by Shelley | Dec 27, 2024 | Healthy Aging
Heart health is often associated with physical factors and choices like diet, exercise, and successfully managing chronic medical conditions. But another important factor is maintaining strong social connections.
Research continues to show that staying socially engaged is not only good for your emotional well-being, but is also significant in cardiovascular health. In honor of American Heart Month, celebrated every February, we are sharing what you should know about socializing and heart health.
The Link Between Social Connections and Heart Health
Social connections are linked to improved heart health in several important ways:
- Reduction in chronic stress: One of the main ways social engagement benefits heart health is by reducing stress. Chronic stress is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Engaging in positive social interactions helps release feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which reduce the effects of stress and improve overall mood. The emotional support from friends, family, or even social groups can make challenging situations feel more manageable, preventing the damaging effects of stress on the heart.
- Motivation to make better choices: Social engagement often leads to healthier lifestyle choices. When people stay connected, they are more likely to share healthy habits with each other, such as eating nutritious meals or participating in physical activities. Group activities, such as walking groups and cooking clubs, can promote a sense of accountability. This encourages individuals to make heart-smart choices that they may not make on their own.
By contrast, social isolation is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke.
The Risks of Social Isolation
The opposite of staying socially engaged is social isolation, which can have a profound negative impact on the cardiovascular system. Research has found that people who are isolated are at a higher risk for heart disease, depression, and even early death. The effects of isolation are particularly pronounced in older adults, who may experience loneliness after the loss of a spouse or as their social circles shrink.
Over time, isolation can lead to poor mental health, which directly affects physical health. For instance, loneliness is linked to higher levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), which can raise blood pressure and increase inflammation—both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
People who are isolated may be less likely to engage in activities that promote heart health, such as exercising, cooking nutritious meals, or seeking medical care when needed. Studies also show that social isolation can contribute to unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or overeating.
How to Stay Social for Better Heart Health
While staying socially active is important, it doesn’t require a busy social calendar or large groups of friends. The key is maintaining meaningful connections that foster a sense of belonging, support, and purpose. Here are some practical ways to stay social and protect your heart:
- Join a community group or club: Participating in local clubs, exercise classes, or hobby groups can provide regular opportunities for social interaction. Whether it’s a walking group, a book club, or a cooking class, joining a group centered around a shared interest can keep you engaged and motivated to stay active.
- Volunteer for a good cause: Volunteering your time and talent not only gives you a sense of purpose but also connects you with others who share your values. It can reduce feelings of loneliness and increase your overall sense of well-being, which in turn can improve heart health.
- Prioritize relationships: Regularly spending time with family and friends is also good for heart health. This doesn’t always mean meeting in person. Phone calls, video chats, or even texting can help you maintain strong social bonds. Simple activities like cooking a meal together or going for a walk can promote both social engagement and physical activity.
Consider a Move to an Independent Senior Living Community
One final suggestion that can help older adults thrive during retirement is to move to an independent senior living community. From well-balanced meals to a daily line-up of activities and events, these communities promote lifestyles that can keep your heart healthy and happy. Call a Heritage community near you to learn more today!
by Shelley | Dec 27, 2024 | Caregiving, Dear Donna
Dear Donna:
After my mom passed away from cancer this fall, I’ve been the primary caregiver for my 91-year-old father. While Dad is still somewhat independent, his vision loss prevents him from driving and makes household tasks tough. I visit him on the way home from work every day, and my brother goes on weekends.
My schedule feels overwhelming and the stress is getting to me. When I had my annual physical, my doctor discovered I’ve developed high blood pressure. I know I need to find ways to make this role more manageable, including creating a support network.
Do you have any advice for me? I’m not sure how to get started.
Sincerely,
Caitlyn in Glen Arbor, MI
Tips for Building a Caregiver Support Network
Dear Caitlyn:
Caring for a family member can be a deeply rewarding experience, but caregiving can also come with significant emotional and physical challenges. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a life-limiting illness, or a child with special needs, the demands can be overwhelming.
One of the most important steps to protecting your own health and well-being during this journey is building a caregiver support network. This network can provide you with emotional support, practical help, and valuable resources, all of which can help you navigate the complexities of caregiving.
Here are a few steps to help you get started.
- Acknowledge the need for support.
The first step in building a caregiver support network is acknowledging that you need help. Caregiving can feel isolating, especially when you try to handle everything on your own. Many people experience feelings of guilt or fear that asking for help means they are failing their loved ones. However, accepting assistance does not diminish the love or commitment you have for your dad. In fact, reaching out to others strengthens your ability to provide the best care possible.
- Reach out to family and friends.
The first people you can turn to when building your support network are your family members and close friends. Even though they might not be able to assist on a daily basis, they may be willing to help with specific tasks or provide emotional support. It’s important to communicate clearly about the type of help you need.
- Join online and in-person caregiver groups.
Support groups can be a vital resource for caregivers. These groups offer a space where you can talk about your experiences, exchange advice, and receive encouragement from people who understand your situation. Many caregivers benefit from talking to others who are going through similar struggles. It can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide new insights into managing caregiving responsibilities.
There are many online caregiver support groups where you can connect with people from around the world. In-person groups can also be an option if you prefer face-to-face interaction. Hospitals, community centers, and religious organizations often host caregiver support meetings that allow you to meet others in your local area.
- Seek professional help and resources.
In addition to your personal support network, it’s important to tap into professional resources that can ease your caregiving duties. Social workers, healthcare professionals, and organizations dedicated to seniors can provide valuable advice.
You might also consider respite care at an assisted living community. These services offer around-the-clock support from professional caregivers on a temporary basis so the family caregiver can rest and recharge.
- Utilize community resources.
Your dad might benefit from some of the services available to seniors. These include meal delivery programs, transportation to medical appointments, and help with household chores or lawn care. And they would certainly help make your schedule more manageable. Contact your local agency on aging to learn more about what is available.
Finally, one of the most important members of your support network is you. To care for your dad, you must first care for yourself. Ensure that you take time for regular exercise, even if it’s just 15 minutes once or twice a day. Use meal delivery services to make it easier to eat healthy foods when your days are busy. While it might be tough, getting a good night’s sleep is also essential.
I hope these tips are helpful to you, Caitlyn! Please contact the Heritage community nearest you if you have any additional questions. One of our experienced team members will be happy to help.
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Dec 27, 2024 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Dear Donna:
My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several months ago. While her illness is still in the early stages, I know it’s important to plan for the future. One item on my list is to figure out how to make our home safer for her.
Since you work with seniors with Alzheimer’s on a routine basis, I wondered if you might have any suggestions for me. Other than installing a new home security system, I’m not sure what to do.
Sincerely,
Brandon in Saginaw, MI
Steps to Create a Safe Home for a Senior with Alzheimer’s
Dear Brandon:
You’re on the right track in starting to plan for your wife’s future needs. Seeking advice is always a good idea with an illness as complex as Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are a few steps to create an environment that supports success for someone with a memory impairment:
- Evaluate the home for fall hazards: As your wife’s disease progresses, she may begin to experience balance issues. You might also notice that her gaze shifts downward. Both of these can put her at increased risk of a fall. That’s why it’s a good idea to conduct an audit of your house to identify and correct potential hazards. “7 Steps to Help Prevent Senior Falls” is a good resource to help you learn more about fall prevention.
- Keep medications safe: Medication management is another challenge you’ll likely need to master, and that includes safely storing her medicines. A secure cabinet or medication box will be important. Your wife might think it’s time for a dose of one of her prescriptions and try to take it on her own. Keeping them locked up will be necessary. An automated medication dispenser might be another solution to consider.
- Alarm doors and windows: Since you mentioned needing to install a new security system, I thought I would share a few tips. Be sure whatever model you choose alerts you when exterior windows or doors are opened. If possible, have glass break alarms put on windows. It’s also a good idea to try to incorporate your home’s smoke detectors into the system. Finally, inquire about GPS tracking pendants or bracelets. Wandering from home can be a challenge families struggle with and one of these devices can help.
- Secure hazardous items: Because judgment is often compromised when an older adult has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, it’s important to secure any potentially dangerous items. These could include cleaning products, kitchen knives and shears, and any weapons you might own.
Get to Know Your Local Resources
I’d like to offer one last suggestion as you are planning for the future: take time to get to know your local Alzheimer’s resources. From adult day programs to memory care respite providers, you likely have many options for support nearby.
Many Heritage communities have specialized dementia care programs for adults with memory loss. Some offer respite care services. These are designed to give caregivers an opportunity to take a break knowing their family member is in good hands. Respite is also a great way to get to know a community and determine if they might be a good long-term option should the need arise.
I hope this information is helpful, Brandon. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Dec 27, 2024 | Caregiving
Tax season can be stressful for anyone, but if you’re a family caregiver, the process can feel especially overwhelming. Between managing caregiving duties, medical appointments, and daily responsibilities, organizing your financial documents might not be at the top of your to-do list. With the right approach, however, you can streamline the process to ensure you don’t miss valuable deductions or credits and reduce stress during tax season.
Here are some steps to help you get started.
Tips to Help Caregivers Prepare for Tax Season
- Familiarize yourself with potential tax benefits.
Before diving into document organization, take some time to review the tax benefits caregivers might be eligible to receive. The IRS offers several tax breaks that can help reduce your tax liability. Some of the most important ones include:
- Dependent care credit: If you’re caring for a qualifying family member, you may be eligible for a dependent care credit. This can help offset caregiving expenses, such as adult day services.
- Medical expense deductions: If you’ve incurred medical expenses for your loved one, you may be able to deduct them from your taxes. The total must exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
- Tax deductions for caregiving-related expenses: These can include home modification, transportation costs for medical appointments, and other expenses required for caregiving. If you are paying for all or part of the costs of a loved one’s assisted living community, some of those expenses may be deductible, too.
Understanding these potential tax breaks is key to ensuring you gather all the necessary documents to claim them. Review IRS Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses and IRS Publication 503: Child and Dependent Care Expenses to learn more.
- Create a centralized filing system.
With caregiving responsibilities, it’s easy for paperwork to pile up throughout the year. A key step in preparing for tax season is creating a centralized filing system to store all your documents in one place. This system can be physical or digital, depending on what works best for you.
- Physical filing: Use labeled folders or file boxes to organize documents by category (e.g., “Medical Expenses,” “Dependent Care,” “Income,” “Charitable Donations”). This method allows you to keep tangible records that you may need to reference.
- Digital filing: If you prefer a digital approach, scan or take pictures of receipts, bills, and documents and store them in a cloud-based folder or external hard drive. You can use file management software to create categories and subfolders for easy access.
At a minimum, you’ll want to track and log the costs of doctor visits, prescription medications, co-pays, supplies, and mileage. Keep in mind that many healthcare providers and service organizations offer online portals where you can access documents like medical bills, treatment summaries, and payment histories.
- Maintain records of income and benefits.
As a caregiver, you may receive compensation for your work—either from your loved one’s insurance, government programs, or private sources. Keep organized records of any income you receive from caregiving. This can include:
- W-2 and 1099 forms: If you are employed as a caregiver, you should receive the appropriate tax forms from your employer. Keep these forms in a safe place for easy access when filing.
- Social Security and other government benefits: If you are receiving any benefits, such as Social Security for your loved one, ensure you have these records available as they may impact your filing.
Having clear and accurate records of all income sources will help you avoid any errors when filing and ensure that you comply with all reporting requirements.
Set Up a Tax Filing Routine for Next Year
Tax season can be stressful, but the good news is that by organizing your files properly this year, you’re laying the foundation for next year’s taxes. After you’ve completed your tax filing, take some time to set up a routine for the upcoming year.
Regularly update your expense tracker, file documents as you receive them, and maintain a dedicated folder for caregiving-related receipts and records. This will save you time and stress when tax season rolls around again.
Visit a Heritage Community
If your loved one is considering a move to a Michigan or Indiana assisted living community or memory care community in the upcoming year, we invite you to schedule a visit to a Heritage location. One of our team members will be happy to take you on a tour and answer any questions you might have.
