Categoría: Geovanny Vicente

BALTIMORE, Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 250,000 Americans have investigated moving to New Zealand, according to the New Zealand Herald. In June, for instance, searches were up 160% compared to June 2019.

International Living reports that its «How to Move Out of the U.S.» page has seen a surge of 504.97% in traffic since the end of May 2020.

Firms that help clients get second passports say they’re seeing a significant uptick in interest in their services.

Clearly, Americans are looking at ways to escape.

Some are frustrated with the current political climate in the U.S.. Others want to go where the public-health situation seems more sound. Still others are worried about the dwindling attractiveness of the U.S. passport and curious about how they can gain more travel flexibility through dual citizenship.

With job losses into the millions, some folks are looking for places where they can lower their cost of living. For others, new «remote working» flexibility has them thinking that if they can work from home, home might as well be at a beach. In the right spots overseas, that beach can prove remarkably affordable.

«English-speaking New Zealand, which has been in the news lately for its positive handling of the pandemic, seems an obvious place to start,» says Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor, International Living. «However—it’s relatively expensive, far away, and has very strict and hard-to-satisfy immigration rules.

«Other options can make more sense—places that are closer, lower cost, and have easier-to-meet visa requirements—but which are also friendly, safe, welcoming locales where it’s pretty easy to settle in as an expat.

«In a place like Costa Rica, for instance, lots of people speak English as it’s taught in the schools from a young age, well-established expat communities make settling in easy, your dollars really stretch (a budget from as low as $1,500 can bankroll a comfortable life for a couple), and three good visa options make it relatively easy to gain residence there.»

International Living’s editors have highlighted countries that make good sense to consider from the perspective of value and ease of settling in: Costa Rica, Belize, Ireland, Uruguay, and Portugal.

Costa Rica

A perennial front-runner in International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index, Costa Rica’s political stability and low-key profile are proving to be increasingly strong draws for expats.

Of course, there’s no lack of drama in Costa Rica’s landscape—you’ve got jaw-dropping expanses of coast, jungles rich with everything from spider monkeys and sloths to scarlet macaws and quetzals, gorgeous lakes and volcanic valleys.

Although just the size of West Virginia, the country has two major international airports, typically with daily flights on every North American airline from major gateway cities. With that ease of travel, it is convenient to get back home for special occasions or easily receive visitors.

Ticos (the moniker Costa Ricans give themselves) have established one of the world’s most stable democracies. The country dissolved its standing army in 1949 and the reallocated funds are spent on education, healthcare, and pensions instead of the military.

«I had the travel bug from an early age, from studying overseas to extended vacations with my family, and I really wanted to embrace a new culture,» says Kathleen Evans, IL Costa Rica Correspondent who moved to Tamarindo, Costa Rica. «My husband, Steve, and I, read International Living magazine diligently, and whenever we traveled, we checked out the various countries it mentioned.

«We made a list of criteria about what’s important to us and what we want our new home country to be like—I wanted to hear and see the ocean every day, I never wanted to wear a coat again and we also wanted a country with a stable democracy and an educated population close to home in the U.S. Over time, checking various countries, we kept coming back to Costa Rica and we realized that it checked every possible box for us.»

English is taught in schools in Costa Rica from a young age, so while it’s helpful to know Spanish, lots of expats get by on just the basics, as most locals speak some English—and in tourist towns, there’s a lot spoken. With plenty of well-established expat communities, Costa Rica is a relatively easy place for Americans to settle in.

Tourists can stay for up to 90 days on a tourist visa, and longer stays are easy enough to arrange. If you plan to live in Costa Rica long term it is best to seek residence—The Pensionado Program and The Rentista Program are more popular visa options.

A couple a can live well in Costa Rica’s cooler-weather Central Valley in a town like Atenas, for instance, from $1,518 a month.

Belize

Recent figures release but the International Living data-analytics team reveal the company seeing a monstrous 798.01% increase in traffic to its «Move to Belize» page since May 2020.

There are good reasons for the growth of the retirement haven’s popularity, one being is its language. As a British Commonwealth country, English is the primary language, making it easy for expats to transition. In fact, Belize is the only country in Central America with English as its main language, and that goes for its islands, too.

And it may come as a surprise, but moving to Belize is easy—U.S. currency is accepted, credit cards are widely used, and well-known U.S. brands are available too; they’re expensive, but substitutes are easy to find.

Belize is a barefoot nirvana. It’s hard to put its charm into words, but the best description might include the phrase «rustic paradise.»

From its secluded beaches to its steamy rain forests, Belize is a country of diverse natural beauty. Its slow pace of life makes it a popular tourist destination, and the cost of living remains low. For the more adventurous traveler, activities can include a trek into the jungle in search of Maya ruins, spotting parrots, toucans, and maybe even a jaguar along the way.

Laura Diffendal, IL Belize Correspondent, moved to Belize in 2014 from Cleveland, Ohio. «The Belizean culture, I found, is somewhat like the Midwest culture that I came from,» she says.

«There’s a lot of value placed on hard work, modesty, grit, resilience, and leaving things better than you found it. I spend most of my time right now on the island of Ambergris Caye, which is known as the very fun, energetic Jimmy Buffett Island. And I also spend time in Placencia which is sort of a quieter, bohemian place, much calmer and much less crowded, a lot more like tranquil, open beaches.»

Belize requires visitors to have sufficient funds to support themselves, a return ticket, and a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of arrival. As a citizen of the U.S. or Canada you can stay in Belize for up to one month without a visa. If you want to stay longer you’ll need to go to the Immigration office for an updated visitor’s permit or tourist stamp. If you can show proof of long-term renting or other documents showing why you are staying in the country, you can be granted a 60 day or a 90 day permit.

Many expats apply for permanent residence in Belize. The primary reason is that as a resident you can work in Belize without needing a work permit. Having your residence also makes it easy to travel in and out of the country.

You must live in Belize for 50 consecutive weeks before you can apply for permanent residence. To do this, enter the country on a tourist visa and then renew your visa every 30 days until you reach 50 weeks. At that point, you can submit your application for permanent residence. It can take a few years to receive approval and your residence card.

A couple living and renting on Ambergris Caye can live well on a monthly budget from $2,875.

Ireland

The island of Ireland sits in the north Atlantic Ocean. Even if you have no familial ties to Ireland, you’ve likely heard plenty about what this small island nation has to offer: the stunning beauty of its dramatic coastlines, crumbling castles…a rich culture of music, dance, and literature…and warm, witty, friendly people.

The whole nation—but particularly the countryside—takes a small-town approach to life. Everyone in Ireland speaks English (even in the few Irish-speaking areas). The Irish are friendly, hospitable people. It may be a cliché, but it’s true—the literal translation of «hello» in Irish is «a hundred thousand welcomes to you.»

Living here, you don’t have to make a hard choice between seascapes and mountains, between tranquil lake lands or verdant river valleys. Ireland has them all.

Ireland is small. In most towns and villages, you’re never too far from the ocean, from golden beaches swept clean by rolling Atlantic waves, the views of mysterious smaller islands shimmering offshore, and quaint harbor towns with their hand-painted shop fronts and color-washed cottages.

And Ireland is a key player for folks who want to explore Europe, thanks to the island being outside the Schengen Zone. That means that a trip to the Emerald Isle (or another country outside the Schengen Zone, such as Cyprus or Croatia) for under 90 days, stops the clock on their EU tourist visa—allowing travelers to pick up where they left off when they return to the Zone.

On a monthly budget of $2,762 to $2,806 a couple can enjoy a coastal retirement in a community like Waterford.

Uruguay

Uruguay is a small country on the east coast of South America. It is also among the top countries in the region when it comes to infrastructure. Here, you’ll find the best overall road system, the most reliable electrical grid, and one of the fastest overall internet speeds in Latin America. You’ll also find quality medical care, safe drinking water, and good public transportation.

The country’s interior is part of the South American Pampas used for cattle grazing and farming. On Uruguay’s coast, you find beautiful sand beaches popular with vacationers. Most expats are attracted to Uruguay for its tranquilo (calm) lifestyle—a healthy, stress-free approach to living.

Even though Uruguay is a small country, it offers a variety of lifestyle options. Choose among places like Punta del Este, the continent’s most sophisticated beach resort; La Paloma, a small beach town on the Atlantic coast; a small farm or rural town in Uruguay’s countryside or Montevideo, the capital city with an active cultural scene.

Montevideo, a coastal city on the Rio de la Plata, is a place where the traditional and the modern weave together to form a sophisticated European-style regime. It is one of the most diverse and sophisticated cities in South America. From its Old World theaters and opera houses, to its jazz festivals and exquisite restaurants, Montevideo looks and feels like modern Europe.

The city has many large parks, plazas, tree-lined streets, sandy beaches, and wide avenues. The «rambla»—the promenade that runs the full length of Montevideo’s seven-mile coastline—provides a long-paved strip ideal for walking, running, and bicycling.

«The people in Montevideo take their leisure fishing from the rambla, chatting with friends in plazas and cafés, and browsing in outdoor markets,» says David Hammond, IL Uruguay Correspondent. «The Uruguayan people are generally calm, laidback and tend to show patience, which adds to the relaxed feeling of the country.»

You can stay in the country for 90 days at a time as often as you like. And for a small fee, a tourist visa can often be renewed, for stays of 180 days at a time. However, if you are thinking longer-term, becoming a permanent resident enables you to live in Uruguay full time, make Uruguay your home country, get a job, or start a business in Uruguay. One of the benefits of Uruguay residency is the ability to import your home furnishings and household goods duty free during the residency approval process.

Two people can live in Montevideo on $3,200 a month, renting a one-bedroom, furnished apartment in Pocitos, the most popular expat neighborhood in the city.

Portugal

«Safety, quality affordable healthcare, a relaxing lifestyle, a rich history and culture, savory cuisine, geographic diversity—you’ll discover all these elements in Portugal—on about a third of your current budget,» says expat Tricia Pimental. «I know. It’s where I’ve spent the past seven years and I love it.

«Portugal offers so much to retirees. Expats typically find their expenses in Portugal run about one-third of what they were in the States. Even with a fluctuating exchange rate, we still live a comfortable, although not extravagant, lifestyle for about $2,500 a month,» Tricia says. «If you choose to live in Porto in the north, Lisbon, or in the expat havens of Cascais or the Algarve, you probably want to bump that up to $3,000.

«Rental and housing markets offer fairly diverse options. Naturally it is more expensive in prime areas like Lisbon and its environs and in the southern region of the Algarve. But by simply searching within 20 minutes of a specific town, you can find a gem that fits your budget,» says Tricia. «If you’re looking for land and a ‘get away from it all’ lifestyle, there are plenty of opportunities to invest and enjoy the breathtaking countryside Portugal is famous for.»

As a retirement destination, Portugal is simply fantastic—but it is also a top destination for digital nomads.

«Since the late 2000’s, Portugal has been implementing a plan to develop a preeminent, state-of-the-art infrastructure,» says Tricia. «That’s evidenced by one of the highest per capita fiber optic networks in Europe, and also what is arguably the most modern highway system, per mile driven, in all of Europe. The speed of this development has attracted international high-tech firms, even luring the Web Summit a few years ago from its home in Ireland to a ten-year contract in Lisbon.»

A visa is not required for tourist visits to Portugal for a period of up to 90 days for U.S. and Canadian citizens. However, note that your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry into Portugal. If you wish to stay in Portugal for longer than the tourist limit of 90 days out of every 180 days, then you should look into getting a residence visa. There are several types of visas available, including visas for students, the self-employed, and investors. Portugal also offers a so-called Golden Visa for high net-worth individuals.

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About International Living

Since 1979, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has contributors traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment.

 

SOURCE InternationalLiving.com

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Known for buffet-style dining, Furr’s™ is reopening restaurants with new service concepts to cater to their customers and the current climate spurred by the coronavirus. The AYCE Marketplace™ concept— All You Can Eat Without Leaving Your Seat™— meets COVID-19 safety measures, while allowing the brand to continue serving on freshness, quality, innovation, and convenience. ToGoKitchens.com™, commonly known as ghost kitchens, are also being added to AYCE Marketplace locations.

«Like many other businesses, we’ve had to shift our focus and vision of service. The pandemic has affected everyone around the globe,» said Marketing Manager Misty Moren. «With employees and guests being our top priority, we had to come together as a team and figure out how we can safely and successfully move forward, all while staying attuned to the new operational regulations and the fact that we’re in an ever-changing situation with the pandemic. Our priority is to protect our guests and our team members, while still being able to offer the top-notch service and food that our guests expect.»

AYCE Marketplace has launched in 11 locations and will be unveiled in other markets as permitted by local reopening procedures. The new AYCE Marketplace will continue to offer all-you-can-eat but elevated with table service. Guests will now have food served directly to their tables, so they do not need to leave their seats. Guest’s favorite menu offerings still taste better than ever, with some seasonal favorites from our other brands sprinkled on the menu throughout the year. Guests may order individual meals and family meals. Menu selections and prices will vary by location.

The New AYCE Marketplace will also unveil a new shopping component, featuring freshly prepared and packaged hot and chilled foods to-go, pre-cooked and cooked bulk sides and meals, and dry goods available for purchase. Customers may pick up fresh milk, vegetables, and other grocery essentials. Refrigerated foods will include suggested heating instructions so fans may enjoy their favorites at their convenience and in the comfort of their homes.

Moren added, «As people are more conscious of their trips outside of their homes, we’ve developed a one-stop-shop for them to pick up delicious hot or cold meals plus other goods they may need and use in their kitchens. These shifts in service allow us to maintain our commitments to convenience and innovation while also offering our employees an opportunity to return to work.»

We are excited to introduce our new TogoKitchens.com concept that will bring new locations of everyone’s favorite brands for takeout and delivery to areas across the country.  With three sites open and 30+ locations opening in about 90 days, TogoKitchens.com will provide delivery or takeout orders from Zio’s Italian Kitchen™, Sushi Zushi™, Tahoe Joe’s™, Hops Wings & Burger Bar™ and Don Pablo’s Cantina™.  

«These unprecedented times have inspired team VitaNova Brands™ to work together and challenged us to create new and exciting ways to enjoy our food and the friendly team members,» Moren said. «Adding TogoKitchens.com is just another way for guests to enjoy our food, even if it may have never been available in their area previously, from the comfort of their own home.» 

The AYCE Marketplaces will offer dine-in service as regulated by CDC and local guidelines, to-go, and curbside pickup. Hours of operation vary by location but will mostly remain the same as before the COVID-19 pandemic unless otherwise determined by local governments. For more information about the AYCE Marketplace, including restaurant locations, visit www.AYCEMarketplace.com, www.togokitchens.com or www.vitanovabrands.com 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Victoria Segovia
786-327-8125
victoria@inklinkmarketing.com 

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/furrs-reopens-with-launch-of-ayce-marketplace-and-introduces-new-togokitchenscom-concept-301106221.html

SOURCE Furr’s AYCE Marketplace

AURORA, Colo., Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — In preparation for the return to school this fall Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado) has released a guide for how schools, parents and caregivers, and local public health officials can effectively manage students and staff with COVID-19 or who have been exposed to people with symptoms. Recommendations were informed by Children’s Colorado infectious diseases experts who have helped lead the response to COVID-19.

The Guidelines for Managing COVID-19 with Schools Reopening is available on the Children’s Colorado website, along with the previously released guide and Charting Pediatrics podcast designed to help school administrators and board members determine how they can most safely re-open their schools for in-person learning. These materials provide considerations and recommendations based on the most current COVID-19 medical guidelines.

«As we continue to move through these challenging times where increasing cases of COVID-19 impact our ability to plan for a safe return to school, it remains critical to build a thoughtful approach to supporting student, staff and family safety, while recognizing the long list of rich benefits associated with in-person learning,» said Heidi Baskfield, vice president of Population Health and Advocacy at Children’s Colorado. «Our goal is that schools, parents and local public health partners can use this document to develop successful plans to support appropriate levels of in-person learning, while preserving the flexibility of all of our partners to address their own localized needs.»

The Children’s Colorado protocols clarify definitions for exposure, symptoms, testing, isolation and quarantine and also urge schools to have a clearly agreed upon screening process in place to help ensure that sick students and staff don’t come to school.

The guide then addresses what happens when someone has symptoms or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms with scenarios for when to stay home and/or contact the school, when to get a test, how to monitor and identify symptoms, when to isolate, and how to plan for a safe return to school. Scenarios include:

• Scenario 1: What happens when a student, staff or family member experiences COVID-19 symptoms?
• Scenario 2: What happens when someone doesn’t experience symptoms until they are at school?
• Scenario 3: What happens when a person is exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?
• Scenario 4: What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19 but doesn’t experience symptoms?
• Scenario 5: What happens when a student or staff person is asymptomatic but has been exposed to someone who has symptoms and who hasn’t gotten test results?
• Scenario 6: What happens when someone is exposed to someone who is exposed to someone who tested positive with COVID-19 (two layers removed)?

«It is important to remember that schools’ ability to safely engage in re-opening for in-person learning is directly tied to the circulation of COVID-19 within a community. When a community is consistently engaged in safe practices like social distancing and wearing face coverings, it is more likely that community can support a safe return to school,» said Sam Dominguez, MD, infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

In addition, Children’s Colorado medical experts continue to lead regular School Town Halls that provide real-time data, support, and evidence-based, pediatric-focused guidance on managing kids during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children’s Colorado has a robust School Health team that provides school nurses and health services in seven Colorado school districts, 34 charter schools, 16 private schools and 100 preschools and camps. 

About Children’s Hospital Colorado
Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the nation’s leading and most expansive pediatric healthcare systems with a mission to improve the health of children through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Founded in 1908 and recognized as a top 10 children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Colorado has established itself as a pioneer in the discovery of innovative and groundbreaking treatments that are shaping the future of pediatric healthcare worldwide. Children’s Colorado offers a full spectrum of family-centered care at its urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Colorado, including its location on the Anschutz Medical Campus, and across the region. In 2019, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs, opened as the first pediatric-only hospital in southern Colorado. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. 

Children’s Hospital Colorado complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-720-777-9800.

CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-720-777-9800.

http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557 

Media Contact:
Jaime Berg, 720-777-8713
jaime.berg@childrenscolorado.org 

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/childrens-hospital-colorado-releases-updated-guidelines-for-parents-and-school-officials-to-manage-covid-19-and-in-school-learning-301106683.html

SOURCE Children’s Hospital Colorado

ELKHART, Ind., Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Mennonite Church USA — Mennonite Church USA (MC USA), a historic peace church that actively practices biblically-based peace, justice and nonresistance, has issued a call to white people to engage in anti-racism work in the United States and across the world. In an open letter to the denomination, Michael Danner, MC USA’s associate executive director of Church Vitality, invites his fellow white Christians to «engage in proactive, deliberate efforts to oppose and dismantle racism in all of its forms.»

Danner’s letter examines Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation across racial division as central to the work of being God’s people – and separate from political agendas and «popular notions of social justice.» Acknowledging that anti-racism work must occur on an individual and systemic basis, Danner urges white people to specifically take responsibility for examining their own biases, learning to recognize systemic racism and working as people of faith to ensure racial justice.

«Our denomination’s position against racism isn’t new,» said Glen Guyton, MC USA’s first African American executive director and one of its anti-racism trainers. «As a denomination, country and global community, we must move beyond making statements to long-term actions that yield positive results.»

Danner’s letter is a follow up to the denomination’s webinar series, Race, Church & Change. Led by a diverse team of church leaders and centering the voices of people of color, the series addressed questions, including «What role does racial healing and reconciliation play in being anti-racist?» «How do we begin a conversation about white supremacy?» and «What would it look like for congregations to practice racial reparations?»

MC USA also launched an anti-racism resource section within its new website today. The resource portal is designed to meet people where they are in their anti-racism journey.

Danner’s letter joins the voices of other Mennonites who are contributing to an ongoing blog series on the denomination’s website on what it means to do the work of anti-racism, recognize injustice and protest against it.

The denomination also recently launched a Justice Fund to «provide a way for individuals and congregations to support MC USA churches that are actively involved in dismantling racism, addressing police brutality, reimagining policing in our society or combating poverty.»

Mennonite Church USA is the largest Mennonite denomination in the United States with 16 conferences, approximately 530 congregations and 62,000 members.

Editorial Contact: Wil LaVeist, Chief Communication Officer, Mennonite Church USA, WilL@MennoniteMission.net, (574) 523-3077

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mennonite-church-usa-calls-white-people-to-engage-in-anti-racism-work-301106719.html

SOURCE Mennonite Church USA

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The North Carolina State Board of Education recently selected Curriculum Associates’ i-Ready as an approved assessment for Read to Achieve. Now, teachers throughout the state can use the award-winning Diagnostic as part of the Grades K–3 literacy initiative to plan and differentiate their instruction and support student growth. The award-winning i-Ready program serves more than eight million students and approximately 25 percent of all K–8 students in the United States, including 70 percent of North Carolina’s local education agencies (LEAs) and charter schools.

«Developing early reading skills is critical to students’ ongoing achievement across all subject areas,» said Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates. «We are currently supporting more than 300,000 students across North Carolina and are committed to the success of the state’s educators and students, whether they are teaching in person or remotely. We look forward to serving even more young learners with i-Ready through the Read to Achieve initiative.»

As part of the Excellent Public Schools Act, Read to Achieve is designed to help ensure all students are reading at grade level by the time they reach Grade 4. The multifaceted initiative aims to eliminate social promotion, facilitate early grade reading proficiency, promote developmental screening and a kindergarten entry assessment, provide a comprehensive plan for reading achievement, support successful reading development for retained students, outline notification requirements to parents and guardians, and implement the accountability process.

i-Ready was selected by the State Board of Education as one of the approved assessments for Read to Achieve based on its ability to measure students’ ability to «read, comprehend, integrate, and apply complex texts needed for secondary education and career success.»

i-Ready makes the promise of differentiated instruction a practical reality for K–12 teachers and students. It combines powerful assessments and rich insights with effective and engaging instruction in reading and mathematics to address students’ individual needs.

The Diagnostic provides educators with actionable criterion-referenced and normative data to deliver impactful, equitable learning experiences. Teachers administer the Diagnostic at the beginning of the school year to chart a course for their instruction and to personalize i-Ready instructional paths. A midyear and end-of-year Diagnostic helps students and teachers measure growth and have data chats. Teacher-led and online instruction continues throughout the year to help students address their learning gaps and access grade-level learning.

To learn more about i-Ready and the Read to Achieve approval, visit CurriculumAssociates.com/Products/i-Ready/Read-to-Achieve-North-Carolina.

About Curriculum Associates
Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company’s products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/north-carolina-state-board-of-education-names-curriculum-associates-i-ready-an-approved-assessment-for-its-read-to-achieve-initiative-301106691.html

SOURCE Curriculum Associates

OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives in unique ways—throwing millions of individuals into a new role as family caregiver and challenging seasoned caregivers to take on additional responsibilities in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Whether they’re lending a hand to an aging spouse, parent, relative or friend, more than one in five Americans now serve as unpaid family caregivers, according to the latest research from AARP.

For every family caregiver—veteran or newcomer—it’s often difficult to balance personal obligations such as work and caring for children, in addition to daily caregiving responsibilities. The challenges of tending to a loved one can place significant stress on the person overseeing care. Gradually, this stress can build up and lead to caregiver distress—a situation where an individual may become more susceptible to other health risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of stroke.

«It’s very common to see caregivers placing the needs of their loved ones before their own,» said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care. «But we just can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking time to tend to your own needs and acknowledge the challenges you may be facing, we can create a caregiving environment that is healthy and rewarding for every person involved.»

While caring for an older adult can be a meaningful and fulfilling experience, the daily duties of caregiving can still prompt isolation and self-neglect. To keep your personal well-being top of mind, Hogan recommends the following strategies and tips:

• Schedule «me time.» Even just a few mindful moments each day can help reduce feelings of stress or resentment. A quick walk around the block, a 30-minute music break or a three-minute deep breathing exercise on a meditation app can make all the difference. If you’re struggling to find time for just yourself, try asking other family members and friends to momentarily step in. Or, consider seeking out a professional caregiver for intermittent help.
• Create a gratitude jar. It can be easy to lose sight of why you took on this role in the first place. Try to remain optimistic by using note cards to record what you are thankful for. Place them by your desk or bedside table – and at the end of the year or season, reflect on the small moments that made you smile. This simple exercise can even retrain your brain for positive thinking. If you need help getting started, try filling in the blank: The best part of being a caregiver is __________.
• (Actually) unplug. Plan for respite care to take single days off or even enjoy a week-long vacation. When you’re away, stay away. Talk about things other than caregiving, crack open a book you haven’t been able to get to and treat yourself to something special as a reward for everything you’ve accomplished. Whenever possible, avoid long periods of time on social media, which can leave you comparing yourself to others or feeling down in the dumps about your current situation.
• Explore workplace benefits. Balancing a career and caregiving can come with its own set of challenges. But oftentimes, employees aren’t aware of what their company offers in the way of family-friendly benefits. Especially now during the current work environment, many companies have introduced flexible arrangements, such as more paid time-off or remote working solutions. Take time to familiarize yourself with the benefits your employer may offer, and be sure to use them to your advantage.
• Join a support group. Social distancing can create feelings of isolation for caregivers, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Dedicate time each week to connecting with other caregivers and lifting one another up. Lean on your own support group, whether your «team» is friends, family or even an online community like Home Instead’s Caregiver Stress Facebook page.

Practicing self-care is not selfish. We are all living in uncertain times and adjusting to the new normal. By making time for yourself, you can ensure you’re able to provide the best care for your loved one for years to come. And, most importantly, don’t forget that the care you’re providing is making a significant impact on your loved one.

For more resources to help manage stress or identify the things that might make caregiving more challenging for you, visit CaregiverStress.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 80 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 13 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 90,000 CAREGivers℠ worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead Senior Care franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.

Visit HomeInstead.com. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

SOURCE Home Instead Senior Care