Greetings! 
Most all of us are or will be caregivers sometime during our lives. Sometimes being a caregiver is a decision, carefully thought out and well planned. Other times, becoming a caregiver is sudden, unexpected and emergent in nature. Whether caregiving is chosen or thrust upon us without warning, the work is hard, ongoing and can be overwhelming. This newsletter will provide support to you, a caregiver who is dedicated to supporting others. It will provide resources, information and an ongoing acknowledgement of the difference you make every day in the life of the people you care for and the community you live in.
Thank you for the hard work that you do, the dedication you have and for allowing HESSCO to be part of your journey.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Leary
Caregiver Specialist |
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Are You a Caregiver?
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Many people do not even realize they are caregivers. A caregiver can be defined as anyone who shows care and concern for another on a regular basis. Are you starting to worry about how your mother will manage her medications? You are a caregiver. Are you concerned that your husband's memory is not as good as it used to be? You are a caregiver. Do you help your wife up and out of a chair every day? You are a caregiver.  Caregivers need to be supported so they can continue their important work. Caregiving can be a labor of love, but that does not mean it is easy. The Family Caregiver Support Program can be a valuable resource for family caregivers. Through this program, caregivers can receive a free visit with a Caregiver Specialist to go over their situation. The Caregiver Specialist will provide information, suggestions and offer support and resources to help. Those eligible to receive this service include the following caregivers: · A caregiver for an older adult (over 60 years of age) · A caregiver for a person with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia (no age requirement) · A grandparent or other relative (over 55 years of age) caring for a child or children under the age of 18 · A grandparent, or other relative (over age 60) caring for one or more individuals with mental retardation or developmental disabilities The Family Caregiver Support Program is reaching out to caregivers and offering support. We know how hard it can be to navigate the elder care system. HESSCO wants to help you along the way so you can continue a healthy and positive relationship with your family.
For more information, call HESSCO and ask to speak to the Caregiver Specialist.
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Caregiver Relaxation and Resources
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Each year, HESSCO Elder Services is pleased to present a day of Relaxation and Resources for caregivers. 2009 marks the 6th year this program will be offered. Each year, this program draws a large number of caregivers who seek the educational offerings as well as our popular "Relaxation Room." This unique part of the program gives caregivers the opportunity to have such relaxing moments as a chair massage, a reiki session or a pampering hand treatment.  This year, our program will feature several dynamic speakers including Representative Richard Ross. We have many talented elder service professionals who will aim to expand your coping skills and knowledge. We will also include a component for those grandparents who are raising grandchildren. To register today, contact Sheryl Leary at 781-784-4944 or by email: SLeary@hessco.org. Thank you for your support of this event and of the sponsors who are making the 2009 event possible.
We look forward to seeing you. |
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Travel and Vacation Tips for Caregivers
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Taking a successful vacation when you are a caregiver requires planning and coordination. Here is some information and questions to consider when planning your time away from home with your loved one.
- Sometimes less is more. Be aware that your loved one's abilities may be different when not in the comfort of home. Allow time for recuperation from the travel before activities are planned.
- Check with your transportation provider prior to your travel about what will be expected for security and/or inspection.
- Check with your doctor to see if your loved one's Pacemaker or implanted medical device can go through the X-ray process. An excellent source of information for travelers is the Transportation Security Administration. Visit: www.tsa.gov for more information for travelers with disabilities/medical issues including those with pacemakers, diabetes, mobility and hearing issues.
- Alert your travel provider prior to your trip of any special needs your loved one will have.
- Remember that elders are more sensitive to extreme heat and more prone to dehydration. Ask your loved one's doctor about any concerns he may have for fluid intake based on the climate you will be visiting.
- Find the nearest location of an emergency room or urgent care provider in the area you are visiting prior to your trip.
Remember, do not compare this vacation with those of the past. When you fall into this pattern of thinking, you often focus on what is different or what you can't do. Think of each vacation as a new chapter, a new adventure in your life. For more tips for traveling with a loved one, or for information on preparing for a trip without your care recipient, see the full article on http://www.hessco.org/travel_tips |
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Know Another Caregiver? |
Do you know someone else who could benefit from this newsletter? Click on the "Forward Email" on the bottom of this email.
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Upcoming Events |
Caregiver 101- August 18th, 1:00 - 2:30 PM OR 6:00 - 7:30 PM at HESSCO Elder Services, One Merchant Street, Sharon. Register by calling Sheryl Leary at HESSCO, 781-784-4944, ext. 238.
Falls Prevention, 1:00 - 2:00 PM at the Plainville Council on Aging. Call Sue Hinski at 508-699-7384 to register.
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