Felisha L. Norrington, LMSW’s Post

New work using #NHATS by @ShangYongxin & @spattersearch in J Gerontol B Psychol @OUPAcademic: Confidants and #Caregivers: Network Multiplexity and Subjective #Wellbeing of #OlderAdults "Network multiplexity is prevalent and positively associated with the subjective well-being of older adults who have at least one confidant and one caregiver, above and beyond having any confidants or caregivers separately. The baseline patterns established in this study lay the groundwork for future research to further explore support dynamics in older adults' networks. "About three-quarters (76%) of older adults with at least one confidant and one caregiver have at least one multiplex helper. Partnered older adults are more likely to have any multiplex helpers than unpartnered counterparts and usually nominate their partner as a multiplex helper, whereas the unpartnered are more likely to rely on their children to serve multiple roles, especially for widowed older adults. Having a multiplex helper is associated with better subjective well-being." Read the article: https://lnkd.in/gprQikvs #Family #Caregiving #OlderAdults #Aging

Man up, men are caregivers too. While the stereotype of a caregiver often leans towards a woman, it's important to note that the number of male caregivers is rapidly increasing. In fact, approximately 40% of caregivers today are men, providing care for spouses, parents, children, and friends. Men, have you ever considered your potential as a caregiver? It's time to recognize that you, too, have the capacity to provide care and support. Consider this: if you've been a youth sports coach or a Scout leader, you've developed some of the foundational skills for caregiving. You've learned to communicate expectations and provide guidance, skills that are directly applicable to caregiving. Because you approach work the way you do, you may view caregiving as a series of tasks that need to be accomplished. Men are accustomed to delegating. Thinking strategically about a problem may be your forte. You may be exceptional at fixing things. You recognize that some caregiving is simple logic and common sense. You know the value of keeping it simple. So, men, just like your female counterparts, you're also equipped with life experiences that prepare you for the role of an unpaid family caregiver. You're not alone in this journey, welcome to the caregiving club. More on men being caregivers: https://lnkd.in/eDCPMpuY Learn more about our book: https://lnkd.in/e4epsM6N Our book on Amazon: https://lnkd.in/errVQvWq #caregivers #homecare #caregiving #eldercare

A 2014 Pew Center survey found roughly one-quarter of American adults belong to the “sandwich generation,” where an adult cares for both dependent children and aging parents. Almost two-thirds of these caregivers are women, and many find themselves pulled in both directions. Donna Kutt Nahas of Newsday talked with many sandwiched caregivers and reports on both the challenges and rewards of the job. She offers seven ways caregivers can balance the personal, job and family demands. https://ow.ly/4a9g50UAA9q #sandwichgeneration #caregiving #caregivers #familylife #seniorcare

Coping Strategies for Seniors Compare Helen’s story to that of David, a retired teacher who lives in a senior community. His family lives across the country, and visits are infrequent. Although he sometimes does not see his family during the winter holidays, David has found new sources of purpose and community throughout the year. He volunteers at the local library and participates in the community garden, activities that keep him connected and engaged all year long. For older adults, maintaining a regular schedule of social contacts like that can be incredibly beneficial. Engaging in regular activities, even simple ones like joining a book club, attending a craft workshop, or simply having a scheduled weekly phone call with family, can make a big difference. Here are more tips: https://lnkd.in/eD57xAhY #RightAtHome #SeniorCare #HomeCare #InHomeCare #Caregivers #HealthyLiving #ComfortAtHome #SeniorLiving #ElderCare #AssistedLiving #Caregiving #Healthcare

I recently came across a fascinating study published last month in the journal Science Advances. The research reveals that Neanderthals exhibited caregiving behaviors for their disabled individuals, sparking intriguing debates about their motivations. While some experts suggest that Neanderthals helped only those who could reciprocate, others believe that their caregiving stemmed from compassion, reflecting prosocial behaviors vital for group survival. A particularly compelling case is that of a Neanderthal child with a congenital ear defect and Down syndrome. This child required extensive care for at least six years, indicating that the community likely supported the mother in caregiving duties. This discovery sheds light on the depth of social bonds and the adaptive nature of Neanderthal communities. Understanding these behaviors offers valuable insights into the evolution of empathy, inclusion and social cooperation. https://lnkd.in/dBX9nqfE #ScienceAdvances #Neanderthals #Caregiving #Compassion #Evolution #DisabiliutyHistory #DisabilityInclusion

To add onto Frank's thoughts on the challenges the "sandwich generation" are facing - balancing the weight of childcare costs, with the potential responsibility of caring for their or their partner's parents, and with some cities housing dynamics shifting towards more multi-family home new builds... It's like trying to fit 3 generation's needs into shrinking spaces. How can we rethink the support systems and policies to alleviate what can feel to many as a double burden? #childcarecost #eldercarecost #futureofspaces #innovation #community #sandwichgeneration

Navigating long waitlists, high costs, and limited choices make finding child care challenging for most families. Even more so for the 56% of unexpected kin caregivers who are in the workforce. If you work with grandfamilies or kin caregivers, check out this helpful resource by our partners at Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network

Have you checked out our website? It's full of early literacy resources for parents, caregivers, and children of all ages. Check it out here: https://ow.ly/44iJ50TMgrB #VirtualLearning #RORGNY #bilingual #parents #caregivers #earlyliteracy #readtogether

Care for Disabled Adults: 3 Safety Tips for Transferring People with Disabilities Transferring individuals with mobility issues is crucial for their health, comfort, and dignity. Here are some essential tips to ensure safe and effective transfers: 1️⃣ **Assess the Situation**: Always evaluate the environment and the person you’re transferring. Make sure there’s enough space and that any equipment needed is within reach. 2️⃣ **Use Proper Techniques**: Learn and implement safe lifting techniques to prevent injury to both you and the person you’re transferring. Consider using assistive devices if necessary. 3️⃣ **Communicate Clearly**: Keep an open line of communication with the individual. Explain what you’re doing step by step to help them feel secure and informed during the process. Remember, proper transfers can significantly impact overall well-being! 💪❤️ 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://lnkd.in/eA3TRdPu #Caregiving #DisabilitySupport #HealthAndWellness #SynergyHomeCare #SafetyFirst

Luckily, I didn’t have to drop out of school in order to care give, but care giving was an essential component of my childhood. So was house cleaning. House cleaning…. Other peoples homes. I would definitely miss school for that. It was an unspoken rule. “Not going to school? You’re going to work.” Often, even, “You’re not going to school. You’re going to work.” Cleaning a kids bedroom one day, only to see them in the gym at school the next. That was light weight embarrassing — but the other kid didn’t know. It was a secret. Can’t have the clients see you. Sneak in once the house is cleared, clean, and get out. I guess rich folks don’t wanna know they’re supporting/participating in child labor… ?? Maybe they would feel some kinda way about that. I learned later in life that secrets kill us. They rob us of our truth and or place a unearned burden on our person. This impacts our ability to live fully, openly, and freely. I would bet a number of those kids that are caregiving are also holding secrets. For me, the freedom from that would be one of the most impactful aspects of any work, program, support system. It is not the duty of children (or any other person) to carry the weight of others secrets. I’d rather see them soar. #caregiving #housecleaning #workingpoor #socialresponsibility