Mental Health for Seniors June 2020 Update

Mental Health for Seniors During COVID-19 

Luiza Benisano wrote a new blog on why it is important to prioritize and take care of your mental health during COVID-19. The blog also talks about some activities to keep the person you are taking care of healthy by doing fun activities to keep them from feeling isolated. To learn more, click here:  https://washoecaregivers.org/mental-health-for-seniors-during-covid-19/. 

Caregiver Support Initiative Email Discussion Group 

The Caregiver Support Initiative Email Discussion Group is a virtual forum for family caregivers to connect with caregivers to start a discussion, ask questions, and give advice on caregiving-related topics. 

Below are some stories family caregivers have shared: 

"The respite care person should be aware of what you expect them to be prepared to do before you have them come to stay. To my delight, the young man who was assigned to us as a respite caregiver was a medical student. My husband was mentally stimulated, and I had some time to myself." - Jean Myles

"When mom joined me or if we walked into the kitchen together after socializing a bit, I would say, "Mom, I need your help. Will you sort and put away the silverware?" She enjoyed the task, really appreciated being helpful to me, and I had time to chop away in peace. Does anybody have other helpful ideas that might work to de-escalate an irritation and respectfully engage the person you care for?" - Margaret Stewart

William Palmer responded: "We ask my grandmother if she wants a nap, even if she just took one. Also, ask her to sort out pictures. She has no idea who the people are, but she just moves them around and looks at them." 

Read other stories and share your caregiving experiences by becoming a free member. Sign up at https://washoecaregivers.org/connect/ or call 775-333-5499. 

Additional Respite Care Vouchers 

Respite care is a break from caregiving. Someone cares for your family member while you take time for yourself. Some might people might think respite care is unaffordable, but there are free services to relieve family caregivers, even during COVID-19. 

Last month, we highlighted respite care vouchers from Seniors in Service and N4.

This month we are sharing respite care vouchers offered by the Alzheimer's Association and State of Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division.

The Alzheimer's Association conducts a care consultation for anyone interested in applying for respite vouchers.

The applicant must be living with the person they are taking care of with a diagnosis.

For more information on how to apply for the respite vouchers, call the Alzheimer's Association's helpline at 800-272-3900 or contact Niki Rubarth at nrubarth@alz.org.

State of Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division 

Emergency funds for caregivers are available. The one-time emergency assistance is for caregivers who have an unavoidable, unplanned absence and need to find care for their loved ones quickly.

Caregivers have the ability to select a provider of choice, not only from professional providers but from their own identified support system such as friends/family/neighbors, community members, etc.

Funds are contingent on availability and are distributed on a case-by-case basis.

The emergency fund is short-term and is only available through August 2020.

To qualify, you must be an unpaid caregiver taking care of a loved one or a neighbor.

For more information or to apply, please contact Autumn Blattman at ablattman@adsd.nv.gov.