At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we recognize the incredible dedication and challenges that family caregivers face every day.
To honor and support families and their caregivers, we’re excited to announce an upcoming screening of Hilarity for Charity’s documentary “Taking Care,” produced by Lauren Miller Rogen and Seth Rogen, on January 29th from 5 pm—6:30 pm PST.
Taking Care is a documentary following the journey of acclaimed filmmakers Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen as they navigate the complexities and heartbreak of Lauren’s mother’s advancing Alzheimer’s disease.
Through humor, heart, and an unwavering commitment to change, the Taking Care documentary imparts a message of hope, resilience, and the profound impact individuals can have when they seek solutions to society’s greatest challenges. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest actions, when driven by compassion and purpose, can inspire transformative change.
After the screening, connect with caregivers and experts during a panel discussion led by Susan Evans, Kensington Marketing Ambassador, Dan Miller, HFC Board Chair, Jill Love, Care Manager and Senior Care Consultant, Peters & Love, Inc., and Janie Acosta, RN, Kensington Director of Nursing Services, followed by a Q&A session. Enjoy light bites, refreshments, and warm beverages as we come together to share insights and support.
We invite you to reflect on the journey of family caregiving, a path filled with profound joys and significant challenges – RSVP today to reserve your seat.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Embracing the role of a family caregiver
Becoming a family caregiver often happens unexpectedly after a serious diagnosis or a recent hospital visit.
Whether you’re supporting an aging parent, a spouse with health issues, or another loved one, stepping into this role is an act of love and commitment.
Caregiving can be rewarding, offering moments of deep connection and fulfillment. However, it also brings its own set of challenges that can be overwhelming at times.
Starting your caregiving journey
- Educate yourself: Learn about your loved one’s condition to better understand their needs and anticipate changes. Explore our blog page filled with caregiving tips.
- Set realistic expectations: Acknowledge that it’s okay not to have all the answers and that learning is part of the process.
- Establish routines: Creating a daily schedule can provide structure and make caregiving tasks more manageable.
- Maintain communication with other family members: Keep the lines of dialogue open with your loved one and other family members to ensure everyone’s needs are addressed.
Acknowledge your feelings as the caregiver
It’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions as a caregiver—love, frustration, joy, guilt, and sometimes even resentment.
Recognizing and accepting these feelings will help you handle the stress and place less blame on yourself.
- Allow yourself to feel: Permit yourself to experience your emotions without judgment.
- Talk to someone you trust: Sharing your feelings with a friend, family member, or support group can provide relief and perspective.
- Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, acknowledging that you’re doing your best in a challenging situation.
What kind of support can be offered to the caregiver?
Caring for a loved one doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. There are various forms of support available.
Emotional support
- Support groups: Connecting with others in similar situations can offer comfort and practical advice. Learn more about Kensington Konnect, our online caregiving resource hub.
- Counseling: Speaking with a professional can help you navigate complex emotions and stress.
- Friends and family: Don’t hesitate to reach out to those close to you for a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on.
Practical assistance
- Respite care: Temporary relief services allow you to take a much-needed break while ensuring your loved one is cared for.
- In-home support: Home health aides (HHAs), personal care assistants (PCAs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), or volunteers can assist with daily tasks like bathing, meal preparation, or medication management.
Community resources
- Local organizations: Many communities offer transportation, meal delivery, and housekeeping assistance services.
- Educational programs: Workshops or classes can equip you with skills and knowledge to enhance your caregiving.
Take care of yourself to avoid burnout
Your well-being is very important—not just for you but also for the person you care for.
Here are some ways that caregivers can prioritize self-care:
- Stay connected: Maintain relationships with friends and engage in social activities when possible.
- Pursue hobbies: Dedicate time to activities you enjoy, whether reading, gardening, or crafting.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity can reduce stress and improve your mood, even if it’s a short daily walk.
- Get adequate rest: Prioritize sleep and rest to keep your energy levels up.
- Seek professional help if needed: If you feel overwhelmed, a mental health professional can provide support.
Build a support network
Creating a circle of support can alleviate some of the pressures of caregiving:
- Communicate your needs: Let family members and friends know how they can assist, whether running errands or spending time with your loved one.
- Divide responsibilities and delegate: Share tasks with others to lighten your load.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with available resources and services to aid you and your loved one.
Consider additional care options
There may come a time when your loved one’s needs exceed what you can provide at home. Exploring professional care options can be a compassionate choice.
- Assess the situation: Regularly evaluate your loved one’s needs and your ability to meet them.
- Research communities: Look into assisted living or memory care communities that offer specialized support.
- Involve your loved one: When appropriate, include them in discussions about moving into assisted living and their care preferences.
The Kensington Sierra Madre: Your partner in caregiving
We understand the complexities of caring for a loved one with health challenges.
Our community is dedicated to providing a warm, supportive environment where residents receive customized care tailored to their needs.
Why choose The Kensington Sierra Madre?
- Compassionate staff: Our team is trained to provide respectful and dignified care.
- Engaging life enrichment programs: We offer activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
- Family involvement: We encourage families to stay connected and participate in our community.
The Kensington Sierra Madre is here to help family caregivers
The Kensington Sierra Madre offers a dedicated memory care community with two levels of specialized support: Connections for the early to mid stages and Haven for the mid to late stages of dementia.
In addition to memory care, we provide assisted living, on-site senior rehabilitation, and a variety of educational events and film screenings to promote overall wellness.
Contact The Kensington Sierra Madre today to schedule a tour of our beautiful community. Let us welcome you and your loved one into our family.