 Life is full of twists and turns. As the general population of the United States is getting older, many of us find ourselves in a role that we did not expect, but graciously accept. Balancing entry into this new role can be overwhelming to even the most "together" individual. But how and when should you ask for help?
Recognizing that you need to step back and ask for assistance should not be met with shame. It may be difficult, but by taking a moment to realize that a helping hand is needed, you benefit both yourself and your loved one. Here are some thoughts to consider when you are not sure where to start when asking for help. It’s Different For Everyone The timing is up to you to consider bringing in resources to alleviate your personal situation. Caregiving responsibilities can often affect various aspects of your day-to-day. Personal relationships become strained or productivity may slip at work. Finding balance when you can with trusted partners, family, or friends can lead you to living a more balanced life and put you in a better frame of mind to care for your loved one. These are signs to be mindful of when signals arise that it’s time to ask for help:
Where To Turn Not everyone has access to the same resources and support, however finding what works best for you is important. You are not alone and resources are there to help. In speaking with several caregivers, we found some commonality in where to turn. Family and Friends are great, and probably the easiest to rely on because you know and trust them. Taking stock in the people in your life and planning the best way they can offer help is a great start. Sometimes just having the small things handled can add up, alleviate stress, and take some of the burden off your shoulders. Qualified individuals that are trained to help with caregiving can bring benefit and you may learn helpful techniques when dealing with difficult transitions. They bring a knowledge of what to do and can also work towards improved mental health for your loved one by not being absolutely emotionally invested. While professional services range in pricing, financial assistance may be available and may be covered by insurance. Don't be afraid to ask for references or a trial period. Easing your mind when dealing with strangers can often ease the mind of your loved one. Tips For Asking We often find that the people closest to us may not be completely aware of what the issues are. Be honest and open with your family and explain what you need help with. Be specific as well. Dropping hints or being subtle will not yield anything but confusion. Instead of saying, “I need help,” define the task you need help with, and then directly define the timeframe the help is needed. Value their perspective and opinion during these conversations. Have open dialogue and ask how they would like to contribute. Be open to what they are willing to do and don't assume their comfort level with the situation is the same as yours. Remember - It’s Not Easy You know what you are up against. You also know when the time is right for you. Assuming everyone around us can see we need help is not the right thought process. If you have open conversations with those around you and research resources with intention, this can bring you the assistance that you may need.
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Caring for an aging loved one isn’t easy and talking about end of life is even harder. The Pharma-C Company joins with Care Right Inc. to help you and your loved one’s get organized BEFORE a crisis situation hits. Get organized with us so that you know what paperwork is needed and where your loved one is keeping it!
Adjusting To Life After Birth You made it Mama! Congratulations on your recent birth. You have successfully navigated pregnancy, endured the labor and delivery and now start the journey of caring for your new little one and yourself. The next six weeks traditionally are called your postpartum period. Chances are you're not feeling like yourself right now, and that’s OK - it’s completely normal. Each individual will experience varying timing, but the important piece is to not push yourself and take next phase slowly.  Taking Care of Yourself
If this is your first baby, you may not know what to expect. First recognize that with all the hard work and finding a new routine, adjusting to life after birth will have its challenges. Your new baby is going to need to be fed, changed often, and needs your attention. And you're more than likely getting less sleep, or struggling to find quality time with your partner, other children, and everyone wants to meet the new addition! Throughout all of this you will want to find time to take care of you. Hang in there. Eventually you will fall into a new routine. Self-care is an important part of your postpartum recovery. Every Mom will tell you, finding a moment for yourself is nothing to feel guilty about. Here are some tips on practicing self-care.
Taking Care of Your Body Often during the postpartum period, especially after vaginal delivery, you may find that you have developed hemorrhoids. While this is completely normal, the itching and discomfort when you are already not feeling your best can be difficult. While these tend to resolve on their own within six weeks of birth, if treated correctly many women see quicker resolution. Pharma-C Medicated Hemorrhoidal Pads are a convenient and easy way to heal irritated anorectal tissue. Made with soothing Witch Hazel, they provide immediate relief from burning, itching and irritation associated with hemorrhoids. When you are in need of a quick clean up, and conventional bathing isn’t an option, try Pharma-C-Wipes disposable Water-Activated Bathing Cloths. This unique, no rinse product gently cleanses and leaves no sticky residue. It is designed to either use one cloth at a time or activate the entire pack for a full-body bathing experience. You’ll feel better when you feel cleaner! Time For Baby Adjusting to life after birth should be a joyous time. Despite the challenges that come with it, the sheer joy of watching your little one grow and develop is what this next stage is all about. You’ll be fine, Momma! Remember to take care of yourself and caring for your baby will come naturally!  This new year is the perfect time to make resolutions for ourselves and our families. As a family caregiver, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to making resolutions that will help us provide the best care for our loved ones. To help make this process easier, we’ve put together 10 of our top resolutions after speaking to a few caregivers and their goals for 2023. These resolutions are designed to give you the tools you need to provide the best possible care for your family members.
It Is All About Perspective As a family caregiver, it can be challenging to maintain a positive attitude, especially when the role becomes overwhelming. Being optimistic will help caregivers cope, reduce stress, and help them get through tough times. You become stressed when you believe you are not able to cope with the demands placed on you on a daily basis, from work to family to caregiving. You can manage your stress by taking breaks, exercising, getting together with friends, and asking for help. Our Top Resolution Suggestions We spoke to some of our favorite caregivers and this is what they had to say! 1) “I Deserve To Have Me-Time In My Schedule” - You tell yourself you don't have time to do anything that you enjoy, that you'll never see your friends, or to just sit back and relax for a little while, but taking a break from time to time is necessary so you can go into things feeling rejuvenated. 2) “I am going to exercise more and eat a healthy diet” - Family caregivers often neglect the basics of a healthy lifestyle, but you endanger your health if you consume fast food and live a busy, but a largely sedentary lifestyle. 3) “My Healthcare Matters” - Although caregivers spend a lot of time managing their loved ones' appointments and medications, they rarely pay as much attention to their health. Have you seen a doctor lately? 4) “I am going to educate myself on what comes next for the person I am caring for” - When you have a handle on your loved one's situation, you can plan with fewer surprises that could upset you. 5) “I will connect with those that understand” - Caregivers are often hesitant to talk about how they are feeling. But this is important in expressing their feelings. If it feels unsafe to speak with friends and family, find a caregiver support group—either in person or, more often, on the Internet. 6) “Professional counseling is not something to be embarrassed about” - A counselor can guide you as you sort through your emotions, providing you with tools for how to deal with the difficult emotions of being a caregiver. Select a therapist who is knowledgeable about caregiver issues and dynamics. 7) “I am going to set boundaries” - A family caregiver may spend increasing amounts of time and energy responding to an elder's care needs. However, this is understandable when a loved one is in need. There may be times when you need to say no and rely on someone else. 8) “I will let go of the past and focus on their care” - The tables are often turned as loved one's age and those who have typically been providers instead become the recipients of care. But who can possibly push our buttons better than Mom, Dad, our sibling, or even our spouse? In other words, focus on your healing emotional wounds instead of ignoring them. Talk to a group member or your counselor for guidance. 9) “I will be compassionate with myself” - Cut yourself some slack if you find yourself feeling guilty about your caregiver burnout. Put your critical voice into your head and replace it with care and empathy. 10) “I am going to reach out for help” - Maybe you're smiling wryly now. "Those are lovely resolutions," you think. However, it may be time to get help. You don't have to do it alone. 2023 is yours to control and help is out there. |
Pharma-C-WipesLife is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn. It is important to us that we create products that are both safe and effective while being efficient and practical for those who use them. For over 15 years, we have been dedicated to providing you with high-quality first aid, personal care and home health care products that really work. Archives
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