July 31, 2024 • 16 mins
Caregiving Blues: Beating Them Before They Beat You and Your Parents, too!
In this episode of Eldercare Success, Nancy May delves into a topic that resonates deeply with nearly every caregiver at some point in time - battling depression while caring for aging parents. Renowned for her insightful guidance and compassionate approach, Nancy tackles the emotional toll of caregiving with practical, uplifting advice.
Why Listen?
For anyone feeling the weight of caregiving, this episode is a must-listen. Nancy blends some rather personal anecdotes with expert advice to offer strategies that not only uplift caregivers but also help them recognize and address the emotional needs of aging parents. This episode promises to give you some good tools to keep the caregiving blues at bay and foster a more positive, resilient mindset.
P.S. (from Nancy) I was dealing with a rather blue day when recording this episode. Listen to the very end to learn why and what happened next.
Key Points:
- Discover simple yet effective practices to rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your well-being.
- Learn how to create a robust support system - and what/who to avoid through your caregiving journey.
- Ways to understand the signs of depression in elderly loved ones and explore creative ways to boost their emotional health, too.
Helpful Links: 📌
- PDF Blues & Depression Signals to watch for in yourself, and your parents.
- Podcast: Eldercare Success (please share with those you care about)
- Book: How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, and After
- Eldercare Success on YouTube
- Eldercare Success, link to ask Nancy a question: A small blue tab on the right side of the page says "Send a Voice Mail Message to Nancy." Click on that and follow the directions on the pop-up. Then, send me your comments and questions so I can answer them on the show.
💪 How you can help:
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, family member, or even someone you see at your local coffee shop who might be dealing with similar caregiving challenges. Don't forget to subscribe to "Doing it Best with Eldercare Success" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a five-star review. Your support helps us continue to bring valuable content to caregivers everywhere. Visit EldercareSuccess.Live to leave Nancy a voicemail with your questions or comments for a chance to be featured on the show.
🎧🎤Host: Nancy May has gone from the Boardroom to the Emergency Room to care for her aging parents and educate business owners, corporate employees, and leaders with more...
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Nancy May, Host, Eldercare Success:
How to beat the caregiving (00:07):
undefined
blues before they beat you.
Stay tuned.
There's actually a little extra specialnote at the end of this episode that I
think you're going to want to hear about.
You might be surprised.
Hello everybody, it's Nancy May fromDoing it Best With Eldercare Success.
(00:30):
today's episode is all about a topicthat hits very close to home for
me and so many other caregivers.
The risk of depression whencaring for our aging parents.
As someone who has personally experiencedthe emotional ups and downs of this
journey, I know how easy it is for bothcaregivers and our elderly loved ones to
slip into those beyond the blues mood.
(00:52):
It's an unfortunate reality thatthe stress and demands of caregiving
can take a significant toll on ourmental and yes, even physical health.
Constantly worrying about the physicalstrain and the stress of isolation.
It's a lot for any one person to shoulder.
And for those of us caring for agingparents, we have the added burden
of watching our loved ones decline.
(01:13):
That can hurt.
But, before we go any further,I want to be very clear.
Feeling sad and down at times iscompletely normal and an understandable
reaction to the caregiving journey.
But when those feelings of sadnessstart to linger for days and even
weeks on end, then that's whenyou should start to be concerned.
(01:37):
Beyond ourselves, you also wantto look at signs of the blues and
depression in our aging parents,because if you're feeling this way,
chances are it's carrying over to thembecause they're feeling it in you too.
You see, we're not alone in allof this, and it may sound obvious.
But maybe not.
our parents that we knew as strong,competent, dependable individuals that
(01:58):
we relied on, are facing a lot more inthese challenges of aging than we are.
It's quite common for our agingparents or a more frail loved
one to also become depressed.
because they're facing the hardrealization of their own new reality or
persistent physical limitations, the lossof some level of independence, or even the
passing of a friend or perhaps a siblingor another loved one, or even a spouse,
(02:23):
All of that piling up overtime becomes quite depressing.
Even talking about it does.
However, these things and more often causemom and dad to become more isolated from
their friends, their social networks, andeven other family members, perhaps even
your own siblings who are afraid of seeingtheir parents and yours become uncapable
(02:44):
of managing themselves day in and day out.
Honestly.
Been there and done that.
It's incredibly difficult to seeour parents who were once full of
energy and, well yes, we'll saylife, for lack of a better term.
But you get it, slowlybecoming frail and vulnerable.
All these points can becomeincredibly depressing for them too.
(03:07):
as active adults, it's generallyeasy to see and feel signs of the
blues or depression in ourselves.
Because we're the ones who arephysically experiencing this first hand.
when we are so consumed and focusedon caring for others, our moods
and desires can fall into a placeother than where they normally are.
More upbeat to a kind of down.
(03:29):
However, it really can be hard torecognize those signs of the blues
and depression in our parents becausewe're so focused on the busy tasks of
getting things done and caring for them.
And yes, quite frankly, ourown family's well being too.
So, how do you avoid this downwardspiral and keeping the blues at bay
(03:49):
for both ourselves and our loved ones?
In this case, mom and dad.
Well, I've got a few tips toshare, but before we go there,
I want to take a quick break.
I'd like to recommend gettingthe book, How to Survive 9 1 1
Medical Emergencies, a step by stepguide before, during, and after.
It's a really easy to read yet detailedcaregiver's guide on how to stay
(04:13):
in control and not get caught offguard when you need to call for help.
in this book, you'll learn easy steps tomake sure the 9 1 1 responders can more
quickly get to you or your parents house.
You'll also get answers on such concernslike, do you really need to go to the
hospital when they come to help you out?
(04:33):
and how to get better support and care inthe hospital, get discharged faster, and
even get help during natural disasters.
And we're right in the middle ofhurricane season as I record this.
So that's a biggie.
To get your copy of How to Survive911 Medical Emergency is a step by
step guide before, during and after.
All you need to do is goHowToSurvive911.com You'll even be able
(04:57):
to get a complimentary file of life.
This one's been writtenfor you and your folks.
Now back to our show.
So what are some tips to help youand your parents address the blues
so that they don't get worse?
First and foremost, you as theircaregiver need to make self
care absolutely a priority.
(05:17):
I know, I know, you've heard thistime and time again by countless other
podcasters and other people who aretelling you to do the same as well.
But that's easier said than done.
but believe me I know how difficult thatis when you fall into that rut of putting
everybody else's care first beyond yours.
I hate this term butI'm gonna say it anyway.
(05:39):
Trust me.
Taking 10 to 15 or even 5 minutes todo something that makes you chuckle,
have an outright belly laugh or justa smile can make a world of difference
in your day or maybe even your week.
Whether it's a light hearted bookOr washing your face at the end of
a long day, just to feel a littlecleaner and a little bit better.
(06:00):
And then smiling at yourself in themirror, sitting on the front porch with
a cup of honey tea, or simply sittingquietly and watching the sunset and
the fireflies coming out at night.
It's important to find those littlepockets of time for yourself.
Stop, take a breath.
Let's do it now together.
And just exhale.
(06:21):
ooh, that just made me feel better too.
And you know what?
This is when being selfish is truly okay.
And this time it's all about you.
Have some fun.
Celebrate like it's 1999.
And for those of you whoremember that song, or maybe that
year, you'll know what I mean.
Another tip that you've heard timeand time again, and I've said here
(06:43):
before, is to build a strong supportnetwork, both in person and online.
Joining a caregiver support group,whether local or virtual, can provide an
invaluable outlet to share your strugglesand connect with others who truly
understand what you're going through.
Although I do really want towarn you about some of these
online caregiver networks.
They can be terribly depressing andfilled with all sorts of complaints,
(07:06):
yadda, yadda, yadda, notices ofa loved one that might have died
that night, and so much more.
You know, I peruse through those as well.
And I have to say they arebeyond depressing at times.
So I dig myself out of that ditchas well, right there by your side.
Instead, I suggest you find one that'sfocused on being positive, supportive,
(07:28):
and uplifting as much as possible.
Even if they just sharefunny little stories.
A simple smile, even if it'sto yourself, can go a long way.
Honestly, you really can't avoid thosetough days, especially as a caregiver,
but you can avoid the constantdark cloud gabbers, as I call them.
And don't be afraid to lean intoa family member and friends.
(07:50):
You'd be surprised just howmany are willing to help
you if you know how to ask.
Here again, making such an ask,especially if you're the primary
caregiver, You need to focus on thepositive ways that they can easily help,
emphasize easy, and be more engagedversus demanding or trying to place
the blame on them or guilt on somebodyelse for not being readily available.
(08:14):
This is especially true of siblings.
You know, as the old saying goes,you get more bees with honey.
Well, maybe I don't necessarilywant another bee, but I'll certainly
take an extra spoonful of honey.
Now, let's jump into helping our agingparents with blues and depression.
Here are a few tips on that one.
Before I start down this road, I'dlike to share a few things that
(08:35):
I wasn't aware of when my mom wasdealing with some of these issues.
I'd make regular trips to Florida to visitand check in on mom and dad even before
they decided to move into a care facility.
However, on this one particular trip, Inoticed a few things were a little off
with mom, off of her center of normal.
She slept for hours on end and wasin bed by the time I arrived at 5 p.
(09:01):
m.
Things on her desk next to hercomputer were piling up and looked
even more out of sorts than normal.
that night after walking in thedoor at their home, Dad said, as
he always would, Are you hungry?
Have you had dinner?
I'm sure there's something in the fridge.
then we walked over together, opened therefrigerator, and it was pretty bare,
(09:24):
except for an old piece of dried up steak,probably about 2 or 3 inches at most.
now Mom and Dad's refrigeratorwas usually filled with a bunch of
leftovers, which Dad would call Sniggles.
He'd usually pick them up and snackon them the next day or the day
after that before they were all gone.
Waste not, want not.
(09:44):
but this time and totally out of characterfor dad, he said in an annoying voice, see
this is what I have to deal with lately.
I knew the only grocery storeaisles that he was familiar with
were the cereal, the milk, skim ofcourse, and the ice cream aisles.
Annoyed with Dad myself.
I really hated to feel that way.
(10:06):
I told him quite sternly, you'regoing to have to learn to help.
And he did, with a little guidance.
We made a game out of it, actually.
And he was surprised at howmuch was in the grocery store.
Oof!
Surprise, surprise!
Yes, you can get a whole baked chickenand not have to cook it yourself.
Okay, that's for another story.
(10:26):
But I share this only to point out,as much as we love our folks, the
blues, frustration, and yes, even deepdepression, can creep into their lives
as well as ours, and rather quickly too.
For mom and dad, that meant quickaction was needed on my part.
For you, different steps may be needed.
(10:46):
However, here are a few ways tohelp them if you're starting to
see a slip in emotional well being.
Ideally, it's always better to get aheadof the curve you can, instead of being
caught behind it like I was with my folks.
So to start, for our elderly lovedones You know, I really hate calling
my mom and dad elderly or even hatedcalling them elderly back then But even
(11:09):
still Getting them engaged in creativestimulating activities can be a real mood
booster This doesn't need to be a lot.
I mean it doesn't even need to bechildish or stupid like some facilities
have But sending them a book thatyou enjoyed Even one that you've
read that might be a little dog eared
and then talking about it together onthe phone or on zoom can help a lot.
(11:30):
It'll also give you just a little bitof insights on how they're feeling.
Music can be magic for many,even a local afternoon concert
Or it could be as simple as signingthem up for a service like Spotify
And sending them a playlist that they canput on before or after dinner each night.
if you can arrange it, and if they don'thave pets and they like animals, perhaps
(11:51):
a friendly dog therapy pro can come in.
A puppy sitting on mom'slap worked wonders.
Dad's too.
these tiny little gestures give them,and us sometimes, just something
to look forward to each week.
If you have one of those e photoframes, you can also upload and send
photos of family outings that you'vedone, or things that are going on
(12:12):
during the week, or even scanningphotos from past old family adventures
that you enjoyed with them as kids.
A walk down Memory Lane can bring a muchneeded smile to their face, and yours.
There's a lot more that youcan do, but these are just a
few tips to get you started.
And it's important to recognizethat some of the symptoms of the
blues and deeper depression canresult in more serious issues.
(12:35):
I've attached a PDF list of what to watchout for on this front with your folks.
There's a link to thislist in the episode notes.
It's called Blues and Depression Signsto Watch Out for with Your Parents.
Some of those things are going to beobvious, but there are going to be a
few that you might not even thought of.
the most important things toremember is that it's okay.
Well, actually it's normal to feel alittle sad and overwhelmed at times.
(12:59):
Be that you or your folks.
But please remember if those feelingsare starting to linger and interfere
in your daily lives, or you noticesomething's happening with your parents,
including sleep patterns, eating, whetherthat be too much or too little, and
even changes in hygiene habits, pleasedo reach out for professional help.
(13:20):
As we all know, loneliness andisolation is becoming an epidemic.
Be that physical or emotional, and itcan lead to severe clinical depression,
which is not something you or yourparents should ever feel ashamed about.
it's a very real issue, and thegood news is that it's treatable.
a rainbow and a smilecan lead to a better day.
(13:42):
Actually, here in Florida, I call it theRainbow State, Because you never know when
you're going to see a rainbow the cloudsand the mist during the rainy season.
You and your mom and dad deserve tofeel happy and fulfilled, even in the
middle of this challenging journey.
On your side, caring for them.
And on their side, gettingolder and more frail.
On that note, a great way to feelbetter is to help another caregiver who
(14:05):
might be dealing with the stress andstrain and uncertainty of what's next.
You can help them, and me too, andothers by simply sharing a link to
this show at EldercareSuccess.Live.
It can be your gift to thembecause it's my gift to you.
P.
S.
Now here's the part I mentioned tolisten to at the beginning of the show.
I'm recording this episode onwhat would have been my dad's
(14:27):
104th birthday, July 26th.
I miss him terribly, but I haveplans to go decorate his and mom's
grave site with a bunch of blingand sparkles and true red, white,
and blue, which he loved Mom too.
I'll send a photo to my sisterwho asked to see the outcome.
That's just one way I'm keeping theblues at bay when missing my folks
(14:50):
that I loved and care for so much.
I know it sounds kind ofweird, but you know what?
It's gonna bring a smile to my face.
It is right now.
I hope this episode has given yousome practical tips and ideas to
keep the caregiving blues at bay.
Remember, you're not alone in this.
I've been there, and I'm here tosupport you every step of the way.
And until then, this is NancyMay wishing you all the best
(15:13):
in your Eldercare Success.
Be well, stay well, and take care.
Bye bye.
undefined
blues before they beat you.
Stay tuned.
There's actually a little extra specialnote at the end of this episode that I
think you're going to want to hear about.
You might be surprised.
Hello everybody, it's Nancy May fromDoing it Best With Eldercare Success.
(00:30):
today's episode is all about a topicthat hits very close to home for
me and so many other caregivers.
The risk of depression whencaring for our aging parents.
As someone who has personally experiencedthe emotional ups and downs of this
journey, I know how easy it is for bothcaregivers and our elderly loved ones to
slip into those beyond the blues mood.
(00:52):
It's an unfortunate reality thatthe stress and demands of caregiving
can take a significant toll on ourmental and yes, even physical health.
Constantly worrying about the physicalstrain and the stress of isolation.
It's a lot for any one person to shoulder.
And for those of us caring for agingparents, we have the added burden
of watching our loved ones decline.
(01:13):
That can hurt.
But, before we go any further,I want to be very clear.
Feeling sad and down at times iscompletely normal and an understandable
reaction to the caregiving journey.
But when those feelings of sadnessstart to linger for days and even
weeks on end, then that's whenyou should start to be concerned.
(01:37):
Beyond ourselves, you also wantto look at signs of the blues and
depression in our aging parents,because if you're feeling this way,
chances are it's carrying over to thembecause they're feeling it in you too.
You see, we're not alone in allof this, and it may sound obvious.
But maybe not.
our parents that we knew as strong,competent, dependable individuals that
(01:58):
we relied on, are facing a lot more inthese challenges of aging than we are.
It's quite common for our agingparents or a more frail loved
one to also become depressed.
because they're facing the hardrealization of their own new reality or
persistent physical limitations, the lossof some level of independence, or even the
passing of a friend or perhaps a siblingor another loved one, or even a spouse,
(02:23):
All of that piling up overtime becomes quite depressing.
Even talking about it does.
However, these things and more often causemom and dad to become more isolated from
their friends, their social networks, andeven other family members, perhaps even
your own siblings who are afraid of seeingtheir parents and yours become uncapable
(02:44):
of managing themselves day in and day out.
Honestly.
Been there and done that.
It's incredibly difficult to seeour parents who were once full of
energy and, well yes, we'll saylife, for lack of a better term.
But you get it, slowlybecoming frail and vulnerable.
All these points can becomeincredibly depressing for them too.
(03:07):
as active adults, it's generallyeasy to see and feel signs of the
blues or depression in ourselves.
Because we're the ones who arephysically experiencing this first hand.
when we are so consumed and focusedon caring for others, our moods
and desires can fall into a placeother than where they normally are.
More upbeat to a kind of down.
(03:29):
However, it really can be hard torecognize those signs of the blues
and depression in our parents becausewe're so focused on the busy tasks of
getting things done and caring for them.
And yes, quite frankly, ourown family's well being too.
So, how do you avoid this downwardspiral and keeping the blues at bay
(03:49):
for both ourselves and our loved ones?
In this case, mom and dad.
Well, I've got a few tips toshare, but before we go there,
I want to take a quick break.
I'd like to recommend gettingthe book, How to Survive 9 1 1
Medical Emergencies, a step by stepguide before, during, and after.
It's a really easy to read yet detailedcaregiver's guide on how to stay
(04:13):
in control and not get caught offguard when you need to call for help.
in this book, you'll learn easy steps tomake sure the 9 1 1 responders can more
quickly get to you or your parents house.
You'll also get answers on such concernslike, do you really need to go to the
hospital when they come to help you out?
(04:33):
and how to get better support and care inthe hospital, get discharged faster, and
even get help during natural disasters.
And we're right in the middle ofhurricane season as I record this.
So that's a biggie.
To get your copy of How to Survive911 Medical Emergency is a step by
step guide before, during and after.
All you need to do is goHowToSurvive911.com You'll even be able
(04:57):
to get a complimentary file of life.
This one's been writtenfor you and your folks.
Now back to our show.
So what are some tips to help youand your parents address the blues
so that they don't get worse?
First and foremost, you as theircaregiver need to make self
care absolutely a priority.
(05:17):
I know, I know, you've heard thistime and time again by countless other
podcasters and other people who aretelling you to do the same as well.
But that's easier said than done.
but believe me I know how difficult thatis when you fall into that rut of putting
everybody else's care first beyond yours.
I hate this term butI'm gonna say it anyway.
(05:39):
Trust me.
Taking 10 to 15 or even 5 minutes todo something that makes you chuckle,
have an outright belly laugh or justa smile can make a world of difference
in your day or maybe even your week.
Whether it's a light hearted bookOr washing your face at the end of
a long day, just to feel a littlecleaner and a little bit better.
(06:00):
And then smiling at yourself in themirror, sitting on the front porch with
a cup of honey tea, or simply sittingquietly and watching the sunset and
the fireflies coming out at night.
It's important to find those littlepockets of time for yourself.
Stop, take a breath.
Let's do it now together.
And just exhale.
(06:21):
ooh, that just made me feel better too.
And you know what?
This is when being selfish is truly okay.
And this time it's all about you.
Have some fun.
Celebrate like it's 1999.
And for those of you whoremember that song, or maybe that
year, you'll know what I mean.
Another tip that you've heard timeand time again, and I've said here
(06:43):
before, is to build a strong supportnetwork, both in person and online.
Joining a caregiver support group,whether local or virtual, can provide an
invaluable outlet to share your strugglesand connect with others who truly
understand what you're going through.
Although I do really want towarn you about some of these
online caregiver networks.
They can be terribly depressing andfilled with all sorts of complaints,
(07:06):
yadda, yadda, yadda, notices ofa loved one that might have died
that night, and so much more.
You know, I peruse through those as well.
And I have to say they arebeyond depressing at times.
So I dig myself out of that ditchas well, right there by your side.
Instead, I suggest you find one that'sfocused on being positive, supportive,
(07:28):
and uplifting as much as possible.
Even if they just sharefunny little stories.
A simple smile, even if it'sto yourself, can go a long way.
Honestly, you really can't avoid thosetough days, especially as a caregiver,
but you can avoid the constantdark cloud gabbers, as I call them.
And don't be afraid to lean intoa family member and friends.
(07:50):
You'd be surprised just howmany are willing to help
you if you know how to ask.
Here again, making such an ask,especially if you're the primary
caregiver, You need to focus on thepositive ways that they can easily help,
emphasize easy, and be more engagedversus demanding or trying to place
the blame on them or guilt on somebodyelse for not being readily available.
(08:14):
This is especially true of siblings.
You know, as the old saying goes,you get more bees with honey.
Well, maybe I don't necessarilywant another bee, but I'll certainly
take an extra spoonful of honey.
Now, let's jump into helping our agingparents with blues and depression.
Here are a few tips on that one.
Before I start down this road, I'dlike to share a few things that
(08:35):
I wasn't aware of when my mom wasdealing with some of these issues.
I'd make regular trips to Florida to visitand check in on mom and dad even before
they decided to move into a care facility.
However, on this one particular trip, Inoticed a few things were a little off
with mom, off of her center of normal.
She slept for hours on end and wasin bed by the time I arrived at 5 p.
(09:01):
m.
Things on her desk next to hercomputer were piling up and looked
even more out of sorts than normal.
that night after walking in thedoor at their home, Dad said, as
he always would, Are you hungry?
Have you had dinner?
I'm sure there's something in the fridge.
then we walked over together, opened therefrigerator, and it was pretty bare,
(09:24):
except for an old piece of dried up steak,probably about 2 or 3 inches at most.
now Mom and Dad's refrigeratorwas usually filled with a bunch of
leftovers, which Dad would call Sniggles.
He'd usually pick them up and snackon them the next day or the day
after that before they were all gone.
Waste not, want not.
(09:44):
but this time and totally out of characterfor dad, he said in an annoying voice, see
this is what I have to deal with lately.
I knew the only grocery storeaisles that he was familiar with
were the cereal, the milk, skim ofcourse, and the ice cream aisles.
Annoyed with Dad myself.
I really hated to feel that way.
(10:06):
I told him quite sternly, you'regoing to have to learn to help.
And he did, with a little guidance.
We made a game out of it, actually.
And he was surprised at howmuch was in the grocery store.
Oof!
Surprise, surprise!
Yes, you can get a whole baked chickenand not have to cook it yourself.
Okay, that's for another story.
(10:26):
But I share this only to point out,as much as we love our folks, the
blues, frustration, and yes, even deepdepression, can creep into their lives
as well as ours, and rather quickly too.
For mom and dad, that meant quickaction was needed on my part.
For you, different steps may be needed.
(10:46):
However, here are a few ways tohelp them if you're starting to
see a slip in emotional well being.
Ideally, it's always better to get aheadof the curve you can, instead of being
caught behind it like I was with my folks.
So to start, for our elderly lovedones You know, I really hate calling
my mom and dad elderly or even hatedcalling them elderly back then But even
(11:09):
still Getting them engaged in creativestimulating activities can be a real mood
booster This doesn't need to be a lot.
I mean it doesn't even need to bechildish or stupid like some facilities
have But sending them a book thatyou enjoyed Even one that you've
read that might be a little dog eared
and then talking about it together onthe phone or on zoom can help a lot.
(11:30):
It'll also give you just a little bitof insights on how they're feeling.
Music can be magic for many,even a local afternoon concert
Or it could be as simple as signingthem up for a service like Spotify
And sending them a playlist that they canput on before or after dinner each night.
if you can arrange it, and if they don'thave pets and they like animals, perhaps
(11:51):
a friendly dog therapy pro can come in.
A puppy sitting on mom'slap worked wonders.
Dad's too.
these tiny little gestures give them,and us sometimes, just something
to look forward to each week.
If you have one of those e photoframes, you can also upload and send
photos of family outings that you'vedone, or things that are going on
(12:12):
during the week, or even scanningphotos from past old family adventures
that you enjoyed with them as kids.
A walk down Memory Lane can bring a muchneeded smile to their face, and yours.
There's a lot more that youcan do, but these are just a
few tips to get you started.
And it's important to recognizethat some of the symptoms of the
blues and deeper depression canresult in more serious issues.
(12:35):
I've attached a PDF list of what to watchout for on this front with your folks.
There's a link to thislist in the episode notes.
It's called Blues and Depression Signsto Watch Out for with Your Parents.
Some of those things are going to beobvious, but there are going to be a
few that you might not even thought of.
the most important things toremember is that it's okay.
Well, actually it's normal to feel alittle sad and overwhelmed at times.
(12:59):
Be that you or your folks.
But please remember if those feelingsare starting to linger and interfere
in your daily lives, or you noticesomething's happening with your parents,
including sleep patterns, eating, whetherthat be too much or too little, and
even changes in hygiene habits, pleasedo reach out for professional help.
(13:20):
As we all know, loneliness andisolation is becoming an epidemic.
Be that physical or emotional, and itcan lead to severe clinical depression,
which is not something you or yourparents should ever feel ashamed about.
it's a very real issue, and thegood news is that it's treatable.
a rainbow and a smilecan lead to a better day.
(13:42):
Actually, here in Florida, I call it theRainbow State, Because you never know when
you're going to see a rainbow the cloudsand the mist during the rainy season.
You and your mom and dad deserve tofeel happy and fulfilled, even in the
middle of this challenging journey.
On your side, caring for them.
And on their side, gettingolder and more frail.
On that note, a great way to feelbetter is to help another caregiver who
(14:05):
might be dealing with the stress andstrain and uncertainty of what's next.
You can help them, and me too, andothers by simply sharing a link to
this show at EldercareSuccess.Live.
It can be your gift to thembecause it's my gift to you.
P.
S.
Now here's the part I mentioned tolisten to at the beginning of the show.
I'm recording this episode onwhat would have been my dad's
(14:27):
104th birthday, July 26th.
I miss him terribly, but I haveplans to go decorate his and mom's
grave site with a bunch of blingand sparkles and true red, white,
and blue, which he loved Mom too.
I'll send a photo to my sisterwho asked to see the outcome.
That's just one way I'm keeping theblues at bay when missing my folks
(14:50):
that I loved and care for so much.
I know it sounds kind ofweird, but you know what?
It's gonna bring a smile to my face.
It is right now.
I hope this episode has given yousome practical tips and ideas to
keep the caregiving blues at bay.
Remember, you're not alone in this.
I've been there, and I'm here tosupport you every step of the way.
And until then, this is NancyMay wishing you all the best
(15:13):
in your Eldercare Success.
Be well, stay well, and take care.
Bye bye.
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