This newsletter is sponsored by
Home Instead Senior Care
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Local contact information:
Kristi Campbell
Home Instead Senior Care
Franchise Owner
(813) 684-1972
(813) 684-4936
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Amazing Caregivers for 2012
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Greetings!
Over the year I have met some amazing caregivers. Their stories are emotionally painful, inspirational and relatable.
Meet Mary: She has been a family caregiver for her husband, Fred for the last several years. Fred has dementia and is no longer remembering that Mary is his wife for over 50 years. When she goes to see Fred at the Assisted Living Place, he does go up to her as if she is a familiar person, but he makes no mention of her name or gives her a special smile.
As heartbreaking as this story is, Mary has been very resourceful and resilient. Her strong will and mind have navigated the continuous challenges that caregivers face in a very balanced manner. Intuitively, Mary always spent time taking care of Fred and taking time off to recharge her "battery" as she would call it. "Yes, I still go to church. I still have lunch with my girlfriends. I still take walks because I want to be around a long time to see my Fred."
Meet Sam: He is a father to his daughter Sarah who has a physical disability. Sam works full time and as a single dad carries a lot of weight on his broad shoulders. Most often he would embrace the burden himself as a silent hero, but one day he became injured and his superhero status took a quick turn to disturbing chaos. Sam needed to ask for help very quickly which was extremely uncomfortable for him since he prided himself on being self-sufficient. Sam's motto was "I don't need anyone. Sarah and I are fine by ourselves."
Fortunately, Sam's co-workers ignored his big pride and quickly jumped on board the "Let's Help Sam" train. They began to take over some of his responsibilities for Sarah's care. Previously, at holiday gatherings, Sarah had met some of the people her dad worked with at the warehouse, but never spent much one-on-one time with them. Sarah became fearful and shut down emotionally when she heard the frightening news about her dad. One of her questions was, "Who is going to take care of me?"
Sam had made some previsions for back-up care, but it didn't fall into place immediately. While he was in the hospital recovering from his injury, one of his female co-workers offered to pick Sarah up at home and drive her to the hospital. Intuitively, this woman thought the situation through and came up with a clever plan. Understanding that Sarah may be reluctant to spend alone time with her, she decided to bring her daughter who was close to Sarah's age on the hospital trip. She believed that this idea would bring Sarah more comfort and support rather than additional fear. To everyone's relief the plan worked well.
The woman's daughter who was able to be more like a friend instead of a parent, assuaged Sarah's fears to the point where she was able to accept the mother and daughter as additional "caregivers" in her life even for a short period of time.
Do you have a caregiver story you would like to share with other caregivers that may inspire them? Let them know they are not alone during this journey? If yes, email it to: Kim@thecaregiverhour.com.
Two of the most dangerous aspects of caregiving is the sense of hopelessness and loneliness. This is why we created The Caregiverʼs Resource Helpline. Itʼs available 24/7 toll free: 1-887-552-4950. We offer you a variety of experts who can answer your questions and provide information, resources and guidance. Help is a phone call away.
Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season.
Warmly,
Kim Linder
Senior Holistic Living
 | | Live 11AM to 12PM EST on MondaysClear Channel 1250 AM WHNZ Impact Radio in Tampa (www.whnz.com) |
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| About Senior Holistic Living
Senior Holistic Living is a comforting resource for caregivers who are seeking guidance, encouragement, and more balance in their life. We are a reminder that caregiving does not have to be a mindless duty - that it can, in fact, be a mindful opportunity for the caregiver's own growth.
If you need advice or have unanswered questions, our recommended resources will be both helpful and reassuring. If you yearn to feel more connected to your feelings and thoughts but are not quite sure how to make it happen, allow us to lend a hand. And if you simply seek respite during a time of crisis, we can help you find peace. We'll show you how to create balance and minimize stress so that you can make better and more conscious decisions.
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What People are Saying
"Congratulations on bringing so many Caregivers to the Hilton at Carillon and making The New Age of Caregiving Symposium a gigantic success. Your wonderful caring and deep concern of others was shining forth. The exhibitors were so excited to be a part of this very special day!
The many hours that you have worked generating this extensive program and your focus on the entire picture of caregiving came together so beautifully. I know that you are so proud. The sharing of Lee Woodruff of her family experience as a caregiver certainly penetrated the heart. So fortunate to have her with us. Thank you, Kim.
Suncoast Hospice is surely an outstanding community service provided for our clients, loved ones, family members and others. I personally know that they are available 24/7. You have deep kindness in bringing this together.
Thank you Kim, for The Second Annual New Age of Caregiving Symposium."
Sincerely,
Patricia Hall
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 Join our Blogging Community
We are launching a blogging community where professional and family caregivers can share their advice, experiences, ideas and inspirations. Would you like to join us?
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