Desert Health News September-October 2024

Medical News The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 3 www.desertnetwork.com/Mondays As a nurse and care manager who has worked in the homes and at the bedside of older adults for many years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact that a good caregiver can have on someone’s life. I’ve also seen the unfortunate effects of when a caregiver isn’t quite the right fit. Over time, I’ve learned a lot about what truly makes a caregiver exceptional—and why it matters so much. One of the most important things I’ve noticed is that the best caregivers are those who bring genuine compassion and empathy into the home. They aren’t just there to complete a checklist of tasks; they’re there to connect with the person they’re caring for, to understand their needs, and to offer support in a way that feels personal and caring. When a caregiver truly cares, it shows in everything they do, from how they speak to their clients to how they assist with daily activities. Patience is another quality that can’t be overstated. I’ve seen caregivers who rush through tasks, treating each day like a race to the finish line. This approach often leaves the person they’re caring for feeling stressed and overlooked. On the other hand, a patient caregiver knows that it’s not only about getting things done, but also doing them in a way that respects the individual’s pace and dignity. They’re there to support, not to push, and that makes all the difference. Reliability is also critical. I’ve seen situations where a caregiver’s inconsistency causes real anxiety for the person they’re supposed to be helping. When you’re relying on someone to assist with your daily needs, you need to know that they’ll be there when they say they will, and be ready to help. A dependable caregiver provides that sense of security, which is so important, especially as we age. Communication is another area where great caregivers stand out. It’s not only about talking but also about really listening and understanding. I’ve seen caregivers who take the time to understand the concerns and preferences of the person they’re caring for and this attention to detail leads to better, more personalized care. On the flip side, when communication breaks down misunderstandings and missed needs can occur, creating frustration for everyone involved. Respect for independence is something I always look for in a caregiver. The goal is to support the person, not to take over their life. The best caregivers know how to strike that balance—encouraging independence wherever possible, but stepping in to help when it’s truly needed. This respect for autonomy helps maintain the person’s self- esteem and sense of control, which is so vital for their overall well-being. Flexibility is another hallmark of a good caregiver. Life is unpredictable, and needs canchange fromday today. Acaregiverwhocanadapt to thesechangeswithoutmissing a beat is invaluable. I’ve seen caregivers who are easily able to adjust their approach to meet the changing needs of the person they’re caring for, and this adaptability can significantly enhance the quality of care. www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2024 Compassion and connection are important attributes to consider in a caregiver. We’re making it easy to get your annual mammogram with Mammo Mondays by extending business hours for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Why Desert Care Network? • Mammogram screenings • Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound • 3D ABUS-Automated Breast Ultrasound System • Breast MRI • Breast biopsy systems Extended hours in October for your convenience. Make Time for Your Mammogram with Mammo Mondays Mammo Mondays are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments Only Schedule a mammogram at DesertCareNetwork.com/Mondays or call 844-780-3299 Aging should be something to look forward to: more time to travel and spend with family and friends. After all, it’s a part of life, albeit one that comes with a variety of changes—physical, emotional and social. One major challenge, especially as more seniors choose to live alone, is building social connections. Studies show that a lack of social connection is akin to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.« Conversely, adequate social connection improves survival rates by 50%.® We seek connection throughout our lives, be it at school, work or home. However, as the years pass and those familiar environments change, social interactions often decrease, leading to feelings of isolation. Loneliness can affect anyone, but it often becomes more pronounced for older adults. This can have serious implications for physical health, including increased risks of heart disease, stroke and cognitive decline. Understandably, many people confess to not reaching out or forming new connections due to health issues, a lack of confidence or a fear of burdening others. A lack of social connection can be a sign of underlying mental health challenges. Just as we seek advice for financial health, we should seek advice for ourmental health. With the right strategies and support, coping effectively and finding fulfillment in later life is possible. Many folks in our community have moved here from other parts of the country to enjoy their later years, and some find it harder to build new social connections. Talk therapy can be a wonderful tool for navigating loneliness or other challenges that come with relocating, whether these feelings are temporary or more enduring. During a recent conversation on a flight, a senior from the community stated that she has been connected with the local “Y” for decades, which gives her a social outlet and keeps her physically healthy. Yet she finds that people always seem busy, and worries her doctors and others see her as merely a number. If we seek more social connections and are unsure where to start, a therapist can be a great resource. Some find comfort in a consistent relationship with a therapist, while others prefer to dip in and out as needs arise. Therapists can offer guidance during life transitions, such as grieving the loss of a loved one, adjusting to retirement or struggling with a lost sense of purpose. As you journey through this stage of life, therapy can help you cultivate self-compassion, recognize your inherent worth, and rediscover purpose in your experiences. As our bodies and our lives evolve, there will be moments of loneliness or uncertainty. But it canalsobea time toembracenewexperiences, nurture connections and prioritize mental well-being. Allow yourself the grace to experience all of life’s emotions and be kind to yourself by seeking a little guidance when you need it. Dr. Sheth is a practicing psychiatrist and co-founder and president of Headlight Health, a local mental health practice serving the Coachella Valley. He is also a member of Desert Doctors and can be reached at (760) 349.4050 or visit www.headlight.health . Editor’s note: For more on this topic, see “Good Friends, Greater Health” p.5. References: 1) https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf ; 2) https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ health-happiness/2023/10/11/from-loneliness-to-social-connection-lessons-from-research-and-a-global-pandemic/ The Power of Connection as We Age Communication and coping can open doors By Manish Sheth, MD, PhD What Makes a Great Caregiver? By Tammy Porter, DNP, MLS, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CCM Continued on page 9