Articles and Information from GA Foods

Many of your members are being cared for in their homes by family or other in-home caregivers.  Studies show that being a caregiver to someone with swallowing difficulties or dysphagia can be stressful. As a case manager, you are often the one they turn to for advice and support. The good news is there are ways to help!

Got the winter blues? Maybe a little exercise is just the remedy! Regular exercise has clear benefits from weight management and better sleep to maintaining muscle, joint, and bone mass. Proper nutrition, combined with regular exercise, is key to preventing falls - or injury - when a fall occurs. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing anxiety and worry to millions around the world. Caregivers and those living with older adults may be dealing with those who are experiencing extra worry and stress.

Pictured is Maureen and her children with her mother, Alice. (And by the way, it was Maureen's 43rd birthday!)

My Back StoryIn recognition of National Caregiver Month, we are reposting this blog from 2016. 

As a caregiver, you have many things to worry about. Food safety shouldn’t be one of them. When choosing a home-delivered meal provider, food safety and quality should be top priorities.  Selecting a provider that uses extensive food preparation safety procedures with a safe delivery model will provide peace of mind. 

Don't Break the Chain

The “cold chain” process is one of the most effective and reliable methods of assuring food safety. This process ensures that food is maintained at temperatures that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can make you sick.  

The cold chain process transports perishable foods without using harmful preservatives and additives. This continuous cold chain ensures seniors will receive safe and healthy meals.

Here are some questions to ask when comparing home-delivered meal providers:

• Is the food prepared fresh in an USDA-inspected facility?
• Are the meals flash frozen to -19° F?
• Is the food maintained in a cold storage at -10° F until delivery?
• Is the food delivered to homes in specially-designed freezer trucks?
• Do they have specially-trained drivers unpack meals and store them in freezer until ready to eat?

1. The New Year provides an opportunity for new beginnings! The secret of making resolutions is to keep them reasonable. Don't place unreachable goals on yourself. Think of things you can do to change for the better and to make your life easier.

   Resolve for 2017 to take better care of you! To keep more balance in your life, here are five things you shouldn’t do:

   1. Over Schedule Your Time. 

2. It’s important to not let others take advantage of your time and kindness. Schedule time to enjoy hobbies and pursue your interests. Consider finding a reliable person a few hours a week to provide respite care, giving you some free time. Professional respite care is also available for longer periods of time. Providing companionship for your loved one will give you a break, making you a better caregiver.

   2. Neglect Your Friends.

3. Caregivers need to maintain a network of support and friendship. Friends can offer words of encouragement, and provide a sympathetic ear. They may also gain wisdom from your caregiver experiences. Activities with friends such as taking a walk, meeting for coffee, or just talking can provide a fresh perspective.

   3. View Everything As A Chore. 

4. Caregiving will become less of a burden and more about spending time together if you connect with your loved one. Ask them about their life experiences, including the joys and the struggles. Sharing memories and family history will strengthen your connection and enrich your life.

   4. Do Everything Yourself. 

5. Review what tasks you can outsource or delegate. Hire a cleaning or yard service to provide more free time. If you spend a lot of time preparing meals for your care recipient, consider home-delivered meals. There are local agencies (check Eldercare.gov) that offer home-delivered meals targeted for seniors. Many Medicaid and Medicare health plans cover the expense of home-delivered meals.

   5. Forget to Reward Yourself.  

6. Being a devoted caregiver doesn't mean forgetting about your needs. Eating well and getting enough sleep aren’t luxuries! Besides staying healthy, it’s necessary to feel good about yourself. Visit your hair stylist, manicurist, or spa to look and feel your best. A well-deserved treat makes for a happier you!

   Congratulate yourself on all the things you do each day! 

7. Wishing you a Happy New Year from the GA Foods family.

   Want to learn more about caregivers? Download our free infographic.

Remember the excitement of the holidays as a child? Everything seemed sparkly and magical. As adults, a lot of time, money, and energy is spent trying to recapture that childhood magic. But as the holidays approach, you may begin feeling more like the Grinch than the child inside of you.

Caregiving is demanding. Whether you live next-door or 1,000 miles away, it is challenging. It is estimated there are over 34 million people providing unpaid care to ill, disabled, and elderly adults. Caregiving can range from social calls to your uncle to providing direct medical care for a parent. Not knowing how to navigate through the responsibilities can make you feel helpless.

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we express gratitude for all the good things in our lives. But did you know that there is scientific proof that maintaining an attitude of gratitudeall year long can be beneficial to your health?

My Back Story