Caregivers Blog - ViaQuest

Be Your Best Care Provider

Posted on March 9, 2021July 7, 2021 by ViaQuest

5 Ways to Battle Caregiver Burnout

No one who provides care for an ailing or aging loved one would likely describe the experience as easy, but for many, caregiving is an enormously taxing endeavor.

As of 2020, some 53 million Americans provide unpaid family care, per AARP. And of those, 36% consider it a highly stressful job. It’s no wonder, then, that so many people find themselves approaching, experiencing or – as some might put it – way past the point of caregiver burnout.

The ways in which caregiver burnout manifests itself are legion, but the voluminous list includes:

Exhaustion and fatigue
Physical and/or financial anxiety
Depression
Resentment
Withdrawal from personal relationships and social situations
Loss of interest in activities previously considered enjoyable
Neglect of other responsibilities
Irritability, impatience and a tendency toward overreaction
Guilt for engaging in non-caregiving activities
Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
Weight gain
Changes in appetite
Insomnia and other changes in sleep patterns
Difficulty relaxing
Lowered immune response; a tendency to get every cold and flu that’s going around
Excessive drinking, smoking or use of drugs (including prescription medications)
Suicidal or self-harm ideation
New or worsening health problems
Difficulty concentrating
Mood swings
Headache, stomachache and similar pain

So what can you do about it?

Attend to Your Psychological Needs

Going from an understandably negative attitude to a positive one isn’t as simple as the flip of a switch, but there are plenty of small steps you can take to improve your outlook. One method is to look for anything you can celebrate: small victories, silver linings, minor milestones, the appreciation your loved one might express if they were well. Some people find it helpful to read up on the ailments their loved ones are suffering from so they feel they have a stronger grasp on the situation.

Be Comfortable with Your Own Emotions

Another key is the one we all know from the five stages of grief: acceptance. Understand your own personal limits, and set realistic goals. Develop coping tools and don’t let the act of caregiving be your entire existence. Above all, recognize the inevitability of negative feelings. It’s tempting to translate negative thoughts into guilt: “I’m a terrible person for feeling this way.” Don’t beat yourself up. Acknowledge that every caregiver experiences despair and frustration, and that you’re not alone in whatever you feel.

Attend to Your Physical Needs

Burnout pushes many caregivers to start neglecting their own needs, believing, often subconsciously, that those things should be secondary to their duties toward their loved one. The truth, though, is that a healthy caregiver is a more effective caregiver. Meeting your basic physical needs – exercising regularly, eating a healthful diet, getting enough sleep – is just as important for family caregivers as it is for anyone else.

There’s Nothing Wrong with Joy

Take the opportunity to prioritize your own enjoyment as well, rather than ratchet back on activities you once found fun. Get out of the house when you can, even if it’s just for a quick walk. Work periodic breaks into your daily agenda, and don’t skip them. Some sources recommend having a specific time of day – often the early morning – set aside for activities that you find relaxing, while others suggest setting personal health goals (and taking satisfaction in achieving them).

Don’t Let Your Own Health Suffer

Not to be forgotten on this point is not to forget your own medical care. Just as you’re looking after the health of another person, so, too, should someone be looking after your health. Keep up on your regular doctor visits, and let your doctor know that you’re acting as a caregiver for a loved one – your doctor can factor that into their assessments.

Maintain Personal Relationships

Social relationships are enormously important for caregivers, especially for those feeling the effects of burnout. You might feel as though discussing your struggles will place an undue burden on friends, family and other acquaintances, but keeping your emotions to yourself won’t do you any good. It may even be worthwhile to set up a recurring check-in with a trusted friend or family member so you can’t easily procrastinate this kind of interaction.

Learn to Say Yes

Beyond that, having personal relationships means you have people around you who can help, even if it’s only in limited ways. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – and if it’s offered, say yes! Caregivers sometimes find it difficult to relinquish control of some aspects of their work, but it’s worth working to overcome your internal resistances. If you have a personal support network, it may even be worthwhile to come up with a list of duties you can delegate, or divide up responsibilities where possible.

Making Health Updates Less Stressful

For some, keeping friends and family updated on the condition of an ailing loved one can be a millstone all by itself. If that rings true for you, consider looking into resources that make the job easier, such as CaringBridge or MyLifeLine.

Establish Relationships with Other Caregivers

Just as you might confab with co-workers about the difficulties posed by a particular project, you may find relief in talking to other caregivers about your shared experiences. Look up caregiver support groups or workshops, whether in your geographic area or online, and make connections with people who are going through the same things you’re going through. It may also be worth your while to look into the resources offered by your local agency on aging.

Look into Home Health & Support Services

If you’ve overcome your hesitancy to accept help, but are still finding your responsibilities as caregiver difficult to bear – even if only from time to time – there are opportunities out there to seek support from professionals.

Health Services Right at Home

Many professional health services can be delivered right at home, especially for hospice patients. Social workers, home health aides, nurses and other health professionals can take some of the burden off of you by bringing their skills directly to your loved one – including care they might receive in a hospital setting, without ever having to leave home.

Another hugely valuable option for caregivers is respite care: a chance to have trained professionals look after your loved one for a set period of time so you can unwind and take a break from the stress of their health care and well-being.

Work with ViaQuest to Be the Best Caregiver You Can Be

At ViaQuest, we have a vast array of services available to help caregivers avoid caregiver fatigue while ensuring their loved ones are well looked after. Reach out to us today to learn about our caregiver support services, and make the caregiving experience as positive as possible for both you and your loved one.

Air Time

Posted on April 21, 2021July 7, 2021 by ViaQuest

Breathing Techniques & Other Exercises for Those with COPD

Because no two cases of COPD are exactly the same, individuals who endure the disease face a variety of different symptoms and benefit from a variety of different treatments.

Medication can help. Therapy can help. General efforts to maintain physical health can help. And for a great many COPD patients, breathing techniques can help. Fatigue and shortness of breath are common among those who have the disease, and COPD breathing exercises strengthen the muscles – so if you have it, diligent exercises mean breathing in general requires less exertion.

Breathing Exercises

Medical experts consistently recommend four different types of breathing techniques to keep your airways in good shape.

Pursed Lip Breathing

One of the most commonly recommended techniques, pursed lip breathing is intended to release air trapped in the lungs and reduce shortness of breath by making it easier to breathe. It should be practiced four or five times a day, and is best used during the most difficult part of a daily activity such as climbing stairs. It works like this:

Relax your shoulder and neck muscles.
Take a breath in through your nose – your mouth should be closed – and count to two. Repeating the phrase “inhale, one, two” in your head may help.
Purse your lips, as though to whistle or blow on food that’s too hot.
Count to four while breathing slowly out through your mouth. As with step 2, it may be worthwhile to repeat a phrase: “exhale, one, two, three, four.”

If you’re unable to inhale or exhale as long as suggested, a good general rule is to breathe out for twice as long as you breathe in.

Coordinated Breathing

Suggested for physical exercise, coordinated breathing may also be helpful for brief relief of stress or anxiety:

Before beginning an exercise, breathe in through your nose.
Exhale through pursed lips during the most strenuous part of the exercise.
Repeat as needed.

Deep Breathing

This technique is best practiced in conjunction with other daily breathing exercises. It’s designed to reduce shortness of breath by keeping air from getting trapped in the lungs:

Expand your chest by sitting or standing with your elbows slightly back.
Breathe in deeply through your nose and count to five.
Slowly exhale through your nose until you feel you’ve breathed out all the air you just breathed in. Some recommend a forceful cough at the end.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing, is meant to relieve pressure on some of the muscles used more for breathing by those with COPD. Individuals with the disease often feel pressure on their lungs due to trapped air, and tend to use their back, neck and shoulder muscles for breathing. The goal is to retrain the body to rely on the diaphragm. The exercise can be repeated as necessary, though it’s more of an advanced technique than the above, so it shouldn’t be the first one you try:

Lie or sit down with your knees bent – you can put a pillow under them, if that helps – and relax your shoulders.
Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. If you prefer, you can also place a light object such as a tissue box on your stomach instead.
Inhale through your nose for two or three seconds. If you feel your stomach moving more than your chest, you’re doing it right.
Exhale slowly through pursed lips, for five or six seconds, while you tighten your stomach muscles or push down lightly on your stomach.

Mucus-Clearing Techniques

Buildup of mucus is one of the most consistent symptoms experienced by those with COPD. Not only does excess mucus often lead to chronic coughing and shortness of breath, it can even increase your risk of infection. That’s why medical professionals have developed techniques to comfortably clear the lungs.

Controlled Coughing

Controlled coughing is coughing from deep within the lungs, and the technique is designed to save oxygen, loosen mucus and then carry it comfortably through the airways – as opposed to frequent, uncontrolled coughing, which may cause airways to collapse and make breathing very difficult. The technique entails:

Lean slightly forward in a chair with both feet on the floor and arms folded across your stomach.
Inhale slowly through the nose.
Lean forward and breathe out while pressing your arms into your abdomen.
Deliver two or three short, sharp coughs with your mouth slightly open.
Spit out the mucus and slowly inhale through the nose again.

Huff Coughing

The point of this technique is to effectively cough up the mucus that accumulates in your lungs, so the process doesn’t result in fatigue:

While seated, inhale through your mouth slightly more than you would for a normal breath.
Blow the air out in three breaths using your stomach muscles. It may help to make the sounds “ha, ha, ha,” as though you’re trying to fog a mirror.

Postural Drainage

As opposed to coughing techniques, postural drainage is designed to drain the lungs of mucus through proper positioning. Different positions can drain mucus from the front, back or sides of the lungs. The technique is best practiced on an empty stomach, holding each position for five minutes.

Lie in the proper position for the part of the lungs you want to drain – your back for front draining, your front for back drainage and your side for side drainage – with one pillow under your head and two or three under your hips. Place your arms by your head if lying on your stomach.
Place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach.
Breathe in while pushing your stomach outward.

What Else Can You Do for Your Breathing Ability?

Of course, there’s more you can do on a daily basis to improve your lung function. Whether it’s regular physical exercise, good nutrition, or efforts to improve balance and focus, there are plenty of ways you or others with COPD can work to breathe easier. Some of the options include:

Aerobic exercise, such as walking or riding a stationary bike, to strengthen the heart and lungs
Strengthening exercises, the practice of tightening the upper-body muscles until they tire to strengthen breathing muscles
Stretching exercises, which lengthen muscles and improve flexibility
Eating a healthy diet to maintain energy and keep your immune system strong
Practicing yoga or tai chi, which can improve balance and exercise ability

Exercise Caveats

It’s always wise to consult a doctor before embarking on a new exercise regimen with COPD. You would do well to avoid activities that might put excessive strain on you, including heavy lifting, isometric exercises, climbing steep hills and exercising outdoors in very hot or cold weather. And be sure to stop if you experience dizziness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, pain, rapid heartbeat, severe shortness of breath or weakness.

Get Help from a Pro

If you suffer from COPD and are worried about ending up in the hospital, we at ViaQuest may be able to help. ViaQuest Hospice offers all the health care COPD patients might expect from the hospital right in the comfort of your own home. And because we accept Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances, it’s highly likely to be entirely cost-covered.

Pollution Solutions

Posted on May 13, 2021February 16, 2022 by ViaQuest

10 Ways to Cut Down on Air Pollution in Your Home

One of the defining characteristics of COPD, CHF and similar conditions is the breathing difficulties they cause. People who suffer from these conditions have to put much more effort into breathing, which may result in shortness of breath, fatigue or a variety of other symptoms.

It certainly doesn’t help, then, when air quality problems at home exacerbate the issue. Indoor air pollution may be caused by any number of issues, some more obvious than others, and it’s approximately three times worse than outdoor air pollution. We took a look at the problems and came up with some of the best solutions for ensuring the air in your house doesn’t worsen your COPD.

Where There’s Smoke…

By this point, we all know about the damage cigarette smoke inflicts upon the lungs, so there’s probably no need to belabor that point. But this kind of smoke is more insidious than you might suspect. Obviously, if you want to maintain good indoor air quality, you shouldn’t smoke in the house – but even if you smoke outdoors, you can bring chemicals and particulates back in the house on your clothes as third-hand smoke. Then it can settle in carpeting or fabric, causing problems over time. And, yes, the same worries apply to vaping.

And although the mind naturally goes to cigarettes when the topic is harmful smoke, they’re not the only culprits. Building a fire in the fireplace also releases soot and smoke into the air. The same goes for cooking at high temperatures, so consider lower temperatures when possible.

Ventilate!

The first suggestion on this one is pretty easy: Bring in fresh air from the outside. Open windows and doors – one room at a time, if you’re worried about temperature – and use window and attic fans if possible. You can also use a window air conditioning unit with the vent control open, as well as portable and ceiling fans. This is especially important if you’re going to be engaging in high-pollutant activities such as painting or sanding (and can’t just do those things outdoors).

You can also take advantage of other built-in fans. Make judicious use of bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, particularly when it comes to gas stoves, and check to make sure they work properly. Make sure your dryer vents to the outside as well.

Keep Things Clean …

Chemicals and allergens can accumulate in dust over the course of decades, so keeping dust to a minimum is an important step in keeping the air in your home as clean as possible. Use a vacuum with rotating brushes and a HEPA filter to make sure you do a thorough job. Dust judiciously, and consider using microfiber dusting cloths rather than cotton. Be sure to check out difficult-to-reach areas. And if you don’t have carpet, mop regularly, too – but use water rather than strong soaps.

Some other cleanliness suggestions? Keep trash covered and contained, reducing unpleasant aromas. The same goes for food – it may not give off bad smells, but it can attract bugs if left out, and bug infestations often necessitate use of harsh chemicals.

… But Not Too Clean

A clean home may have better air quality than a dirty home, but how you clean is important. A lot of cleaning products are made with harsh chemicals, which can irritate the lungs, nose, mouth and skin. That includes soaps and cleansers you might use on floors, counters and bathroom surfaces. There are homemade solutions that may be much less irritating – water, lemon, vinegar, bicarbonate soda, etc. A combination of baking soda and sliced lemon can give you a clean kitchen scent without all the chemicals.

You should also pay attention to the way you clean your clothing, as scented laundry products – such as – can irritate. That includes detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Even lingering dry cleaning chemicals may have a negative effect.

The Facts About Fabric

It may not be a problem you can solve in a day, but carpet is a big offender when it comes to indoor air pollution. Dust, particulates and other noxious problems can accumulate in carpeting, making air quality worse over time. If you have carpet, and you’re given the opportunity to replace it with another flooring material, it’s probably worth taking!

A quicker solution is to keep those particulates from getting inside in the first place. If you don’t have a no-shoes-in-the-house rule, establish one – or at least put down a welcome mat so people can wipe their feet before they walk on anything else. Particles can also settle in bedding, so it’s recommended that you wash bedding weekly, using hot water.

Good Sense on Scents

The tools we use to cover up unpleasant odors can sometimes cause more trouble than the odors themselves. Scented candles, incense, air fresheners and perfumes may smell nice, but they also release particulates into the air. Instead of trying to cover up an aroma you don’t like, focus on getting rid of the source of that aroma.

Don’t Give Mold a Chance

Nobody needs to be told that mold in the home is bad for air quality (and everything else!). Mold thrives in moisture, so take steps to reduce humidity in the house – 30% to 50% humidity is generally recommended – through use of a dehumidifier or air conditioning unit. Be sure to regularly empty the drip pans in both, though. If you find any water leaks, get those taken care of right away, and be sure to check the roof and window frames after heavy rainfall. And, of course, mold has an easier time getting a foothold when it goes undetected – so clean up clutter, giving it fewer places to hide.

Get Your Dander Up (and Out)

Even if you’re not allergic to pet dander, it can still clog the air and make it more difficult to breathe. Bathing pets regularly significantly reduces the amount of dander they release into the air, so that should be part of your routine.

Air Purification

There are products on the market designed to clean and purify the air in your house. If you’re going to use an air purifier, you should make sure you use one with a HEPA filter – otherwise, it might create as many problems as it solves. Some air purifiers are far more effective than others, so do some homework before you pick one.

There’s a more natural option for purifying your air: houseplants. Some types of plants can reduce the levels of harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, in the home. Just be careful not to overwater them, though, as this will bring excess moisture.

Inspect the Uninspected

There are some air pollutants that you’re not likely to notice on your own. In these cases, it’s wise to retain the services of a professional. Have your HVAC systems checked regularly, and replace the filters regularly while you’re at it. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., so a radon inspection is probably also worth your time. Gas appliances should be checked annually by a gas engineer to ensure they’re working properly as well.

Get Help with the Harder Tasks

The unfortunate truth is that, for many people with COPD and CHF, a lot of this information isn’t new. The tricky part isn’t knowing what to do, it’s being able to do it. If you have COPD or CHF, you may qualify for ViaQuest Hospice, giving you access to hospital-level care in the comfort of your own home. Doctors, respiratory therapists, social workers, home health aides, volunteers and 24/7 on-call nurses are all part of the program, and are all available to ViaQuest Hospice patients – often at no cost, as we accept Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances.

Think ViaQuest Hospice might be a good choice for you or a loved one? Contact us to find out more, or take our quiz to find out whether you qualify!

Dealing with Caregiver Stress

Posted on June 29, 2017July 7, 2021 by ViaQuest

Welcome to our Caregiver’s Blog. At ViaQuest we know the important role family caregivers play. We also know this is not an easy role. So we have started a new resource on our website to provide information, insights and resources to help caregivers succeed and remain whole while living this very important role. For our first blog, we’ve decided to share some insights on one of the most important realities of caregiving – dealing with stress. Here are some tips on how to handle the stress that is sure to come.

Reduce Stress, Increase Confidence.

Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. Even the most resilient person can be worn down by the emotional and physical demands of caregiving. Here are some strategies on how to stay on top of stress.

Recognize when you are stressed. Common signs of stress consist of:

Anxiety, depression, irritability
Feeling tired and run down
Difficulty sleeping
New or worsening health problems
Trouble concentrating
Drinking, smoking, or eating more
Neglecting responsibilities
Cutting back on leisure activities

Strategies for Dealing with Caregiver Stress

Ask for and accept help. Make a list of ways that others can help you, and let the helper choose what they want to assist you with. For instance, a friend may offer to pick up groceries for you or walk your dog. Accept their help and don’t try to do everything on your own.
Take time for yourself. Keep in touch with friends and family, and continue to do things you enjoy. Find ways to pamper yourself such as, lighting candles and taking a long bath or going to get a manicure. Or whatever makes you feel good. Make regular time for things that bring you happiness, whether it be gardening or reading a book. Continuing to do things you love is a great way to relieve stress and lift your spirits.
Focus on what you can provide. Trust your decisions and believe that you are doing the best you can and making the best decisions you can at any given time.
Stay organized. Make to-do lists and create a daily routine. Break larger tasks into smaller steps that you can do one at a time.
Seek social support. Stay connected with family and friends that can offer you emotional support. Set aside time each week for friends and family to just talk or even go for a walk. Turn to friends or family who will listen and acknowledge your efforts.
Set personal health goals. Find time for physical activity and stay active throughout the week. Eat well and don’t rely on sugar and caffeine, which only provide a quick pick-me-up. Set a good sleep routine. Cutting back on sleep can worsen your mood, energy and productivity.

One thing to always remember as you navigate your role as a caregiver, is that you do not have to handle this alone. ViaQuest Home Health and ViaQuest Hospice supports family caregivers by adding an extra layer of support and ensuring the wellbeing of both the caregiver and the patient.

12 Signs Your Parent or Elderly Loved One Could Benefit from Hospice

Posted on August 1, 2018 by ViaQuest

It’s never easy to think about losing someone you love, and this leads to many families delaying the uncomfortable conversation about Hospice and end-of-life care. However, the sooner you get your parent or elderly loved one under Hospice care, the sooner they can feel comfortable and relaxed during their final stages of life.

If you’re not sure when the right time is to put your parents or elderly loved one in Hospice, here are a few warning signs to be aware of:

They can no longer drive.
They can no longer do simple tasks around the house (check the mail, cook for themselves, etc.).
They have fallen in their home more than once.
They have had a significant weight loss.
It is difficult for them to eat or digest solid food.
They can no longer bathe or use the bathroom themselves.
They are experiencing changes in mental abilities. (Loss of memory, dementia)
They have been hospitalized or have visited the ER several times in the past 6 months.
Hospital bills are becoming financially overwhelming
They have been diagnosed with a terminal illness with limited life expectancy. (Typically six months or less).
They choose to refrain from any form of curative treatment.
They are eligible for Hospice services through Medicaid or Medicare.

If your parent or elderly loved one has difficulty living on their own due to any of these symptoms, in-home care might be a good option. However, if your loved one has been given a terminal diagnosis, they could benefit greatly from Hospice care. Calling Hospice is extremely painful because it means coming to terms with the death of a loved one. Ultimately though, it can be the right decision. The sooner the decision is made, the sooner your loved one can be comfortable and at peace during their final months.

For more information on whether or not Hospice care is right for your parent or loved one, call the team at ViaQuest at 855.289.1722. We are dedicated to answering any questions and supporting you through this difficult transition.

ViaQuest also offers grief counseling for every member of the family during this difficult period. We have a support team of counselors, chaplains, nurses, and medical directors that will be there for physical, emotional, and spiritual support for both the patient and their family.

Traveling Safely with Ill or Aging Loved Ones This Summer

Posted on July 2, 2018 by ViaQuest

Summer is officially here, which means that it’s time to start planning that highly-anticipated summer vacation. If you have an aging or ill loved one who requires additional care, planning a summer vacation might seem stressful to both you and them. While traveling with an elderly loved one does provide a different set of challenges, don’t let that hold you back. With the right preparations, you can help your loved one enjoy a relaxing vacation with no hassles or headaches.

1. Consult your loved one’s primary care physician. This should be the crucial first step before even planning a trip. Get approval from their doctor and ensure that they are cleared for travel. Talk with them about any specific concerns or risks in traveling. Use this opportunity to make sure that your loved one is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations and has refills to any prescriptions.

2. Pack lightly and smartly. The less you have to carry, the more easily you can help your loved one carry their items or get around. Make sure to have all essentials items within reach at all times—this includes medication (plus copies of prescriptions), water and snacks, emergency phone numbers, sunscreen, and important documentation (passport, Medicare card, and travel insurance).

3. Arrange all accommodations in advance. If necessary, contact the airline ahead of time and request advanced boarding or disabled seating. You can also request first floor rooms at hotels, wheelchair accessible rental cars, and audio players at museums and exhibits. Planning all of this in advance allows for ease and efficiency on the day of.

4. Be patient and understanding. Avoid tight schedules and rushed itineraries. Allow plenty of time between one activity and the next, and allow for changes in schedules to accommodate your loved one’s energy level. Be realistic and patient about how much activity they can or can’t do, and adjust your plans to their capabilities.

5. Plan for emergency. If you’re traveling to an unfamiliar destination, research the closest hospitals and medical centers. Also, bring contact information for your doctors at home, just in case. Make sure that your loved one has a way of contacting you at all times, even if you’re not planning on splitting up.

Traveling with an aging or ill loved one may seem like more hassle than it’s worth, but with ample planning and precautions, your summer vacation will not only be worry-free, but also a cherished memory that you will and your loved one will always share.

If you are thinking about taking a vacation with your aging and ill loved one, ViaQuest can offer more specific help and recommendations based on your case. ViaQuest offers a variety of specialized services , which allow us to provide more comprehensive support to individuals and their unique needs. Call us at (855) 289-1722 for more information.