8 ways to regain control of your life

As we recognize National Family Caregiver Month, we are reminded that 75 percent of caregiving support for seniors is provided by a family member. That means about 44 million Americans care for family members or friends with conditions that keep them from managing basic daily tasks. These tasks may include bathing, preparing meals, managing medication, getting groceries, going to doctor’s appointments and more.

These caregivers help their loved ones maintain a decent quality of life, without having to go to a nursing home or other facility. But the strain on caregivers can be great. According to AARP, the ‘typical’ caregiver is a middle-aged female who is married (or living with a partner) and works outside the home. It is likely that this caregiver also has children. So she is caring for her parents or other loved one, her spouse, her children and maintaining a job. That is a lot to ask of anyone!

Caregivers should not just be recognized during National Family Caregiver Month, but all year long for their selfless support of their loved ones. But recognition is not enough. In addition to the recognition they deserve, these caregivers need a break. It doesn’t matter whether that break is to recharge their own batteries, have more time with their family, or finish that big project at work. They just need time to do things that are important to them.

That is why Naperville Senior Center was created. We provide a “home away from home” for seniors, while providing respite for their caregivers.

So during National Family Caregiver Month, let’s not call it November, but YESvember! Here are 8 ways to regain control of your life:

For caregivers:

Say no to stress and anxiety                          Say YES to calm

Say no to lack of time for self-care              Say YES to spa day

Say no to worry                                               Say YES to peace of mind

Say no to lousy job productivity                   Say YES to the job promotion

Say no to not enough family time                Say YES to hanging with the family

Say no to feeling guilty                                  Say YES to being joyful and strong

Say no to poor quality of life                         Say YES to a work and family balanced life

Say no to fatigue                                              Say YES to increased energy

Caregivers should not feel guilty leaving their loved ones at Naperville Senior Center. We truly are their “home away from home.” Our Members can socialize and make new friends, overcome obstacles, walk longer distances, improve hand eye coordination, increase muscle strength, increase endurance, and improve their quality of life!

For Future Members:

Say no to being lonely and loneliness          Say YES to friendships

Say no to empty house                                    Say YES to community of friends and family

Say no to waiting for someone to call          Say YES to looking forward to tomorrow

Say no to isolation                                           Say YES to inclusion

Say no to desperation                                     Say YES to hopefulness, calmness, and positivity

Say no to depression                                       Say YES to happiness, delight, and cheerfulness

Say no to nobody to speak to                        Say YES to a room full of people

Say no to boredom                                          Say YES to exciting activities

Each day our Members spend time socializing, verbalizing, improvising, evangelizing, visualizing, exercising, having fun, and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation.

Call to action: learn how NSC can provide a respite for you and a great social environment for your loved one by contacting our Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Theresa, at 630.857.3017. You can also schedule a tour to see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.”