Tips for a Nasty Caregiver, No Jobs, Your Story in a Book…

Overworked, Burnt-out Caregiver Looks for Ways to be Kind Again

A self-described “nasty” caregiver, works fulltime (as a caregiver) and then comes home to care for an aging relative. She struggles with being patient when tired. She and similarly exhausted caregivers receive tips such as taking a few minutes away from caregiving for a short respite. Doing so, can make a big difference. Also, tell your care recipient the truth. “I’m not dealing with my stress very well, and I feel like I’m taking that out on you. You don’t deserve that. I don’t want you to feel uncared for.”

The Caregiver Action Network posted this article in their Tips for Caregiving in the New Year.

Memory for Elders Could be the Result of ‘Clutter’

Our brains can hold an enormous amount of information. In fact, if we work to actively retain and categorize our memories, we can recall a surprising number of details. Aside from any neurological issue such as dementia, the reason many older people don’t recall information easily may be due to having to sift through far more information than younger folks.

Workers Needed—But Older Employees Still Face Age Discrimination

Even in a tight labor market, “many older American workers are experiencing age discrimination, which is at its highest since 2003. According to AARP, 78% of older workers have seen or experienced age bias on the job.” To counteract ageism, “Michigan AARP and Michigan Works! run a program where employers can list a job opening and an application is emailed” to members of AARP in Michigan.” “AARP… hosts hiring events where employers and applicants can meet.” “Employers know beforehand that applicants are older, which helps prevent discrimination.”

Thanks to American Society on Aging’s Generations SmartBrief for this article.

To Everyone Who Wants Me to Read Their Writing and Tell Them What to Do

Jane Friedman, a 20-year veteran in the publishing industry, offers her expertise to those who want to publish their story. (Since The Caregiver’s Voice receives similar requests at our publishing company, I include her advice, here.) Friedman urges budding authors to have courage and a strong inner drive. Integrate constructive feedback to keep improving. Move forward. “To keep writing in the face of rejection is required of every professional and published writer I know.”

California’s Older Adults Are Getting Stiffed

Dev Berger, retired health policy consultant, writes that California’s $45 billion budget surplus does not include a big piece for California’s largest growing demographic—older adults. “California’s high cost of living, coupled with inadequate state funding, has created massive shortages of affordable housing, caregivers, community-based resources, affordable long-term care services at all levels, and more. Factor in fixed-incomes and insufficient pensions (or no pensions), and you have an epidemic of suffering and expanded poverty.”