Carer Help Collection Winter 2022 edition

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO CARE FOR OTHERS

CARERHELP n o i t c e l l o C QUARTERLEY / MAGAZINE / DIGITAL/ PRINT

CONTENT TO ENCOURAGE & INSPIRE CAREGIVERS

ISSUE 02- 2022

WINTER ISSUE

CARER HELP SERVICES

Carer Help Services is a community service provided by Hinterland Baptist Church.

Supporting those who care for others

Carer Help Services

carerhelpservices

https://carerhelp.services

Welcome to our Winter edition Carer Help Collection magazine Magazine format Our Carer Help Collection has been designed and presented in both printed and digital format.

That means you can access the content anytime or anywhere.

Our digital version can be found: https://carerhelp.services/magazine

What does Winter mean for you?

Short days and long nights? Wind-swept beaches?

Shadows sprawled across icy water? Fast-fading memories of fun in the sun? Or perhaps it’s more; maybe it’s deep frigid feelings of discontent, perhaps even discouragement.

You know, Winter is also an opportunity for a change of pace; to slow down, escape busyness, unwind, curl up alongside the warmth of a crackling fire with a hot chocolate and a good book.

And maybe the thoughts and ideas in the Winter edition will brighten your perspective. I hope you’ll discover in these pages new and exciting ways to develop and enrich your life and your important role as caregiver.

Who is this for?

Carer Help Collection magazine has been created with the needs and interests of caregivers in mind. It’s intended to instil bite-sized interest, ideas, inspiration, and delight into their lives; a bit of respite from the daily challenge of caring for loved ones.

But honestly, we think that anyone will enjoy the content we’ve included in each issue.

So …enjoy!

Carer Help Services

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CONNECT- SOCIAL MEDIA

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Discover inspiration and ideas with this issue’s info on social media

TIPS FOR MORE ENERGY EVERY DAY Try these tips to maintain the energy you

THE POTENTIAL OF 10 MINUTE TASKS

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Use this simple time-saving tip and accomplish more in your busy day.

need for your hectic life

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SIMPLE & HEALTHY BREAKFAST OPTIONS

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

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Discover 7 simple and fun ways to stay mentally sharp.

BIBLIOTHERAPY- IS THAT A THING?

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Discover the power of reading and it’s unexpected potential.

Begin your busy day with a healthy dose of taste and energy with these simple ideas.

And.. they'll take just minutes to prepare.

TERMS & ACRONYMS YOU MIGHT NEED

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There are so many names and acronyms of groups, programs & services. What are they?

CREATIVE SELF CARE FUN

THE SIMPLICITY OF MINIMALISM

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Five reasons why you might like to consider minimalism for your home.

CARER HELP COLLECTION

WINTER ISSUE

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ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW Social media gets a lot of bad press. I get it. It’s understandable if it replaces regular interactions with others or is linked to an obsessive urge to scroll through and engage with negative news.

But social media has great potential to brighten your mood and reduce the stress of everyday anxieties if it's used wisely and in moderation.

As a carer, you can curate your content and choose accounts that inspire happiness, calm and inspiration.

And looking at scenes of the outdooors, floral, and fauna is especially beneficial. A new study has found that just looking at still images of nature is enough 'natural' stimulus to lower our stress levels. So we’ve checked out a range of beautiful and inspiring content.

Here are some Instagram account suggestions: @australia @garry_norris @foxslane @natgeo @carehelpservices @kindakindco @tillys_table

instagram.com/australia

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instagram.com/tillys_table

Heading out for an appointment TIME SAVING TIP

Got ten minutes before you have to head out for an appointment? Check something off your list.

The Potential of 10 minute tasks Have you come across the concept of ten minute tasks? If not, get ready to get more done with this simple concept. The idea is to break everything you need to do down into small tasks that can be accomplished in ten minutes or less.

Working around little kids?

Give them a colouring book or a box of Legos & put those moments of relative quiet to good use.

As a carer, there are days when you don't seem to accomplish anything. Sigh.. It's disheartening, isn't it?

Welcome to 10-minute tasks!

It's simple. Develop the habit of looking for ten minute opportunities within your day. You’ll be surprised how many of them there are.

Make a list of small tasks and gradually work through them.

Or, break down a larger task into small, bite-sized ones.

Taking advantage of these small pockets of time add up to big progress.

Watching TV? Use the 10 minutes of credits, intros or commercials during your typical viewing to sneak in a task.

The first step is making a list so you're ready when moments of opportunity arise.

Use ten minute tasks to clean or declutter your house. How about sending that email or making an appointment? Use them to start a garden, or write in your journal. Use ten minute tasks to learn a new skill or new language.

What? You don't have any time?

Check out just a few suggestions to get you started.

Lunch break?

Got ten minutes left on your lunch break? Check something off your list.

The sky's the limit with this simple, but powerful concept.

Give it try!

“It’s not always that we need to do more but rather that we need to focus on less.”

– Nathan W. Morris

IS IT DEMENTIA?

1. KEEP LEARNING Try a new activity, language, or instrument

2. STAY CONNECTED with your family and friends

3. STAY CALM Take deep breaths, laugh, listen to music

4. EAT WELL Choose food that's good for heart & waist

5. FOCUS ON GOOD HEALTH Your doctor is your friend- take checkups

6. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP You need 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

7. EXERCISE OFTEN Staying active helps memory, imagination & task management.

Worried about your mental health?

Ever forget what day of the week it is, or enter in a room and forget why you’re there? Forgetfulness continues to be more common as we get older and it can be very frustrating. And, too, some people have experienced some level of 'brain fog' during covid. Have you?

Why does it happen? Is being forgetful one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia?

Research shows stress, depression, and poor sleeping habits attribute to memory loss. Other catalysts of age-related forgetfulness can be a vitamin deficient diets, and substance use.

Anti-anxiety and sleeping medications also have been known to play a role. So it’s important to include healthy mental health activities to keep your brain working well.

Remember: as a carer, include mental health activities as part of your self-care.

SIMPLE STRATEGIES It's so important to continue to stimulate the brain as we age.

Have you or your loved one been forgetful lately?

Just like a muscle, working out the brain is important for keeping it in or near peak performance.

Hopefully you now feel reassured and understand what is going on, and how it can be improved. If lapses in memory happen often enough to concern you or a family member, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Check out the list of 7 simple yet effective ways to staying mentally sharp.

Sure, reading is enjoyable. But more than that, it means that reading literature, especially novels, has the potential to provide people the language to help

Stay Dave Burchett

A Thousand Suns Khaleo Hosseini

I’ll Push You P.Gray & J.Skeesuck

A Man Called Ove Fredrick Backman

them make sense of their experiences and emotions.

It’s as if the reader is able to immerse themselved in the character in the novel, as you often do. And, from that safe perspective, the reader can think through life choices and actions with a heightened degree of objectivity.

So.. maybe bibliotherapy is an option for you. Or, maybe, you just want to sort through your feelings while reading a great book.

THE UNEXPECTED POWER OF BOOKS & READING

A MIXED SELECTION OF BOOKS YOU MIGHT ENJOY

Bibliotherapy: the novel world of textual therapy. Sounds intimidating, doesn’t it? But no, there are bibliotherapists, counselors, who can help you process feelings and emotions with carefully chosen books.

A Month in the Country J.I.Carr

The Thursday Murder Club Richard Osman

The CareGiving Season Jane Daly

Peacebunny Island Caleb Smith

Research suggests that reading books can reduce stress and increase empathy. It can ignite the parts of the brain that trigger thinking and feeling. And so, it can help us understand and improve our lives.

SELF-CARE Adding creativity to your self-care plan is a prescription for fun Self-care is the current catchcry and you’re probably tired of hearing about it. In fact, you may think of it as just one more thing you have to do.

But, as a carer, you deal with plenty of stress and anxiety.

So don’t discount it’s importance. Incorporating simple, fun, relaxing activities into your daily routine gives your body and mind the chance to rest, reset and rejuvenate.

You may have read suggested activities like sketching, pottery, water-colour painting or more.

And maybe you’re thinking, ‘Hey, I don’t have a creative bone in my body! That would stress me out, not relax me.’

Hey, I get it! But there still are options for those who feel no creative talent or skill. You can still have creative fun. How about paint by numbers for adults? The completed projects look amazing and everything is provided for you ready to start whenever you’re ready.

paintplot.com.au

Just work on a bit every day— and have fun!

SELF-CARE

CARER HELP COLLECTION

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D I S C O V E R

M O R E

E N E R G Y

Simple Tips for More Energy Every Day Your busy carer lifestyle can make finding more energy a challenge.

However, these invigorating tricks will boost your energy and help keep you alert and focused.

Try these tips to maintain the energy you need for your hectic life:

1

Create a regular exercise schedule

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Exercise boosts metabolism and helps you avoid feeling sluggish. Try different workouts and classes to keep things interesting.

2

Balance your breakfast with both carbohydrates and protein.

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Your breakfast matters in the hunt for more energy. A combination of carbohydrates and protein is one of the best ways to start the day.

3

Try to catch the sunlight.

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Spending more time in the sun, can produce more energy. At least 30 to 40 minutes of sunlight a day can make a big difference in energy levels.

4

Essential oils can change moods & stress.

Essential oils can be smelled or used on the skin. They can provide an instant energy boost.

Add sweet potatoes to your meals.

Sweet potatoes offer potassium and keep energy levels balanced. Plus, they contain high levels of vitamin A.

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Drink green tea.

Green tea has an important amino acid that is linked to helping people stay more energised.

Stay hydrated in unique ways.

Add fruit and flavour packets to your water to make it unique. Watermelon is another great addition.

Snack on nuts throughout the day.

The nutrients in nuts can create lasting energy that goes on for hours.

LIST OF 6 HELPFUL TERMS & ACRONYMS

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YOUR MIGHT FIND USEFUL AS CARER

What does that mean? Should I know about this?

There are so many groups, programs and services for carers and the loved one you caring for. But when you ask, it's like they're talking another language. So many acronyms...

Yes, it's very confusing. So, although this is a small list, it will get you started with some of the ones you're likely to encounter.

ACAT: Aged Care Assessment team If you're caring for your parents or the elderly, you need to know this one. They evaluate the needs and support required.

ACS: Aged Care Services Home living assistance and support to elderly living in their own home or aged care home

RAD: Refundable Accommodation Deposit Lump sum paid to aged care home that is fully refundable when you leave the facility.

DAP:Daily Accommodation Payment Non-refundable daily payment for accommodation in aged care home and usually paid monthly.

NDIS: National Disability Insurance Scheme Provides information, support and connection to services for those with a disability and their carers.

HCP: Home Care Package Provides support for the needs of elderly to enable them to live independently in their own homes rather than in care facilities.

MORE ON WEBSITE

CARE-GIVER INFO

CARER HELP COLLECTION

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5 Reasons To Consider Minimalism For Your Home LATEST RESEARCH

Recent research has shown that the level of cortisol (stress-response hormone) rises when we’re faced with excessive stuff in our homes.

The current trend of downsizing and choosing things and experiences mindfully has become a goal worth striving for. Instead of feeling deprived, minimalism offers many a life with less stress, less distraction, more freedom and more time.

Here are 5 reasons you might like to consider simple living.

3. It is Harder to Lose Things

1.It Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Think about it: if your home contains less than 100 items -

Have you ever noticed how hard it can be to work in a messy environment? There are a lot of things that can easily distract you and you accomplish less than what you set out to do.

Minimalism removes all distractions. Sometimes, having less

appliances, clothes, furniture, etc. combined, it would be easier for you to know where everything is. Minimalism allows you to have more time to spend on the things that you love to do.

allows you to do more.

4. Minimalism Saves Money

2. Less Things = Less Waste

The money you save from not buying things you don't need can be put to better use rather than buying one more thing you would eventually throw away.

If you have less, you throw away less. Not only would this lifestyle change benefit your finances but also taking on minimalism means that you are not adding waste to saturated landfills and polluted waterways.

5. Have a Greater Sense of Self with Minimalism Many people feel a high from buying things. Embracing minimalism, lets you focus on yourself - working to become the person you want to be.

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”

-Socrates, 469 BCE.

More resources can be found:

simplifymagazine.com/

becomingminimalist.com

thesimplicityhabit.com

SIMPLE & HEALTHY s a e d i t s a breakf

YOU CAN MANAGE THE DEMANDS OF A BUSY DAY BETTER IF YOU START WITH A HEALTHY BREAKFAST

PINEAPPLE RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE BOWL A healthy, delicious treat that is perfect for breakfast, as a light lunch or anytime snack.

And it's so quick and easy to prepare.

Prep time: 10 minutes Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

2 frozen, sliced bananas

1. Add bananas, raspberries, pineapple, vanilla, and

2 cup frozen raspberries

almond milk to a food processor and blend until

1 cup pineapple

completely smooth and creamy. You may need to

1 teasp vanilla extract ½ cup almond milk For serving: 2 tblsp Greek yogurt 3 tblsp coconut flakes

stop the machine and scrape down the sides a couple of times.

2. Divide the thick smoothie between 2 bowls and top with yogurt, coconut flakes, raspberries, and any additional toppings of choice. Enjoy!

Extra raspberries

RECIPE IDEAS FOR CARERS

CARER HELP COLLECTIVE

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COCONUT FRENCH TOAST This French toast is simply divine.

As the bread cooks and the coconut toasts, it smells heavenly. The toasted coconut mixed with the sweetness of the berries and maple syrup is sure to bring a smile to your face—what a great way to start your day.

INGREDIENTS 1 tblsp coconut oil 4 large eggs 1 cup coconut milk 1 teasp vanilla extract ¼ teasp salt

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil.

2. Whisk eggs, coconut milk, vanilla, and salt in a shallow dish. Place shredded coconut in a separate shallow dish.

8 thick slices stale sourdough

3. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, turning

bread (or bread of choice)

to coat both sides. Transfer to the dish of coconut

1 cup unsweetened shredded

and press lightly. Flip to coat bread with shredded

coconut For Serving: butter, maple syrup, berries

coconut evenly on both sides.

4. Add bread to hot skillet and cook until golden and crisp on both sides, 4-5 minutes per side.

5. Plate 2 slices of French toast per person.

6. Top with butter, maple syrup, and fresh berries.

RECIPE IDEAS FOR CARERS

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CARER HELP COLLECTIVE

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Resources available

Yes, that's all for this edition of Carer Help Collection. But you can find more on our website: carerhelp.services

Online links to needed government forms Lists of free resources and how to apply and receive this help Information about caring for seniors Digital version of Carer Help Collection magazine Regular articles with helpful ideas and information Coming soon-- podcast for carers

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE CARERHELP.SERVICES WEBSITE

CREATED WITH LOVE BY HINTERLAND BAPTIST

ISSUE We’re planning so much wonder and delight within the pages of the Spring edition coming soon.

CONTENT TO ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE CAREGIVERS

WINTER 2022 EDITION

PRINT & DIGITAL VERSIONS

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO CARE FOR OTHERS

QUARTERLY / MAGAZINE / DIGITAL/ PRINT

THE TEAM THAT SUPPORTS AND ENCOURAGES CARE-GIVERS LIKE YOU