The Care Hack

April is #autismacceptancemonth. Here are three important things to remember about autism: 1. Autism spectrum disorder is not a disorder that gets worse with age. Individuals with ASD can learn and build new skills with the right support, and are most likely to improve with specialized, individualized services and opportunities for supported inclusion. 2. Supporting an individual with autism spectrum disorder costs a family $60,000 a year on average. The cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention. According to a recent study, the lifetime costs of autism average $1.4 million to $2.4 million. 3. Each person with autism spectrum disorder is a unique individual; people with ASD differ as much from one another as do all people. No two cases of autism are the same. Those living with autism are smart, productive, emotional, amazing people capable of remarkable things. Autism carers-we see you. If you need support, visit thecarehack.com or download our app, and feel free to reach out anytime.

We know that especially with chronic mental illness, support for caregivers is essential to better outcomes and lower health care costs. Research suggests that the presence of competent family caregivers has a clinically significant impact on the course of mental illness, the quality of the patient’s relationships, adherence to medications, as well as reducing relapses and hospitalizations. The healthcare system could not function without caregivers. They are the foundation of good mental health support. It’s about time that this is properly recognized and caregivers are given the support they deserve. Visit thecarehack.com for customized support, community, coaching and resources. Caregivers: you don’t have to walk this path alone. . . . #memorycare #support #familycaregiver #mentalhealth #mentalhillnessawareness #retirement #alzheimer #caring #homehealthaide #nursinghome #caregivertips #homecareservices #dementiasupport #community #seniorservices #homecareagency #schizophrenia #agingparents #independentliving #socialcare #selfcare #caregiverstress #homehealthcareproviders #depression #alzheimersdisease #life #nursing #carer #parents #mentalhealth

At The Care Hack, we recognize the unique challenges caregivers face in managing chronic cognitive illnesses like mental illness or dementia. The information and advice available to caregivers is usually dense and unnecessarily complex, which is why we offer a library of short videos in our app that deliver evidence-based insights in plain English. Our core curriculum covers essential topics relevant to all caregivers, while specialized learning series dive deeper into specific diseases and challenges. Whether you need guidance on daily care, communication strategies, understanding treatment options and beyond, our on-demand library is here to empower you with the knowledge you need, when you need it. You can sign up now! https://lnkd.in/ezu6yzQ3

April is Stress Awareness Month, a good time to have real conversations about the many interconnected pressures lots of us are facing. The stress levels in the U.S. are at an all-time high due to rising costs, work pressures, and social and political restlessness. 87% of Americans report that the rising costs of everyday items—like gas, groceries, and energy bills—are major sources of stress. 80% of workers report that ineffective communication at work is a significant stressor. 42% of Americans cite personal debt as a major source of stress. 71% of U.S. adults with private health insurance say the cost of healthcare causes them stress. Here’s how you can work to manage your response: Establish Healthy Boundaries at Work: Research shows that overworking and poor communication contribute heavily to stress. Setting boundaries can be intimidating but it’s imperative to communicate openly with colleagues to avoid burnout. 🖥️🚪 Mindfulness: Studies consistently show that mindfulness practices and deep breathing reduce stress hormones. Just 10-15 minutes a day can make a significant difference. Also try putting away the phone for at least an hour and being hyper present in your surroundings. Doing activities like cooking or gardening are great for mindfulness 🧘♀️ Financial Planning: Consider speaking with a financial advisor or using budgeting tools to gain control over your finances and reduce money-related anxiety. 💰 Seek Support: Whether it’s a therapist, a support group, or simply talking to a trusted friend or family member, social connection is a crucial tool in combating stress. 🤝 Limit News Consumption: While staying informed is important, constant exposure to distressing news can increase anxiety. Limit your news intake to designated times of day to protect your mental health. 📱 Start with small, manageable steps and be kind to yourself. You deserve peace of mind. 💙 #StressAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #StressRelief #WorkplaceStress #CopingWithStress #InflationStress #SelfCare #MentalWellness #mindfulliving #FinancialStress #mindfulness #anxietyrelief

"Given the emotional weight of the role, caregivers are often told to practice self-care: Go for a walk, do yoga. Caregiver identity theory suggests another approach: Think about who you were before, who you are now, and how those two yous relate. Because, if the existential pain of caregiving is due to a gap between who you think you're supposed to be (your old self), and who you are now (caregiver self), you need to bridge the gap." https://lnkd.in/eeVdzz8P

Book rec! 📚 Caregivers, check out this amazing book by Elisabeth Rosenthal called An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back. This book is a detailed exploration of the American healthcare system, highlighting how it has transformed into a profit-driven industry. Rosenthal, a former physician and current journalist, examines the historical and systemic factors that have led to exorbitant costs and inefficiencies in healthcare. This book is a critical resource for caregivers who need to navigate this complex system effectively. #bookrecommendation #caregiving #healthcare #mentalhealth www.thecarehack.com

"When life gives you lemons..." #mentalhealth #meme

Everyone will be or need a caregiver at some point, and whether you're new to it or a seasoned veteran, you probably have a lot of questions about how to best care for your loved one and yourself. Let's address some common queries: 1. Navigating Healthcare Services Caregivers often ask for advice on how to effectively communicate with healthcare providers, understand medical treatments, and navigate the healthcare system for their loved one’s needs. Key guiding principles when seeking care for your loved one are: Embrace Integrated Care: Coordinate care among various healthcare providers to ensure all aspects of your loved one’s health are addressed. Seek Dedicated Professionals: Look for healthcare providers who specialize in your loved one’s condition. Find Recovery-Based Programs: These are particularly beneficial for serious mental illness. For more details, see our blog, Hacking the Mental Health Care System 2. Self-Care for Caregivers Many caregivers seek tips on maintaining their mental and physical health while caring for a loved one. Preventing burnout, which can take weeks or months to recover from, is crucial. Caregivers also need strategies to cope with the emotional toll, including feelings of sadness, isolation, and survivor’s guilt. This guilt can prevent them from experiencing joy or practicing self-care because they feel their loved one cannot do the same. Self-care varies for everyone. The key is to focus on activities that make you feel better. Maintaining your mental and physical health is essential to avoid burnout and manage the emotional challenges of caregiving. Tips: Identify Self-Care Activities: Find what helps you, whether it’s walking, listening to music, or another activity. Join Peer Support Groups: Talking through your struggles with others can be invaluable. Consult a Professional: If feelings of sadness persist, seek professional help. Read more common questions and tips on our blog: https://lnkd.in/enyRP3Zp #caregiving #caregivers #mentalhealth #therapy #psychiatry #healthcare

Real talk: caregiving is hard. New caregivers, driven by love and a desire to help, often dive headfirst into their responsibilities. However, they often lack the support they deserve, which can lead to mistakes affecting their well-being and that of the person they care for. Here are five common mistakes new caregivers make and how to avoid them. 1. Neglecting Self-Care New caregivers often put all their focus on their loved one, neglecting their own physical and emotional needs. This can lead to burnout, physical illness, and emotional exhaustion. Tips: Prioritize Self-Care: Recognize that taking care of yourself is essential to providing good care. Schedule regular breaks and engage in activities that you enjoy. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to ensure you have time for yourself. Don’t be afraid to say no when you need rest. Seek Support: Join a support group for caregivers, where you can share experiences and gain emotional support from others in similar situations. 2. Lack of Proper Training Many new caregivers underestimate the complexity of the tasks they need to perform, such as managing medications, assisting with mobility, or providing emotional support. Tips: Educate Yourself: Take advantage of training programs and resources from reputable organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  Many hospitals also offer some training through their patient education departments or discharge planning teams. Check with your local hospital for specific offerings.  Consult Healthcare Professionals: Don’t hesitate to ask your loved one’s doctor for advice or demonstrations on performing certain tasks safely. Healthcare professionals can offer some practical tips and techniques.   Stay Informed: Especially for complex diagnoses like mental illness and dementia, it is essential to stay up to date on the latest medical research and treatment options.  Create news alerts and follow reliable websites.  The goal is not to become an expert but simply have the knowledge to ask informed questions. 3. Overcommitting and Taking On Too Much New caregivers often try to do everything themselves, feeling it’s their sole responsibility to provide all aspects of care. This can quickly become overwhelming and unsustainable. Tips: Delegate Tasks: Identify tasks that can be delegated to other family members, friends, or professional caregivers. Sharing the load can prevent burnout and ensure comprehensive care. Use Resources: Explore community resources such as adult daycare centers, respite care services, and home health aides. These services can provide valuable assistance and give you a much-needed break. Set Realistic Goals: Understand your limitations and set achievable goals. Trying to do too much can lead to frustration and exhaustion. For more on this, read our full blog post: www.thecarehack.com/blog Don't forget to sign up for our app too! app.thecarehack.com