In this Issue
November 2005

COA NEWS
Council offers solid advice to seniors

In its mission to maintain or improve the quality of life for senior citizens living in the community, the Brookfield Council on Aging offers advice on winter preparedness and important resources for caregivers.

WINTERING WINTER STORMS

It is important to have a sufficient amount of food and water on hand in case of emergencies, especially in the winter months.

Q. What should I have on hand?
A. At least a 3-5 day supply of food and water per person.

Q. How much water?
A. At least 3-5 gallons per person or 1 gallon per person per day.

Q. What types of food should I keep in my emergency kit?
A. Non-cook foods such as peanut butter, canned meats and fruits, crackers. granola bars and/or cookies, cold cereal, juice boxes, powdered or boxed milk, dried fruit (raisins, apricots, craisins). ginger ale, clear broth, and Tylenol; as well as quick-cook foods including canned soups, stews and beans, dehydrated soups, instant oatmeal or other instant cereals.
You can build your emergency food kit over the course of a few weeks.

THE CAREGIVER BLUES
Excerpted from ‘The Older American’

Have you recently become a caregiver? If you have, you have joined a not-so exclusive club. According to the 2003 National Alliance for Caregiving/AARP National Caregiver Survey, at least 44.4 million adults provide unpaid care that is critical in helping adult friends and family members with debilitating illnesses or functional impairments.

Where can you turn for help when you feel stressed or overwhelmed by caregiving? Resources that may help you cope with the demands of being a caregiver include health organizations, support groups and online forums.

• Most health organizations dedicated to specific disabilities can provide resources and assistance to caregivers.
• Religious and community organizations often offer support groups. There may have volunteers with experience in caregiving during later life and offer a shoulder to lean on or their time so you can have a respite.
• VNA’s (Visiting Nurse Associations), professional caregiver service providers and family counseling agencies are available to help, most often for a fee. Such services may be covered by your insurance or state/city funded grants.
• Local senior centers may have a variety of services that could help you or, most certainly, direct you to where you can find help.

It’s very important to remember to take care of yourself when you are taking care of a loved one:
• Say “yes” when someone offers to help.
• Take time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes.
• Give yourself some space and don’t feel guilty about it.
• Express yourself. Find someone to talk with who understands what you are going through.

Caregiving is the fastest growing, unpaid profession in America. Whether full or part-time, being a caregiver can put you on a physical and emotional roller coaster. Remember, you are not alone!

The following websites are from the Caregiver’s Guide 2005-2006 Edition.
Family Caregiver Alliance: www.caregiver.org
Children of Aging Parents: www.caps4caregivers.org
National Family Caregivers Association: www.nfcacares.org