Why Caregivers Need a Caregiver

Caring for ill loved ones is necessary and can also be rewarding. But nearly 1 in 5 caregivers report a high level of physical strain, according to the "Caregiving in the U.S. 2020" report from AARP Public Policy Institute and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC). Too much time without a break can lead to physical and emotional burnout, which is not helpful to the caregiver, the patient, or other family members. The trick is finding the time and resources to take over caregiving responsibilities.

Respite Care Can Help
Respite care is caregiver support that provides short-term relief in the home by nurses, home health aides, or others, for primary caregivers. There are programs available to provide caregiver relief for just a few hours or for regularly scheduled respite care. Care can be provided at home, in a health care facility, or at an adult day center.

Respite Care Resources
Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey offers a variety of respite care programs, including some grant-funded programs that are free of charge.* 
* These services are made possible through grants received from the Morris County and Sussex County Boards of County Commissioners and the New Jersey Department of Human Services. Eligibility requirements may apply.

Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency.

Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation: 973-451-4148.

If you know a nurse (and most of us do) you know nobody works harder, longer, or is more likely to be selfless. The purpose of National Nurses Week is to recognize their tireless and often thankless work.

Nurses Are Patient People
Most nurses work 12-hour shifts and even multiple shifts with few breaks. And since nursing is required around the clock, many nurses work the holidays we take for granted. In addition to the extensive education and training needed, the work is physically and emotionally demanding.

Spread Some Love
This week, please make a special effort to support the nurses you know. A card, a kind word, or a special act of kindness to make them smile will let them know they are appreciated.

Help Make a Difference for Nurses
Did you know that The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has cut funding for home health care by almost 4% and intends to cut it further? This lack of funding comes at a time when home care and hospice nursing is proven to be the better alternative to institutionalized care. Please be aware and actively support nurses by helping to lobby your state and federal government representatives for better funding of home health initiatives.

Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency.

 
Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation: 973-451-4148.

It might be time for a bone density test
Too often, osteoporosis only becomes obvious due to severe pain or a broken bone. Perhaps that’s why osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease”. But there are some signs that indicate it’s time to see your physician for a bone density test, including losing height, chronic back and neck pain, stooped posture, brittle nails, dental issues including bone loss, loss of grip strength, and balance issues.

Know your risks
There is some good news – by recognizing your risk for osteoporosis you can delay or manage the effects of the disease.

• Women are far more likely to experience osteoporosis. It’s a good idea for women to schedule regular bone density checkups.
• A poor diet contributes to osteoporosis. Eat a healthy protein-rich diet including greens like kale that are rich in calcium.
• Talk to your doctor about taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements.
• Smoking is a major risk factor for osteoporosis. Stop.
• Lack of exercise increases the risk of bone loss. All forms of exercise help build bone density, including walking, swimming, and especially resistance (weight) training.
• Falls are extra dangerous for those with osteoporosis. Do stretching and balance exercises and perform a home assessment for tripping hazards to reduce your risk of falls. See vnannj.org/fall-hazards for more information.

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Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency.

Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation: 973-451-4148.