Parenting a Parent: Take Care to Give Care in 2017

In the new year, the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is stressing the importance of caregivers to stay well-nourished for better health.

“There are more than 90 million caregivers in America, and research has shown that they often sacrifice their own health when caring for their loved ones,” says the network, the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for those who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age.

As part of the Caregiver Action Network’s “Take Care to Give Care” initiative for National Family Caregivers Month last November, CAN partnered with Abbott to create resources to help caregivers and their loved ones stay well-nourished and healthy.

“Caregivers have access to the CAN Nutrition Toolbox, which includes nutrition tips and advice for staying well-nourished, including if they are recovering from an illness or managing a chronic condition. The toolbox also offers caregivers nutrition advice for maintaining strength and energy through good nutrition,” says the nonprofit resource.

The two entities teamed up to stress that getting the right nutrition is the foundation of health for caregivers.

“The stress of dealing with caregiving responsibilities leads to a higher risk of health issues among family caregivers. So it’s important for family caregivers to remember to pay attention to their own wellness,” says John Schall, Chief Executive Officer of CAN. “And that begins with getting proper nutrition and rest.”

Both CAN and Abbott are committed to giving caregivers the information and resources they need for making sure they and the ones they care for are well-nourished, even with a busy schedule, says a CAN news release on National Family Caregivers Month. Abbott is most recognized for its senior-focused brand names including Ensure and Glucerna.

“As caregivers are often health ambassadors for their loved ones, having good nutrition themselves is just as important to living their best life as it is for the people they are caring for,” says Abby Sauer, a registered dietitian at Abbott. “Nutrition is the foundation of your health — from warding off chronic diseases to giving you the strength and energy to continue doing the things you love. That’s why Abbott is dedicated to improving the health and lives of the millions caregivers and their families.”

The caregiver role is an important one in today’s society. In order to serve a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease, CAN has created the Corporate Leadership Council. The group is dedicated to its mission of promoting resourcefulness and respect for family caregivers, and providing support for CAN’s services and programs.

To find more information for caregivers and their loved ones, visit www.CaregiverAction.org or https://ensure.com/caregivers.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.

About Julie S.

Julie Sullivan is the Owner at Great Care of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Great Care is a licensed, personal services agency, providing in-home care services to the Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas. We serve the personal health and daily care needs of seniors or individuals who prefer to stay at home, but require assistance with everyday activities, such as dressing, personal hygiene, meal preparation, laundry or errands. Our team of certified nurse aids and home health aids can provide you with personalized, in-home care services to meet your needs, including:
• Daytime hourly in-home care
• Temporary or post-hospital respite care
• 24-hour, around-the-clock home care
• Morning and evening care
• Overnight / Slumber care
In addition, we offer our Care Compass service, to assist in setting the course for the next stage in your loved ones life. We guide you through the currents of aging, and help you find your true north. Our licensed nurses, with experience in hospice and geriatric care, will help guide you through the complex and often sensitive journey of selecting an in-home care service, and will provide a smooth transition to a new way of life for your loved one, without the anxiety and fear.
Our current nursing and management team has more than 75 years of combined experience in the home healthcare services industry. All of our caregivers are bonded, insured and screened thoroughly, so you know you’ll be receiving the greatest care possible. That’s why we stand by our mission: to deliver the same, quality care we expect for ourselves and our loved ones.