Managing the stress of senior home care is all about taking charge.  Take charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment and the way you deal with problems and unexpected situations.  The ultimate goal of coping with the stress of senior home care is to achieve a balanced life.

How to reduce, prevent, and cope with the stress of senior home care:

Senior home care requires organization – Organize your time and your schedule.  Write everything down so that you or another family member has reference to phone numbers, doctors, medications, in home senior care providers, important insurance and financial numbers.

Start a personal journal- Share your feelings about the stress of senior home care.  Writing down your thoughts will help you to take charge of your emotions.

Prioritize your health and well-being.   Nurturing yourself is a necessary not a luxury.  Healthy ways to relax and recharge:

• Go for a walk
• Call a good friend
• Sweat out the tension with a good workout
• Write in your journal
• Curl up with a good book
• Take a long bath
• Eat healthy and exercise regularly
• Play with your pet
• Work in your garden
• Listen to music
• Savor a cup of warm coffee or tea

Give yourself a break – Enlist the help of a professional senior home care provider. Senior home care providers such as Visiting Angels can provide daily or weekly help to everyday chores, errands, hygiene, meals or transportation needs just to name a few.  Senior home care providers can also provide a respite to you responsibilities with as little as 15 minute notice to avoid unnecessary stress if your schedule needs help.

Coping with the stress of senior home care is the only possible way to be an effective caregiver to your loved ones.  Your mental and physical health must take priority or you will not be able to manage what needs to be done.  Take advantage of these tips.  Organize yourself, express yourself, nurture yourself and help yourself by arranging for assistance with a senior home care provider.

Bio:  Linda Dunkelberger is a freelance writer and editor.  “Coping with Stress of Senior Home Care” shares tips for coping with the stress of senior home care.  Visiting Angels is a senior home care provider that helps seniors with everyday tasks, errands, meals, transportation, just to name a few services.  For more information on Visiting Angels in your area, see www.Visitingangels.com.

Step 1. Make a list.
Determine your needs and wants. The best assisted living homes have a lot to offer. Social activities, tours, shopping, health maintenance, meals, crafts, exercise classes, church services and much more. You will be spending a lot of time in the community so you want to choose one that meets your needs.

Step 2.  Think about your past.
Where were you most comfortably living? Would you like to live in the country or city? Do you enjoy nature or busy streets? Location is a very important item to consider for choosing the best senior assisted living home.

Step 3. Think about you future. Someday you may have to give up driving. Is there transportation available to you in the assisted living community? Are there medical resources available if you need them?

Step 4. Location. The best location is close to family and friends. Assisted living developers who are succesful know the golden rule of “Location, location, location”. Is the Senior Living residence close to shops, restuarants and medical offices? Is it close to walking trails or parks?

Step 5. Take a tour. Tour a number of assisted living centers. Each Senior community has its own character and environment. Be sure to ask a current resident what they think of the facility.

Step 6. Appliances. Are there laundry facilities in the apartment or down the hall?

Step 7. Ask for recommendations. Friends and family will be glad to share their knowledge with you.

Step 8. Try a trial stay, a short term respite. Some senior living communities will offer a trial stay. This is a great way to find out if the place feels right for you.

Step 9. Pets. What types of pets are allowed if any?

Step 10. Finances. Many times an Assisted Living Community will cost less than maintaining home ownership.

Finding the best senior living community in your area will take a little work and investigation. This is a place where you want to live, feel safe, have activities, and be close to family and friends. You want to live in the best place available that you can afford. Knowing what to look for, asking the right questions and doing a little homework can help you find the best senior living community.