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Companion Arts, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, brings integrating, expressive
arts resources to individuals in major life transition and the organizations serving them.
In 2011 CA is developing a new focus on the needs of caregivers.   

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Vol. 1, Issue 4, October 2011

 

Welcome! 

This month we'll have some pre-Halloween chuckles while bringing you breaking news and resources for family and professional caregivers!

 

Note from Susan
3 headed dog

 

 

 

I don't know about you, but lately I'm wondering if we should consider celebrating Halloween as a month rather than a day (although this chihuahua may find it a bit much!)

 

But however dogged our existence (forgive me, bad puns are an Osborne family trait) we need to remember that humor can heal in the moment - it can acknowledge and lighten a situation while providing a unique Susan Osbornebonding moment for caregiver and care recipient!                         

 

With this in mind, the "CareGiver Info and Resources" and "Finale" sections of this newsletter focus on humor and caregiving ... chuckle, grin, enjoy and have a Happy Halloween!  

 

Susan Signature web

 

 

 

Featured Companion Arts Resources

Care for the Journey, Volume 2
Care for the Journey, Vol. 2
Care For the Journey, Volume 2 is Companion Arts' latest audio resource in the widely acclaimed "Care For the Journey" series. Like its predecessor, Volume 2 is a source of inspiration and a quick, easily-assessable remedy for the stress of an unusually hectic workday. Acclaimed healthcare speakers and other leaders provide spoken messages amidst a wonderful musical backdrop provided by Gary Malkin, a multiple Emmy Award winner. Speakers include: Rachel Naomi Remen, MD; Jean Watson, PhD, RN; Jeremy Geffen, MD; Angeles Arrien, PhD; Joan Borysenko, PhD; Christiane Northrup, MD; Christina Puchalski, MD and others.

Available at the
Magic of Humor sdw
The Magic of Humor in Caregiving
by James R. Sherman, Ph.D


Available at the

Breaking News 


Money Managers

In the News: Daily Money Managers for Seniors & Retirees

 

According to the Dallas Morning News, a new breed of professional daily money managers is emerging; many work with seniors & retirees and take care of balancing checkbooks, depositing Social Security checks, filling out insurance claims and paying bills. Fees range from $25-$65, depending on location; for more information contact the American Association of Daily Money Managers at 301-593-5462 or www.aadmm.com.

 

Important: Caregivers can also consult their state's Department of Consumer Affairs or Department of Health & Human Services to check the local availability of this service and/or (if available) a list of volunteers providing money management services to low-income seniors.

 

New Caregiver Info & Resources - Latest Links!


 Humorous Resources

This month's Caregiver Resources are about Humor and Caregiving or "Humor/Laughter Therapy," which evokes healing laughter and alleviates anger, embarrassment and helplessness. (Yes, there really is such a thing validated by numerous organizations including the American Cancer Society, but of course most of us have also gathered this from life or Dr. Seuss:)

Dr Seuss  

 

From there to here, from here to there,  

funny things are everywhere!  

Dr. Seuss, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

 

 

 

  

Bill Andrews

by Bill Andrew, Family caregiver advocate 

Caregiver's Home Companion  

    

This article is based on Bill Andrew's experience as his wife's caregiver through the "long Alzheimers journey" -

a journey that repeatedly taught him the value of laughter  

in alleviating stress.

 

 



 
Sylvia Nissenboim

 

Using Humor for Stress Reduction 

by Sylvia Nissenboim, MSW, LCSW

Caregiver's Home Companion    

   

Sylvia Nissenboim's article* explores the importance of "laughing with" someone, not "laughing at something or someone" and includes 22 "Techniques to Lighten Up" courtesy of her friend/colleague Peggy Szwabo, Ph.D, RN, MSW, who ran a previous "Humor & Stress" workshop.

 

*This classic 2005 article was originally written for professional caregivers, but is helpful to all! Please note the additional unintended humor in the webpage formatting - for some reason there are multiple question marks throughout the piece! 

The Finale 

 Super Seniors ... Super Soaker

This month let's end with exploring a Caregiver-Care Recipient Conspiracy to keep the geese out of a garden via Super Soaker (...and when Dad can't squirt the geese, he can always water the tomatoes - the Soaker has a range of 40 feet!):  

Sixth Sense Caring:  Humor in Caregiving
Sixth Sense Caring: Humor in Caregiving

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Want to contact us?  Send an email to [email protected]  

 

My very best to you and Happy Fall!   

 

Susan Signature web

Susan Osborne
Companion Arts

303-772-1464 (Please note: This is our new phone #)

[email protected] 

www.companionarts.org