Visiting Angels - January 2020

Visiting Angels - January 2020

January 2020

5274 Scotts Valley Dr., #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-430-0616 www.VisitingAngels.com/CentralCoast 229 Reindollar Ave., Suite E Marina, CA 93933 831-392-0876

A

e S

Reclaim Yourself Make Time for You in 2020

W hen I look at my adult daughters and see what amazing young women they have become, I take some pride in the fact that I raised them. Being a mother is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Of course, it didn’t always feel that way. When I was a young mother, I remember feeling like I had to be going all the time. I never had time for myself, but if I ever even thought about taking some time for myself, I felt guilty. What kind of mother wanted to get away from her children? I felt so overwhelmed until a neighbor, an older woman who’d raised kids of her own, gave me some wonderful advice. She said to me, “A happy mother is one who takes time for herself.” This was so true. I started to make a point to get to the gym in the morning or play tennis more often. When I got back home, I was more available for my kids. I felt more like me, which meant I could be a better mother to my girls. The advice my neighbor gave me holds true for any caregiver. It is a wonderful thing to give your time to a loved one and make sure they’re cared for, but we can so easily lose ourselves in caregiving and give too much until we have nothing left. When a caregiver reaches that state, it’s not uncommon for them to feel resentful toward the person they’re caring for. This resentment often leads to feelings of guilt that cause the caregiver to become more focused on their loved one’s care to make amends. While I have never had to care for an ill or aging family member, I’ve met many individuals through Visiting Angels who are caregivers for their loved ones. For these family members, caregiving is a full-time job. They provide assistance with many activities of daily living such has

bathing, dressing, and personal care. It’s a treadmill that’s always on because they

feel like they’re the only ones who can give quality care to their loved one. Caregiving becomes a full-time job, and it takes a physical and emotional toll.

More than 65 million people in the United States act as caregivers for an ill, disabled, or aging family member or friend. They’re all doing a wonderful thing and they deserve to take some time for themselves. If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you provide quality care to your loved one? It’s okay to reclaim yourself. Go to the gym, spend some time on your hobbies, see a movie, or attend a caregiver support group. If you’re worried about leaving your loved one alone, remember Visiting Angels can help you! For just a few hours a week, our Visiting Angels can come in to help so family caregivers can go to the grocery store without feeling rushed. Even small moments to yourself can make a difference.

Consider this letter a reminder and permission to take care of yourself this year. You deserve some care, too.

Cindy Saunders, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

831-430-0616 | 1

Personalized Homecare ... When You Need It ... From People You Trust!

Social Security in 2020 If you’re in the appropriate age bracket, Social Security may play a major role in your finances. So, it’s important to know how Social Security will be changing in 2020. Trust Fund Unless Congress takes some drastic actions in the coming months, the current excess trust fund revenue will be depleted by the year 2034. If that happens, Social Security will only be able to pay 79% of the promised benefits from ongoing payroll taxes. You may need to think about what your financial plan would be like with 21% less income. Retirement Age If you haven’t reached retirement yet, this one is important to consider. If you were born after 1959, the full retirement age is now 67 for you. You’ll still be able to start taking some benefits at age 62, but they’ll be at reduced monthly payments. Cost of Living Low inflation means that Social Security benefits will only see a minor cost of living increase. This year, it’s expected Know What’s Changing Whether you want to generate some extra income during your retirement or just keep yourself busy, getting a part-time job can be a great way to spend your golden years. But why settle for just any opportunity when you could stay mentally and physically active and give back to the community? If that sounds like your ideal way to spend retirement, here are a few options to consider. centers offer part-time teaching opportunities for those who want to share their field of expertise with others. Many of these positions don’t require a teaching degree or certificate — just a wealth of knowledge from your years in the workforce. Alternatively, if you want to help younger students with their academics, you could also work as a tutor or a teacher’s assistant at a local school. Share your passion for sports as a coach. Coaching can be a satisfying way to spend your retirement and support younger athletes. However, there are a few Pass along your knowledge as a teacher. Many community colleges and community

to be around 1.6%. It’s not major, but if you’re living off Social Security alone, every penny is important. Maximum Benefits Those near the top of the

Social Security income scale in 2019 will see an increase in their maximum payout in 2020.

The maximum payout for an individual will be capped at $2,861 per month. That translates to $34,332 per year, so consider how that may impact your finances. Taxes How much your benefits are taxed depends on your household income levels. For example, 50% of your benefits will be taxed if you make between $25,000– $34,000 individually or $32,000–$44,000 for married couples. If you’re above that income bracket, then 85% of your benefits will be taxable.

Stay Active During Your Golden Years

3 Part-Time Jobs for Retirees

things to keep in mind if you want to be a coach. You might need to pass a background check, and you’ll probably need to know first aid as well. While the pay isn’t incredible, the time you’ll spend sharing your passion for sports with young people is more than worth it. Give back as a personal care aide. If you’re looking for an opportunity to stay active and have a more direct impact on people’s lives, you can try being a personal care aide. Personal care aides help elderly and disabled people with everyday tasks, such as shopping, doing laundry, and bathing. Many people who require this assistance prefer older aides who can empathize with their struggles, so it’s a great job for recent retirees. Just because you’ve retired doesn’t mean you can no longer bring value to your community. With all the time you have on your hands, you could become one of your town’s most valuable assets.

2

| www.VisitingAngels.com/CentralCoast

The Power of Self-Care

3 Ways Caregivers Can Care for Themselves

It takes a special kind of person to care for a family member. But while caregivers are superheroes in their own right, it doesn’t mean they’re super-human. Caregiver burnout is a real problem. The Mayo Clinic reports that common symptoms of caregiver burnout include:

with friends or family, try not to let the conversation be all about caregiving. Discuss changes in your lives, a book you read recently, or even the weather! Join a caregivers support group. Being a caregiver is part of who you are, and discussing the ups and downs can help alleviate the burden. Visit Bit.ly/CaregiverSupportGroups to find a support group and connect with people who can share your experiences. Get some exercise. A good workout can improve your mental health as well as your physical health. Go for a run, do some yoga, take a spin class, or do any other physical activity you enjoy. Aim to work out for 30 minutes at least three times a week. When taking care of a loved one, remember that you’re also a human being who needs care. Reach out to a reliable friend or family member, or hire a professional caregiver to take care of your loved one so you can take care of yourself. Maintaining your physical and mental health is key to being a good caregiver.

• Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried • Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy • Becoming easily irritated or angry • Suffering from frequent headaches or bodily pain

If you’re suffering from caregiver burnout, know you’re not alone! The support organization Caregiver Action found that up to 70% of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression, and 1 in 10 report that caregiving has caused their physical health to deteriorate.

The best way to prevent caregiver burnout is through self-care. Here are a few ways caregivers can take care of themselves.

Talk about something besides caregiving. This can be difficult if caregiving if your full-time job, but when visiting

SUDOKU

Easy Tomato Soup

Directions 1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté leeks in coconut oil until softened and translucent, about 7–10 minutes. 2. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat. 3. Meanwhile, in a blender, purée entire can of tomatoes, including juice, until smooth. Ingredients • 2 tbsp coconut oil • 4 leeks, white parts only, thinly sliced • 6 cloves garlic, minced • 1 28-oz can roasted and diced tomatoes (Muir Glen Organic is a good brand)

• 1 cup chicken broth • 8.5 oz coconut milk • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper

4. Add sautéed leeks and garlic and purée again. 5. Transfer purée to a saucepan and add chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then drop to simmer and cook for 10 minutes. 6. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Inspired by Nom Nom Paleo

831-430-0616 | 3

Personalized Homecare ... When You Need It ... From People You Trust!

5274 Scotts Valley Dr., #102 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 24/7 831-430-0616

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Scotts Valley Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday

www.VisitingAngels.com/CentralCoast Home Care Organization #444700002

Inside

1

Giving Too Much?

2

Changes to Social Security in 2020

Stay Active During Your Golden Years

3

4 Signs You’re Suffering From Caregiver Burnout

Easy Tomato Soup

4

Local Events

The Roaring ‘20s KICK OFF A NEW DECADE OF FUN!

1st Annual Santa Cruz Waves Soiree

Raise your glass to a bright new decade and fill it with some of the finest wine in California. Passport Days is back for a new year, and wine aficionados are invited to visit the best wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Get your passport, invite your friends, and prepare for a delightful afternoon. Migration Festival Where: Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz When: Saturday, Feb. 8; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free Website: ThatsMyPark.org/event/migration-festival Fly, swim, waddle, or drive to Nature Bridges State Beach to learn about the fascinating force of migration. Countless animals, from tiny butterflies to massive whales, migrate every year, and many of them pass by the state beach on their journey. This free, family-friendly event celebrates migration with games, crafts, educational booths, live music, and cake!

Where: Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz When: Saturday, Jan. 18; 6 p.m. Admission: $30–$360 Website: SantaCruzWaves. com/the-scw-soiree Santa Cruz Waves celebrates the lifestyle of Santa Cruz, and they’re kicking off 2020 with a

community soiree. This Great Gatsby-themed evening will include film, music, and live entertainment. Plus, no Santa Cruz party is complete without mouth-watering food and craft cocktails. Come dressed to impress and ready to celebrate all things Santa Cruz.

Passport Celebration Days Where: Various Wineries, Santa Cruz County

When: Saturday, Jan, 18; 12–8 p.m. Admission: See website for pricing Website: SCMWA.com

Purchase a picnic lunch or bring your own to spend the day with your family learning more about nature.

4

| www.VisitingAngels.com/CentralCoast