Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Male caregiver tips

Men account for almost 40 percent of the caregiver population. In order for male caregivers to properly care for their loved ones, they must remember to care for themselves.

Here are seven emotional and physical tips for male caregivers:

• Participate in a support group.

• Vary the caregiving responsibilities among family members or friends.

• Exercise an average of three times per week and maintain a healthy diet.

• Establish time for meditation.

• Practice time management.

• Prepare all necessary documents, i.e .: insurance policies, deeds, loans and funeral arrangements.

• Stay involved in hobbies.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org.

The Orlando Senior Help Desk at the Jewish Pavilion (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.