Helping Caregivers Along Their Journey

On July 18th, 2017 Alternative Senior Care conducted depression and anxiety training for our personal assistants. This education can lead to breaking down the stigma attached to mental illness and could lead to better outcomes for those receiving care. In an effort to help others along their caregiving journey, we extended the benefits of that knowledge to family members concerned about the well-being of their loved ones and to other professionals who work with older adults. 61 people attended the event held at Edgewood Vista in Alexandria, MN.

As people age, their social circles can become much smaller. Children move to distant locations in search of jobs. Friends retire and move to warmer climates. Spouses, siblings, relatives and friends begin to pass away leading to isolation. Losing the ability to drive can compound the problem, In addition to other factors, isolation can lead to depression and anxiety, which could contribute to a downward spiral in physical health and emotional well-being. It’s difficult to watch a once vibrant individual lose the joy they once shared with others.

The presentation was given by Kay King. Kay is Director of the Older Adults Program at NAMI Minnesota (the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota). She is also a community educator. Kay’s family members live/lived with mental illness. She was able to share her knowledge from a personal perspective.

At Alternative Senior Care, if we see mental illness in our clients we communicate our observations to family members or case managers, hoping they get the help they need to restore them to their former selves.