same time.

Pregnancy Tips for First Time Moms

Anyone who is becoming a mother for the first time knows it can be exciting, nerve-wracking and emotional, all at once. There seems to be a never-ending list of decisions to make, from names to registering and birth plans. Take a deep breath, and remember that you have nine months for many of the preparations, so you don’t need to rush.

1. Get Prenatal Care

The most important part of any pregnancy is obtaining appropriate prenatal care. You should begin searching for a medical provider right away. It’s tempting to simply search the internet for pregnancy care center Tampa FL, for example, but you should make sure to do a little research. Ask for a tour of their facility, and ensure they offer the type of services you want.

2. Register/Buy the Essentials

Usually after the first trimester, it’s time to begin the process of preparing for the baby’s arrival. If you have a friend who has recently had a baby, now is the time to ask for help registering. There are hundreds of baby products available, but you don’t need many of them. Try to be practical when looking through choices, knowing you’ll need basics like diapers and bottles, but that maybe bottle warmers and noise machines can wait until the baby is born and you know whether you’ll actually need them.

3. Create a Birth Plan

It’s always a good idea to have a birth plan and discuss it with your provider. Perhaps just as importantly, though, is to understand that plans need to be flexible. Depending on the medical needs of you and your baby, as well as whether your baby decides to arrive early or late, you may need to make adjustments.

Motherhood is one of the most wonderful gifts in a woman’s life. Don’t let it overwhelm you, though. Make it a point to get proper medical care and create a birth plan, as well as buy essentials for the baby’s arrival. You’ll soon be holding your little one and preparing for a life with new purpose.