Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Winter 2021

lakeregional.com 5 Is palliative care right for your loved one? The focus of Lake Regional Palliative Care is to improve quality of life through managing symptoms. These may include pain, short- ness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and more. Palliative care is for anyone with a serious illness or chronic condition; the condition does not have to be life-limiting. While receiving palliative care, patients also may receive curative treatments. For example, if a patient has cancer, they may receive drugs and other therapies aimed at curing the cancer while they also receive palliative care to help manage the side effects of their treatment. Lake Regional’s palliative care team provides patients with education and guid- ance. The team explains treatment options and helps patients think through their health care goals. These conversations help patients make choices that support what’s important to them. To learn more about Lake Regional Palliative Care and local support groups, visit lakeregional.com/palliative or call 573-302-2281 . Caregiver resources Caregivers can look to these resources for assistance: National Institute on Aging nia.nih.gov National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization nhpco.org Eldercare locator eldercare.acl.gov Caregiver Action Network caregiveraction.org health problems, such as depression, and can even harm your physical health. Take action Here are some tips from experts that can help reduce your risk for burnout and make you a better, happier caregiver. Ask for caregiving help. Other family members or friends may be willing to help with some daily tasks — like driving your loved one to medical appointments or running errands. Nourish your health. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, and get enough exercise and sleep. Exercise improves your mood, helps relieve stress and helps you sleep better at night. Staying strong is also important if your loved one needs physical help to get around. Make time for hobbies or other activities you enjoy. Try to take at least a few minutes each day to unwind and recharge. Finding a healthy, quick release, whether it’s taking a short walk or cleaning the house, is better than letting stress build up to a level you can’t control. Take breaks. Ask a relative or close friend to stay with your loved one. If possible, make breaks a part of your routine. Stay connected. It’s important to keep up your friendships. Call on your support system when you feel like talking. Join a support group in person or online. Share your feelings with other people who may know what you’re going through and who can offer encouragement and possible solu- tions to ongoing problems. Schedule checkups with your doctor. Speak up if you feel sad, hopeless or overwhelmed. “Burnout often happens when caregivers don’t take time to care for their own physical and emotional health,” Bennett says. “This year, make a resolution to prioritize the self-care you deserve.” Sources: American Heart Association; Family Caregiver Alliance; HelpGuide LOOKING FOR EXTRA SUPPORT? Check out the organizations and websites listed at right to find the resources and support you need.