As we become adults, we enter many roles in life we may not be entirely ready to fill – whether it’s a job promotion, becoming a spouse or parent, or a caregiver for someone you love. While great research, education and experience can bring you success as a parent or employee, caregiving is typically unfamiliar territory for many families. Most people do not seek knowledge until a health concern exists. As National Family Caregivers Month approaches in November, Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson seeks to offer helpful tips to families in the area who are currently providing extra assistance to a loved one or who may need to do so in the future. Their knowledgeable staff has years of experience in senior living and helping families to get the care their loved ones need and deserve. In addition, the community is recognizing caregivers. Mustang Creek Estates recently launched Cookies for Kindness campaigns at all of their locations, hand-delivering cookies to seniors or caregivers in need of a little extra kindness. Whether they recently had surgery, are feeling under the weather or are caring for someone they love, Mustang Creek Estates wants to support those in their communities who could use a little boost. To nominate someone in the Burleson area, call 817-205-3772.

“Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson understands that caregivers have such a challenging role in their loved one’s care, and we would like to extend our help to the caregiving community at large by creating a caregiver support group when the community opens,” said Kevin Wilmeth, executive director of Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson. “We aren’t just experts on the services Mustang Creek Estates offers, but also what is available in the area through home health and other organizations. At the end of the day, we want to provide families with the knowledge to make the best choices possible for their loved ones, and help seniors get the care they deserve.”

In the meantime, the staff members at Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson have several tips that can assist families as the holidays approach and beyond. Families might see signs that their loved ones need more assistance, but they may not know what to do or where to seek help.

One of the hardest things to recognize is when you need to take that step and reach out to others for help. Along with the team of trained professionals at Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson, we came up with some pointers you and your family should consider when thinking about finding extra care for your loved ones:

1. Seek support from other caregivers and experts in your area. You can find other caregivers or caregivers support groups through Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson, local churches, senior centers or senior living communities.
2. Take care of your own health. While this may be easier said than done, your health is vital to the person you are providing care to, and their care depends upon your whole-body health. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, exercising and taking vitamins.
3. Accept help from others. Whether it’s cooking a meal, running an errand or just keeping you company, giving tasks to those who want to assist can give caregivers time to recharge and not feel so alone.
4. Write things down. Whether it’s a note from a doctor’s appointment, a meeting with hospice or home health, or a grocery list, writing things down increases the chance that they’ll be remembered later and these notes can be referenced when you need them. It also decreases stress associated with forgetting important details.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s a doctor, nurse, Veteran’s Affairs or other community organizations you may need help from, asking questions and seeking answers as an advocate for your loved one is the best way to ensure they get the care they deserve.

If you wish to seek specific advice for your family, Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson is always ready to offer advice and resources. They can be reached by calling 817-733-8300, and their team will be at the Burleson Senior Center (216 SW Johnson Avenue) on October 31 for the Halloween Party beginning at 11:30 a.m.