New Year's Resolutions for Caregivers

It is easy to lose track of one’s personal needs when you are focused on caring for someone who depends on you. Unfortunately, neglecting one’s own health can lead to a decreased ability to provide the very care that keeps your loved one stable and safe.

By focusing on some helpful New Year’s resolutions, caregivers will be able to reap the rewards of care giving, maintain balance in their lives and provide care longer for their loved one.

Here are a few New Year’s resolutions for caregivers:

Take things a day at a time. We tend to look at the whole year in January and when you do that, you bite off lots more than you can chew. Caregiving is a dynamic situation, so whatever your circumstances are now, they are very likely going to change before December rolls around.

Treat yourself. Choose one thing that you'll do for yourself each day. That may seem like a lot, but it doesn't have to be anything big. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier - read one more chapter of your book - disconnect from the world by giving yourself 10 or 15 minutes without the phone, computer, TV, or other distractions - any of these things might be enough to give you a few minutes of respite, if no other options exist.

Be a care receiver, not just a caregiver. As the caregiver, you are always focused on giving to others, but you do need to be open to opportunities when others can step in and help you. Whether it is scheduling that long overdue doctor's appointment for yourself, accepting a kind offer from a friend to bring over dinner or help you out with errands, or asking for help from a professional, it is important to recognize that the people who give the most often end up needing the most as a result.

Shake off any self-criticism or guilt that you aren’t doing all you could be doing. Remind yourself daily that you’re doing the best you can for your loved one and your family.  Find ways to ensure that you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. What daily activities can you cut out or delegate to make more time for rest? Can you hire someone or get help from friends?

Madison, Wisconsin Hospital Buys 37 Double-Size, Hi-Low Beds from Transfer Master

Madison, Wisconsin Hospital Buys 37 Double-Size, Hi-Low Beds from Transfer Master to Help Increase New Mom Patient Satisfaction

St. Mary's Hospital hotel-like suites featuring new Transfer Master beds offer pregnant women and their families all the comforts of home.

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Madison, WI (PRWEB) December 23, 2010

Family Care Suites have become a popular addition to many hospitals as they provide a comfortable and pleasant environment for pregnant and new mothers and their families. They feature amenities such as cherry wood décor and specialized adjustable high-low beds that make their stay dramatically more comfortable.

St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin is no exception. They selected Iowa-based Transfer Master to provide 37 double-size, high-low beds for their newly remodeled postpartum unit. St. Mary's selected Transfer Master over others due to its strong reputation and willingness to be flexible in the design process.

“Before remodeling, we trialed a Transfer Master double-size, high-low bed with a few of our new moms. They loved it and said it made a world of difference to their comfort,” said Holly Halberslaben, director of Family Care Suites at St. Mary’s Hospital. “And Transfer Master worked closely with us to provide customized features that will benefit patients and healthcare providers alike.”

The beds include special electrical outlets and hooks at the end of the bed that make it easier for healthcare professionals to plug in and hang monitoring and related equipment (keeping it safely out of the way). Transfer Master also created custom remote controls that include a safety pin feature (to avoid accidental use by others), as well as bedsides made of cherry wood to match the décor of the unit.

“These beds go low, which is great for moms to get in and out of,” Halberslaben explained. “Nearly 90 percent of our moms breastfeed, so having features that allow them to raise their upper body and head are important. These beds can be used to make sure patients are ergonomically correct while ensuring they also are extremely comfortable.”

“We are honored and thrilled to work with St. Mary's Hospital with this installation,” said Aaron Goldsmith, Transfer Master Founder and President. “The staff at St. Mary's challenged our company with detailed requests, each indicating a sincere thoughtful desire to give their patients a wonderful experience.”

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About Transfer Master
Founded in 1993 in Postville, Iowa, Transfer Master engineers electric beds for sleep centers and pregnancy wards, hospitals and home use. For Transfer Master, customer-driven design and innovation is paramount. Each bed is custom designed and hand-built for the user. The company received the industry's first patent in 1993 for combining adjustable medical bed functionality with home use design as well as for creating the first specialized dual-use King beds.

The company builds beds that are low enough for users to transfer in and out of, but high enough for caregivers to easily access. Domestically designed and manufactured, Transfer Master beds are durable, comfortable and attractive, providing customers with the functionality and comfort they deserve.

Transfer Master listens to customers and builds its beds specifically to meet the precise needs of each user. The electronic boards of the newest models were designed by a U.S. defense contractor. The beds are innovatively designed and solidly manufactured, creating a long-lasting product that allows its users the features they need and the comfort they deserve.

To find out more, please visit http://www.transfermaster.com, visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Contact:
David Kaufer
Zenwerks
206-262-7302
david.kaufer (at) zenwerks.com

Holiday Tips For The Caregiver

The time has come for family gatherings, creating memories and celebrating.  However, holidays are stressful anyway, with gifts, creating that special holiday meal and hosting family from out of town.  Even under the best of circumstances, it can at times be intense.  If you’re caring for someone this holiday season it’s critical that you consider the patient’s situation first. These tips may help you enjoy the holidays with health and happiness:

Ask yourself, “Will this help the person I am caring for or could it potentially hurt him/her”.  This basic question will assist you in making the proper decisions and help you focus on realistic goals for the holiday season.

Ask family and friends for their support and cooperation this year.  They will understand that your primary concern is the health of the individual you’re caring for.

Know how to access medical care anytime, anywhere. Problems can always arise no matter what the situation might be.  Don’t go somewhere that will endanger the one you’re caring for. 

Watch out for those winter germs.  Its flu season so be careful with how many visitors you have over at the house.  Try “air kisses" and remind visitors to wash their hands and leave sick guests at home.

Let’s not forget, there’s always the World Wide Web!  Try something like Skype to hold a virtual conversation or even a dinner so the one you’re caring for is still included on the holiday fun without being exposed to any harm.

The holidays should be a time of love, sharing, honoring traditions and being with the ones who mean the most to you.  We wish you all the best this holiday season and nothing but health and happiness in the New Year!

Simple Décor Tips to Brighten Up Your Room

The winter months are upon us and if you’re spending the majority of your time in one room, it some times isn’t easy.  The same goes for anyone taking care of a loved one who is currently confined to one space.  There are, however, steps you can take to really brighten up your room and add that little bit of extra comfort and ease.

Try painting the room and decorating it in light or bright colors.  Dark colors absorb light and can make a space look dark even if plenty of light is streaming in.  Light colors such as white and eggshell white reflect more light while richer colors such as red might not reflect as much but still add that extra personality to the space.  Either way, a new coat of paint is a great was to freshen things up.

Clear away the clutter.  As mentioned above, it’s tough to spend a lot of time in one space.  Get rid of anything in the room that you really don’t need, it will feel more open and accessible.

Open up your blinds/curtains. Take advantage of the natural light outside! If privacy is a concern or the view is terrible, you can always use translucent curtains or blinds. You'll have light without the eyes of prying neighbors.

How To Fund Your Electrical Bed In The US

We all know that an electrical hospital bed is more expensive than a traditional standard mattress.  But the benefits to the individual/patient are well worth it.

An electrical bed can provide individuals with the comfort and mobility that a traditional bed cannot.  It makes life easier, relieves stress for the person using it and for their family knowing their loved one is receiving the proper care and rest they deserve. 

In some cases there are situations where an individual/family cannot afford an electrical mattress.  Here are a few tips that can help:

See if you’re covered under your medical insurance:  Look into your plan since each plan can be slightly different in relation to coverage.  Even if your insurance covers a small amount, every little bit helps.

Look into a payment plan:  A payment plan will allow you to pay off your purchase in monthly increments in case you are not able to afford the full amount up front.  Some interest charges may apply, so be sure to discuss this option with the supplier before hand. 

Purchase a used model:  This usually is not the best option since each bed caters to certain individual needs.  However, some suppliers are willing to help you find the best possible fit with an existing model.

Look for deals:  A sale is a great opportunity to buy a mattress that you might not have been able to afford at full price.  Be patient, these sales happen more often then you think.