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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 9 SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 SeniorSmart LIVING EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST? LIVING EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST? When every day counts, where can you turn? The Northern Light Hospice team offers around-the-clock support for patients and families. Connect with us at 800-757-3326 or visit northernlighthealth.org/HCAtHome HOW ARE YOU? According to the AARP's Pre- pare to Care Guide, "Stress can neg- atively affect your health, well-being and ability to provide care. Schedule regular time for what is important to you and get help from others." Even an hour away for lunch or time with friends and family can be helpful. Think physical first It is vitally important to make sure you are attending to your own physi- cal needs. An estimated 70% of care- givers experience a decline in their own health. e downturn is often exacerbated by poor diet, lack of exercise and poor sleep. Seek help Caregivers have a tendency to wait too long to ask for help. Many care- givers do not recognize the stress they are under, so it is a good idea to listen to others when they offer help or express concern. Nearly half of caregivers do not seek any help, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. Not only can a support group con- nect a caregiver with like-minded people experiencing similar chal- lenges, the meetings also offer a break from the day-to-day tasks that become commonplace. Regular meetings with a therapist or counselor can also be beneficial. Know your 'rights' It is OK to get upset as a caregiver. You might even feel depressed from time to time. ese feelings aren't unusual. In fact, negative emotions are an expected part of caregiving, as spelled out in author Jo Horne's Caregiver Bill of Rights in her 1985 book, "Caregiving: Helping an Aging Loved One." "I have the right to … get angry, be depressed, and express other dif- ficult feelings occasionally," it reads. Respite for ME In 2022, Maine launched the Respite for ME program, which offers grants to family caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. These $2,000 grants, funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, allow family caregiv- ers to access respite care as well as other services not covered by exist- ing programs. More information is available at the state Department of Health and Human Services website. Sources: Southern Maine Agency on Aging; AARP; National Institute on Aging; Family Caregiver Alliance; Alzheimer's Association; American Heart Association J. Craig Anderson, a freelance writer, can be reached at editorial @ mainebiz.biz Who is a Caregiver? A caregiver can be anyone who: • Runs errands • Buys groceries • Cooks and prepares meals • Provides transportation • Assists with medical needs • Moves someone from room to room or from a bed to a chair • Sets up appointments • Offers companionship Basics of Self-Care • Ask for help when needed. • Spend time with friends. • Join a support group – in person or online. • Take breaks each day. • Keep up with hobbies. – National Institute on Aging Dr. Marc Kaplan of Saco-based nonprofit Sweetser.